Responsible Pet Ownership

All dogs over the age of 3 months are required by law to be registered with your local council, simply take your desexing certificate to your local council office and they will process your application – please note fees do apply.

Due to their adventurous natures, dogs and cats have been known to get themselves lost, often ending up far away from home. To give your pet the best chance of being returned safely to your home, we microschip them and this service is included in the adoption fees. The microchip is only the size of a grain of rice and is placed under the skin between the shoulder blades. It can be implanted at any age and is a permanent, lifelong identification for your pet.

If you have other pets you can have them microchipped at SEAWLfor a cost of $38.50 inc GST.

Dogs and cats can become infected with intestinal worms (e.g. roundworm, tapeworm) from a very young age. Animals with worms can show signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weight loss and a dull coat. Some of the worm species carried by pets can pose serious health risks to humans too, so it is important to keep all pets in the household up to date with worming medications.

Even in the best kept environments, fleas have an amazing ability to find your new pet. Treating your pet for fleas and preventing them from becoming re-infested can be as simple as a reputable once-a-month treatment with a dog or cat specific spot-on, available from vet clinics. It is important to know that some flea collars and flea treatments for pets can be toxic to puppies and kittens, making them very sick.

Regular vaccinations can protect your pet from a number of serious and potentially life threatening diseases. Please remember your pet is considered unvaccinated if they do not have the follow up booster vaccination.

All dogs and cats need a diet that is nutritionally balanced, Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fats should all be included. They also require specific vitamins and minerals to help them grow to their full potential. Supermarket brand pet foods and home-cooked meals do not necessarily provide the correct balance of nutrition,so to ensure your new family member is getting a correctly balanced diet, talk to your local vet clinic about their recommendations.

• Introduce your new pet to the other animals in the household in a controlled manner, preferably on neutral territory. Until your know your new pets behaviour always monitor them around other creatures including children

• Let your new pet get used to their new surroundings, they need to learn who you are and what you expect of them

• Establish house rules from day one e.g. Jumping on the sofa, drinking from the toilet, sleeping? The earlier you lay these rules down the easier it will be to maintain them.