Helping people to understand their pets and to care for them properly has always been important to PDSA.
Here we provide you with some of the information we have collected over our long history working with people and their animals.
Responsible Pet Ownership
Choose an animal from the list on the left to find out more about owning and caring for a pet.
Animal Welfare Act
In 2007 the Animal Welfare Act came into force, to improve the well-being of pets. This Act states that anyone who is responsible for a pet must look after them properly and take reasonable steps to ensure that their welfare needs are met. This is called a ‘duty of care’ and it is to ensure that owners meet their pet’s welfare needs, which depend on good physical and mental health.
The needs of your pet are known as the ‘five welfare needs’ and include:
- A suitable environment
- A suitable diet
- To be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- To be housed with, or apart from, other animals
- Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease
If you are thinking of getting a pet, you have to remember that this is a long term commitment. You will need to provide for your pet, taking into account the ‘duty of care’ that you will now have.
Preparing yourself for the responsibilities of pet-ownership is the beginning of a very happy and rewarding time.
Please download our leaflet on the Animal Welfare Act and what it means for responsible pet owners.
