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Want to know more?
Refer to the Yellow Pages for contact details for the following organisations. Vets
Vets look after the health and physical well being of cats and dogs which includes treating sick animals, vaccinations, desexing operations, provision of worming and flea medication and conducting regular health check-ups. Vets also provide advice on your pet's diet and exercise requirements. Many local vets also run socialisation activities for puppies between the formative 8 - 16 week period. Welfare Organisations
Organisations such as the Lost Dogs' Home, Cat Protection Society and the RSPCA take in dogs or cats that are lost or have been abandoned and attempt to re-unite them with their owners or re-house them. Animals for sale from animal welfare organisations have passed rigorous health and behavioural tests and will most likely be wormed, desexed and microchipped. Most welfare organisations also have information on caring for your pet. Pet Shops
Registration with the local Council means that Pet Shops have to follow certain regulations which protect the consumer and your pet's welfare. Every pet sold must come with a certificate of good health, which guarantees it has been vaccinated and wormed. Consumers have a three day cooling off period, and if the pet dies within 7 days of purchase and the disease is traced to the pet shop, then the pet must be replaced. By always purchasing from a registered pet shop, consumers will not only get a healthy pet, but will also be protected. Cat and Dog Associations
Associations such as DOGS Victoria, the Feline Control Council of Victoria and the Governing Council of Cat Fancy Australia and Victoria are membership organisations that have expertise and information on a wide range of pet related issues. DOGS Victoria also has a network of obedience clubs around the State. If you're looking to purchase a purebred pet, they can assist you by referring you to Presidents of breed clubs. Breed Clubs
Breed clubs have members who own a specific breed ie: Collie Dogs or Siamese Cats. These clubs are most often run by a group of volunteers who promote enjoyment and knowledge about a particular breed. Breed clubs refer interested people to breeders within their locality or according to their specific requirements. Ring your local Cat or Dog Association (see above) or refer to the Yellow Pages. Local CouncilsCouncils determine the local laws for animal control within their municipality. Further information about responsible pet ownership and your rights and responsibilities, is available from your local Council. In addition to providing information, your Council also provides animal control services, handles complaints about animals, picks up stray animals and processes pet registrations. By law, all cats and dogs in Victoria must be registered.
Click on this link to find contact details for your local council (http://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/web20/dvclgv.nsf/headingpagesdisplay/find+your+local+council#councils). Your council's website should contain information about any local pet ownership requirements, issues and initiatives in your municipality. Look for headings on their homepage such as "Animals" , "Pets" or "Local Laws".
Kennels and Catteries
Kennels and Catteries provide accommodation for pets when their owners are away on holidays. Many of these require pets' vaccinations to be up-to-date. Make sure the kennel or cattery at which you leave your four legged friend is registered with the local Council, as this means they have to follow certain regulations which protects both you as a consumer and the welfare of your pet. Other Links
SelectaPet Links last Updated: 18/02/2003
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There are many organisations and associations in Victoria that have different roles to play, and can help with further information or specific questions relating to pets. Always purchase a pet from a reputable breeder or a registered domestic animal business, such as a pet shop or animal welfare shelter. These organisations can provide quality information and advice about pets.