Taking on the responsibility of any pet is not a decision that should be taken lightly. All pets take time, money and commitment so it’s important that you are really honest from the outset about how much you have of each. Many pets are taken home based on split second decisions without any real consideration being given to the suitability of the pet to fit into the current lifestyles of family members. This can often result with the animal being abandoned or handed into a rescue centre because the owner did not appreciate how time consuming, expensive and relentless their care would be.

The Pet Education Trust would like to help eradicate this problem by assisting potential owners to make the right decision on which pet would best suit their lifestyle, commitment and finances so that when the day arrives and you go to collect your new pet, you can be fully confident that the choice you made it right for you, your family and your current circumstances.

So where do you start if you are a complete novice?
Simply start by working you way through this section.  You will be asked to: -

1) Understand your responsibilities as a pet owner under the Animal Welfare Act
2) Read about some basic information about your preferred choice of pet
3) Complete the Which Pet for Me questionnaire

Getting Started
Understanding your responsibilities as a pet owner.

The Animal Welfare Act introduced a duty of care for all pet owners to meet the welfare needs of their pets. The five animal welfare needs are:-

1. Behaviour
Your pet must be allowed to express it’s normal behavioural patterns depending on the species and breed
2. Companionship
Your pet has a right to be housed on its own or with other animals as per the suitability of the species or breed
3. Diet
Your pet requires to be fed a healthy and consistent diet including fresh, clean water
4. Environment
Your pet should be given a suitable place to live that allows a safe environment with room to move
5. Health
Your pet has the right to be treated properly for illness and injury

All owners have a responsibility to:-

• Keep their pet well and clean
• Teach it good manners
• Protect it from sickness

Do you have the ability to match the needs and responsibilities listed above?
Then your next stage is to understand the commitment, cost and responsibility that you must undertake for your preferred pet choice.  Click onto the link below for more information

Basic Pet Information