Understanding the golden rules of responsible pet ownership is an essential part of caring for your pet. RSPCA shelters across Australia receive thousands of animals each year. Most of these animals have been mistreated through ignorance or neglect, or deliberately dumped and abandoned.

Much of being a responsible pet owner is understanding what your pet needs and also being aware of what your responsibilities are to the community. Following are some basic rules for pet care:

• Learn about your pet's special needs - dietary, health, housing and general care;
• Provide your pet with an adequate balanced diet and ensure it has access to clean, cool drinking water at all times;
• Regularly exercise your pet according to its needs;
• Train your pet using kindness and positive reinforcement;
• Provide appropriate housing and shelter for your pet;
• Whilst unsupervised, keep your pet safely and securely confined to your property at all times;
• To minimize boredom, provide your pet with sufficient companionship and a stimulating environment;
• Protect your pet's health by taking it to a vet whenever health problems arise and by ensuring all necessary vaccinations and treatments are up-to-date;
• To help prevent disease and illness, ensure your pet has a clean environment;
• Microchip your pet (where appropriate) and where required register it with your local council to increase the likelihood of return when lost;
• De-sex your pet at an early age to prevent unwanted offspring;
• If your pet requires grooming, do so on a regular basis;
• Many pets need to be socialised with other animals and people, particularly at a young age - give your pet appropriate opportunities for mixing with others;
• Teach your family, friends and children how to interact with your pet;
• Find suitable boarding facilities for your pet whilst on holidays;
• Respect the rights of non pet owners by keeping your pet under control while in public and by disposing of any droppings made in public areas;
• Provide your pet with love and attention and commit to caring for it for its entire life;