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RSPCA WA
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  • responsible-pet-ownership
  1. About animal welfare
  2. Responsible pet ownership

Responsible pet ownership

family with dogPets are important members of the family, and they are a big responsibility.

What does Responsible Pet Ownership mean?

  • You have carefully considered your needs and the needs of any animal you're bringing into your family
  • You have the financial means to provide for your animal's basic needs like food, water, shelter and medical care for the rest of its life
  • You can commit to providing your pet with companionship, exercise and mental stimulation
  • You'll make sure that your pet is trained and socialised
  • You can adapt your lifestyle to ensure your pet remains a priority in your life.

We encourage you to #AdoptDontShop - give an already homeless animal a second chance at a happy, fulfilling life with your family. Consider searching for your pet from the RSPCA WA Shelter, or other reputable animal rescue organisations.

Remember, pets are a lifelong commitment (up to 20 years or more),
and given the chance, they will love you for life.

RSPCA Australia's Knowledge Base has some useful information to help you.

 

Find out more about Adopting a Pet      Smart Puppy and Dog Buyer's Guide    Smart Kitten and Cat Buyer's Guide

Safety around dogs

Safety around dogs

Information about being safe around dogs, how to behave around dogs and reading a dog's body language. Read more

Published: 9th June, 2020

Updated: 18th July, 2022

Author:

Caring for a dog

Caring for a dog

Information, tips and advice on caring for a dog or puppy Read more

Published: 8th June, 2020

Updated: 9th June, 2020

Author: RSPCA WA

Caring for a cat

Caring for a cat

Information, advice and tips on caring for a cat or kitten. Read more

Published: 7th June, 2020

Updated: 9th June, 2020

Author: RSPCA WA

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Showing 10 of 3

Latest

  • Woman sentenced for cruelty to deceased and starving dogs

    Woman sentenced for cruelty to deceased and starving dogs

    A 31-year-old woman has been banned from owning pets for three years, after one dog was found dead, and another starving, in the backyard of her Bunbury home last year.

  • Bunbury man left dog's gaping wound untreated

    Bunbury man left dog's gaping wound untreated

    A 25-year-old Bunbury man has received a one-year ban from owning a pet, and been ordered to undertake counselling, after leaving his dog to suffer serious hunting wounds untreated.

  • Conviction over squalid labradoodle puppy farm

    Conviction over squalid labradoodle puppy farm

    A 60-year-old man has been given what amounts to a lifetime ban from breeding animals after RSPCA WA inspectors seized 39 labradoodles from his Bridgetown home in January.

  • Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager

    Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager

    This role is a parental leave coverage position, available on a maximum term contract until 30 June 2024, and will be responsible for the oversight and development of the Philanthropy, Corporate Partnerships, and Grants programs.

Most read

  • Dogs and puppies

    Dogs and puppies

    Are you ready to adopt a dog? What will you need for your dog? Useful information about the responsibility, cost and time required to own a dog.

  • How do I adopt?

    How do I adopt?

    Find information on the RSPCA Adoption process, adoption application form, what you need to bring with you, and RSPCA WA Shelter opening hours.

  • Dog Training - Level 1

    Dog Training - Level 1

    Find or book dog training classes for dogs over 13 weeks, using positive reinforcement training methods to teach basic commands in small group classes at convenient locations around Perth.

  • Cats and kittens

    Cats and kittens

    Are you ready to adopt a cat? What will you need for your cat? Useful information about the responsibility, cost and time required to own a cat.

  • Report cruelty

    Report cruelty

    Call 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or complete an online animal cruelty report here. Your details will remain confidential.

  • Pets In Crisis

    Working with women's shelters to provide temporary foster care for pets caught in family and domestic violence situations. Pets are reunited with their families once they are safe.

  • Contact Information

    Where to find RSPCA WA. How to get in touch with RSPCA WA.

  • Puppy Kindy

    Puppy Kindy

    Find or book a puppy obedience class for puppies aged 8-13 weeks, using positive reinforcement training methods to teach basic manners in small group classes. Dog training at convenient locations around Perth.

  • Foster Care

    How do I become a foster carer? How can I help care for animals? Why is foster care so important for animals?

  • Donate items to help animals

    Donate items to help animals

    What items are needed to help animals? What items should I not donate? Where can I take items to donate to help animals? Is there a wish-list I can shop for?

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Address

RSPCA Animal Care Centre
108 Malaga Dr, Malaga

Shelter Hours:
Tue-Fri: 9am-5pm
Sat: 9am-4pm
Sun: By appointment only
Closed Mon, Public Holidays

Contact

Report cruelty: 1300 278 358
or Online cruelty report

Animal Shelter: (08) 9209 9323
Dog Training: (08) 9209 9309
Donations: (08) 9209 9311
General inquiries

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