Want to know more? There are many organisations and associations in Victoria that have different roles to play, and can help with further information or specific questions relating to pets. Always purchase a pet from a reputable breeder or a registered domestic animal business, such as a pet shop or animal welfare shelter. These organisations can provide quality information and advice about pets. Refer to the Yellow Pages for contact details for the following organisations. Or visit the Yellow Pages web site. To search the Yellow Pages site, click on the Search icon. On the search form displayed, enter the relevant search term(s) and click on the search button. Vets Vets look after the health and physical well being of cats and dogs which includes treating sick animals, vaccinations, desexing operations, provision of worming and flea medication and conducting regular health check-ups. Vets also provide advice on your pet's diet and exercise requirements. Many local vets also run socialisation activities for puppies between the formative 8 - 16 week period. Australian Veterinary Association AVA House 134 Hampden Road Artarmon NSW 2064 Ph: (02) 9411 2733 Welfare Organisations Organisations such as the Lost Dogs' Home, Cat Protection Society and the RSPCA take in dogs or cats that are lost or have been abandoned and attempt to re-unite them with their owners or re-house them. Animals for sale from animal welfare organisations have passed rigorous health and behavioural tests and will most likely be wormed, desexed and microchipped. Most welfare organisations also have information on caring for your pet. Key animal welfare shelters include: RSPCA Burwood Highway (Corner Middleborough Road) Burwood East 3151 Ph: 9224 2222 Lost Dogs' Home and Cat Shelter 2 Gracie Street North Melbourne Ph: 9329 2755 Cat Protection Society 200 Elder Street Greensborough 3088 Ph: 9434 7155 ANZFAS (Australian and New Zealand Federation of Animal Shelters) 37 O'Connell Street North Melbourne 3051 Ph:  (613)  9329 6333 Pet Shops Registration with the local Council means that Pet Shops have to follow certain regulations which protect the consumer and your pet's welfare. Every pet sold must come with a certificate of good health, which guarantees it has been vaccinated and wormed. Consumers have a three day cooling off period, and if the pet dies within 7 days of purchase and the disease is traced to the pet shop, then the pet must be replaced. By always purchasing from a registered pet shop, consumers will not only get a healthy pet, but will also be protected. Cat and Dog Associations Associations such as DOGS Victoria, the Feline Control Council of Victoria and the Governing Council of Cat Fancy Australia and Victoria are membership organisations that have expertise and information on a wide range of pet related issues. DOGS Victoria also has a network of obedience clubs around the State. If you're looking to purchase a purebred pet, they can assist you by referring you to Presidents of breed clubs. DOGS Victoria Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, VIC, 3977 Ph: 03 9788 2500 Email: office@vca.org.au Feline Control Council of Victoria Royal Showgrounds Epsom Road Ascot Vale Ph: 03 9281 7404 The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy Australia and Victoria Unit 4 170 Underwood Rd Ferntree Gully Victoria 3156 Ph: 03 9752 4217 Email: info@cats.org.au Breed Clubs Breed clubs have members who own a specific breed ie: Collie Dogs or Siamese Cats. These clubs are most often run by a group of volunteers who promote enjoyment and knowledge about a particular breed. Breed clubs refer interested people to breeders within their locality or according to their specific requirements. Ring your local Cat or Dog Association (see above) or refer to the Yellow Pages. Local Councils Councils determine the local laws for animal control within their municipality. Further information about responsible pet ownership and your rights and responsibilities, is available from your local Council. In addition to providing information, your Council also provides animal control services, handles complaints about animals, picks up stray animals and processes pet registrations. By law, all cats and dogs in Victoria must be registered. The attached document contains links to the local laws/animal management pages for each Victorian council's website. These links may provide information about local pet ownership requirements, issues and initiatives in your municipality. Council Web Links.doc Kennels and Catteries Kennels and Catteries provide accommodation for pets when their owners are away on holidays. Many of these require pets' vaccinations to be up-to-date. Make sure the kennel or cattery at which you leave your four legged friend is registered with the local Council, as this means they have to follow certain regulations which protects both you as a consumer and the welfare of your pet. Also consult the Yellow Pages for details on vets and pet shops in your local area, animal clinics and shelters, dog training organisations and grooming, pet minding and walking, and pet transport services. Other Links SelectaPet Ph: 1800 331 784 Bureau of Animal Welfare Department of Primary Industries 475 Mickleham Road Attwood, VIC, 3049 Tel: 9217 4347
	Responsible Pet Ownership Copyright / Disclaimer Last Updated: 18/02/2003 This site was designed and developed by KnowledgeWorks.