Pets and pet care in Australia - statistics & facts

 Attitudes and desires of existing and non-existing pet owners

The desire to own a pet is high across the country, particularly amongst existing pet owners with the most popular choice being a dog. This was true for both existing pet owners and non-owners alike. The general trend in desiring a pet, however, regardless of the animal type, is for those that already keep one or more animals to want to have another one or more. There is a marked difference in the perceived barriers to animal ownership between owners and non-owners. For those who already have an animal, or animals, the main barriers are either the ongoing costs, or that a previous pet died, surrendered, or had to be put to sleep and they don’t feel ready for another. For non-owners, it's that their lifestyle isn’t suitable, or that their landlord or work doesn’t allow pets.

 Rescues, rehoming, and the Australian RSPCA

The majority of Aussies acquired their pet or pets from an animal shelter or a charity, such as the Australian RSPCA, and a small share were gifted their animal companions. Year on year, the number of animals received into the care of the RSPCA has been in decline, as have the numbers of animals reclaimed by their owners or rehomed to new ones. When it comes to veterinary care, most Australian pet owners hadn’t needed to visit their vet across the preceding twelve months, and only a very small share said they had needed multiple visits. Veterinary care is expensive in Australia, with an average spend per visit ranging from 500 to over 600 Australian dollars, which explains the prevalence of pet insurance in the country.

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