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Good pet wellbeing in 3 steps

Dogs and cats didn’t ask to take on the companion animal role we have given them. It’s a role for which they are uniquely suited, but even so, we have a duty of care to provide ensure good pet wellbeing always, that is, a way of life that works for them for their entire lifetime.

Here are 10 things to think about before you decide to take on a new furry member of the family; and our 3 step plan to enjoy a lifelong bond with your pet.

Good pet wellbeing, quality of life explained in a nutshell

We believe that good animal welfare requires animals to experience pleasurable experiences, not just the alleviation of negative ones.

An animal’s welfare status has more recently been related to the Quality of Life categories:

“good life” or
“life worth living” or
“life worth avoiding” or
“life not worth living”.

So what is a “good quality of life”? Put simply, it is when positive experiences greatly outweigh all negative experiences.

Our 3 steps to good pet wellbeing

Here’s our 3 step plan to a happy, lifelong bond with your pet:

  1. Stop before you shop! Think very carefully before getting a cat or a dog.
  2. Shop wisely – If you decide to take on a furry friend, make an informed decision (with your head and your heart).
  3. Give your pet a good quality of life for their entire lifetime.

10 things for good pet wellbeing

Good pet wellbeing

Good pet wellbeing in 3 steps. Chester (photo: Felicity Bremner)

Owning a pet is a big deal! Before you take home a new furry friend to join your family, are you ready to provide these 10 things to give your pet a good quality of life?

  1. Nutritious food and fresh water daily
  2. Ongoing preventative veterinary care
  3. Emergency/major veterinary treatment by means of pet insurance or a clear financial plan to self-insure to pay for unexpected
  4. The time and effort to exercise, train, groom, play with your pet
  5. Proper early and ongoing socialisation
  6. Capable leadership with positive training (for dogs)
  7. Ability to allow your pet to express its natural behaviours; and prevent your pet suffering from loneliness, boredom and anxiety
  8. A plan in place so that your pet will be taken care of if you can no longer do so yourself
  9. Support when your pet is ageing and behavioural and medical issues may arise

And last but not least… 10. Love your pet “warts and all”? There is no such thing as the perfect pet!