RSPCA tips for pet care
- Learn about your pet's specific physical and mental needs – including behaviour, diet, health, environment and housing and general care.
- Provide appropriate and comfortable housing and shelter.
- Provide appropriate nutrition and access to clean drinking water.
- Exercise your pet regularly, according to their needs.
- Provide an interesting and stimulating environment with plenty of choice and enrichment to promote wellbeing and prevent stress and boredom.
- Train your pet using kindness and reward-based training – check out the RSPCA’s training videos and book.
- Provide socialisation, as appropriate for your pet.
- Take your pet to a vet promptly whenever health or behaviour problems arise and ensure preventative health care is provided.
- Provide your pet with the grooming appropriate to their needs on a regular basis.
- Ensure pet cats and dogs are microchipped and talk to your vet about desexing.
- Teach your family, friends and children how to interact safely, appropriately and kindly with your pet.
- Arrange suitable care for your pet whilst on holidays, such as pet-sitting or boarding.
- Check pet registration requirements for your area.
- Provide your pet with love and attention and commit to caring for them for their entire life.
Training video
Watch veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren’s simple tips to help your adopted dog settle in to their new home. Remember, it's a big step for you and your dog! The key is patience and lots of TLC.
If you have an anxious dog, Dr Katrina also has advice on helping your pet to feel comfortable when they’re on their own – watch here
Training video
Watch veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren’s top tips on avoiding unwanted behaviour. Providing your dog with activities to keep their body and mind occupied will make all the difference.
If you have an anxious dog, Dr Katrina also has advice on helping your pet to feel comfortable when they’re on their own – watch here
More information about training your dog
Training is an important part of a dog’s life for many reasons. It provides mental stimulation, supports cognitive wellbeing, teaches appropriate behaviour for living successfully in our homes and communities, and helps to ensure safety for both dogs and people. Training also helps to build trust and clear communication between caregiver and dog. Visit the RSPCA Knowledgebase for more information.
RSPCA Guide to safe and happy cats
The RSPCA has produced the Safe and Happy Cat Guide, which has plenty of helpful information on what you need to provide for your cat inside, and how you can even offer your cat safe access to fresh air and the outdoors.
RSPCA Knowledgebase
The RSPCA Knowledgebase has the latest information for answering your animal welfare questions, including tips and tricks on taking care of your pet.
