Victoria to Conduct Nations’ First Pet Census in Early July

Passengers from the Vasco da Gamma reunite with their pet dog after returning from quarantine on Rottnest Island at the Northport Ferry Terminal in Fremantle in Western Australia on April 10, 2020. Paul Kane/Getty Images

The Andrews Labor Government will conduct the nation’s first Pet Census in Victoria on July 3 to help build the future of animal welfare and assist pet owners with the support and services they need.

Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney, who was at the Australian Animal Protection Society in Keysborough on June 30, made the announcement and encouraged all pet owners to participate.

Tierney told the Society that it is important to get key information on pets, pet ownership, and owners’ experiences, insights or opinions before any reform on animal welfare is taken.

“The Victorian Pet Census will gather vital information which will help shape the next generation of pet and animal welfare reforms,” she said.

“The Pet Census is a unique opportunity for pet owners from across the state to share their insights, opinions, and experiences.”

Recent studies have shown that pets inside the home protect children from allergies, and the protection increases with the number of pets. FamVeld/Shutterstock

Animal Welfare Advocates Welcome the Move

The Australian Animal Protection Society has welcomed the move, with CEO Megan Seccull agreeing that the Pet Census would close the knowledge gap on pet ownership experience and attitudes, which in turn will help the animal society do a better job of serving pet owners in the broader community:

“As an organisation that cares for a variety of animal species, as well as cats and dogs, we are looking forward to the Victorian Pet Census closing the current knowledge gap on pet ownership experiences and attitudes.

“This Census data will help us improve our services and provide better quality support to a broader range of pet owners in our community.”

Data received through the Pet Census will help people in general form a clearer picture of pet companionship of all kinds across Victoria, so the Victorian government can continue to support pet owners and improve pet welfare.

A woman and her pet dog enjoying a stunning sunset on an otherwise deserted beach on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia. Dreamstime/TNS

In the Victorian Budget 2023/24, $7 million (US$4.6 million) was allocated towards the Animal Welfare Fund grants program recognising the role companion animals play in the lives of Victorians.

The Pet Census will ask various questions to gather crucial information and will normally take 15 minutes to complete. To take part, please visit: animalwelfare.vic.gov.au.

Australian Pet Ownership Has Ballooned Significantly Since 2020

According to a national survey conducted in 2022, Australian Pet Ownership has risen markedly from 61 percent to 69 percent since the pandemic, resulting in an estimated 28.7 million pets living in 6.9 million households since 2020.

Another surprising find from the national survey is that Australians spent over $33.2 billion to keep them fed, healthy, groomed and accessorized during the last 12 months.

Australians spent over $33.2 billion to keep their pets fed, healthy, groomed and accessorized during the last 12 months.Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images

Among the pets, dogs remain the number one favourite pet, with almost half of the Australian households owning at least one dog (48 percent) while cats are the second most favourite (33 percent).

President of Animal Medicines Australia, Lance Willaims, who spearheaded the national survey, said, however, that natural disasters, increasing living costs, and inflation are making things harder for people to keep pets:

“Natural disasters, increasing living costs, inflation, access to housing and other issues are placing pressure on many pet owners. In some circumstances, this can lead to difficult decisions to find alternate care arrangements for a beloved pet.”