Pets

You may have recently rescued a stray cat or dog and are keen to find them a permanent home. However, there are legal considerations under the Animal Welfare Act which must be followed when rehoming certain types of stray animals. There are additional considerations under the Dog Control Act 1996 for a dog you take into your care for 72 hours or more.

Dogs die in hot cars. If you love them, don't leave them.
Every year, our Inspectors receive hundreds of welfare calls about dogs that have been left inside hot cars. Over the last summer, these calls accounted for approximately 11% of all welfare calls made to SPCA. Sadly, the message around the dangers of leaving your animals inside cars doesn’t seem to be sinking in. SPCA has created downloadable resources including posters, a flyer and a social media tile to help you to share the message.

At SPCA, we encourage all rabbit owners to desex their rabbits as early as possible. But, if you find yourself caring for a doe and her kits, this guide can help you the proper care for both mother and her babies.

Barking is a normal way for dogs to communicate, whether they're excited, anxious, or trying to alert us to something. However, when barking becomes excessive—happening loudly and frequently—it can become a nuisance for both owners and neighbours. If your dog’s barking is causing issues, don’t worry! With the right approach you can manage and reduce it.

Your home is a safe and special space for you, your family, and pets to live in. When a baby arrives, parents will ‘baby-proof’ the house to ensure the place is safe for little ones. But paw-rents should also do a safety sweep of their home as well – as pets can be in danger from household items and chemicals, too!

Take our fun and interactive 20-minute SPCA animal welfare course, developed in collaboration with international RSPCA partners

Deaf dogs can live happy, fulfilling lives. With a few adjustments to how you communicate and set up their environment, you can help them thrive. Deaf dogs often rely more on visual and tactile cues, and with patience and positive training methods, you can build a strong and trusting bond.

At SPCA, we understand that losing a pet can be one of life’s most heartbreaking experiences. Please know that you don't have to carry the pain alone. This guide offers support and practical advice for navigating pet loss grief, including ways to honour your pet's memory and find comfort during this difficult time.

A new baby brings big changes to your home, and your pets may find this unsettling. Starting that relationship right and preparing before the arrival of a baby is an important part of reducing stress for everyone in the household and building the foundation of a long and happy relationship between your child and your pets.

Pets can be wonderful companions for children, helping them learn empathy, responsibility, and kindness. There are also health benefits such as lower levels of obesity, allergies and anxiety in children raised with pets. But safe, positive relationships don’t just happen: they need guidance, supervision, and an understanding of what animals need to feel safe.