Ipswich City Council

Purchasing a Pet

Pet of the Week

Pet of the Week is an initiative of Ipswich City Council's Animal Management Branch to rehouse healthy animals giving them a second chance at life. All animals are vaccinated, wormed, desexed, micro chipped and checked by an Animal Welfare League Veterinarian prior to sale. Conditions apply when purchasing a Pet of the Week.

For purchase of a pet or for more information please contact Council on (07) 3810 6666 or email council@ipswich.qld.gov.au

Pet of the Week

Charlie has been sold. Our next pet of the week will be available next Wednesday 23rd July.

 

Our Pet of The Week is "Charlie".  

 

"Charlie" is a grey and white female border collie cross with a stumpy tail.  She is approximately 8 weeks old.  

 

She is an adorable young girl who is very friendly and happy.

 

She loves everyone and is always ready to play. She will make a fun loving companion for any family.

 

She will need regular grooming and would love to go for long walks.  

 

She will be available on Wednesday 16th July 2008.  

 

Cost is $200 and includes Charlie's desexing, vaccination, microchipping and registration.  

 

Any interested parties can come out to the pound to meet her.  

 

 

 

Pet Of The Week2

 

Is a Pet the Right Choice for You?

Before purchasing a pet, there are many items that you need to consider. The average lifespan of a small dog is 11 years and for a cat it is 12 years. The annual cost of owning a small dog can be upwards of $700. You also need to consider if you able to take adequate care of the pet for its lifetime.

Other things to consider include:

  • Do you have time to exercise, groom, train and play with a pet?
  • Will you have enough money to provide food, shelter and veterinary care for your pet?
  • Who will look after your pet when you are away?
  • Do you rent and are you permitted to have pets?
  • Is your property large enough for a pet?
  • What hours do you work and will the pet have company during the day?
  • If buying a puppy or kitten do you have someone to look after it during the day for feeding purposes?
  • Can you confine your pet to the premises?
  • If you're buying a cat, are you prepared to have it inside at night time?

If you answered ‘no' to any of these questions, you need to think seriously about your decision to buy a pet. If you answered ‘yes', you are ready to choose a type and breed of pet.


Choosing the Right Breed

Whether you are choosing a cat, dog, fish or bird, you must purchase a breed that suits what you have to offer. If you aren't a very active person and you're buying a dog for example, you need to choose a breed that does not require a large amount of exercise. If you are choosing a bird and you live on a small block close to your neighbours, you might not wish to buy a large loud bird like a cockatoo.

Avoid choosing a breed that is fashionable. This can lead to unhappy outcomes for both you and the pet. Remember cute puppies can turn into 50kg dogs that require a lot of space, food and attention.

Call the Petcare Information and Advisory Service on 1800 331 783 for help with dog and cat choices. They will send you a survey to complete and match dogs or cats to you from your answers. For other pets, consult your local veterinarian, pet shop or the RSPCA to discuss a breed suitable for you. Once you've chosen a breed, you need to consider where you will purchase your pet.


Where to Purchase

You can purchase your pet from many places such as registered breeders, the RSPCA, animal shelters, pet shops or private residences. The type of pet you want and its role in your life will determine where you purchase. Wherever you purchase your pet you should ask for certification by a veterinarian that the pet has had all the relevant vaccinations and worm treatments and has had a health check prior to purchase. This will give you the best start possible with your new pet.


Useful Links

Animal Welfare League

ph: 5581 7600 (general)
ph: 5594 0111 (clinic)
http://www.awlqld.com.au/

RSPCA Queensland
ph: 3426 9999 (general)
ph: 1300 852 188
http://www.rspcaqld.org.au/

Australian Veterinary Association PetPEP (Pets & People education program)
ph: 3378 7988 (petPEP)
http://www.ava.com.au/

Last Updated 18 Jul 2008 | Printer Friendly Version Print this page | Contact Us Contact us | Subscribe to our RSS News Feeds News Feeds | Copyright © 2008 Ipswich City Council
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