Getting started

Considering adopting a dog or cat but need some further information? Congratulations – you’re already on the right track towards becoming a responsible pet owner.

Pre-adoption checklist – ask yourself these important questions before making the commitment that comes with bringing a dog or cat into your life.

Annual budgeting for a dog - a general guide to the costs involved in owning a dog.

Annual budgeting for a cat - a general guide to the costs involved in owning a cat.

Select-a-pet - helps you choose the dog or cat that is suitable for your household and lifestyle.

The Lost Dogs’ Home adoption fact sheet – learn all about the adoption process at The Lost Dogs’ Home.

By adopting a cat or dog from a reputable shelter or rescue organisation, you are giving an animal in need a much-deserved second chance. There are so many wonderful dogs and cats looking for a good home, and with a wide variety of breeds, sizes, colours and personalities available for adoption, you’ll be sure to find your perfect match.

We encourage you to carefully research your preferred breed or breed mix, as there are a number of factors to consider. By selecting a compatible breed this will ensure that yourself, your family and your pet share a very happy future together.

View the dogs and cats currently available for adoption from The Lost Dogs’ Home. All animals adopted from the Home are desexed, microchipped, health-checked and have received their initial vaccinations, worm and flea treatment.

Pre-adoption checklist

Are you thinking of bringing a new pet into your home?  Adopting an animal from The Lost Dogs’ Home is a rewarding experience, however it is also a commitment for the animal's lifetime, so making the right match is critical. Before you adopt, you need to ask yourself some important questions.

Impulse or commitment: Why do I want a pet?

Many people like the idea of a pet or can't resist a cute puppy or kitten, but don't think about the changes it will make in their life. Pets are companions for life. They live with us and depend on us for all of their needs. This is a great responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly. The kind of relationship you build with your pet is dependent on the commitment you are willing to make.

For the children: Pets teach kids responsibility, right? 

You will have problems in your household if you adopt a pet under the assumption that he/she is for the children to take care of in order to learn responsibility. Getting any pet must be a family decision and a family responsibility. For children to understand the routine of pet care and actively participate in the pet's care, it is advised to wait until they are at least seven years old. Kids are also enthusiastic in the beginning but can tire quickly of the routine of pet care, especially the messy tasks. Remember, ultimately the parent is responsible for the pet. Consider the life span of the animal you choose as well. Are you willing to be responsible for the pet once your children leave home?

Lifestyle: What type of relationship am I seeking?

All pets change your lifestyle. If you are planning on having an outdoor dog, think again. Dogs are social animals and crave the company of humans, their ‘pack.’ Leaving a dog exclusively outdoors will lead to behaviour issues and undermine the psychological well-being of your dog. Isolation is unreasonable. Many people end up banishing a dog to the outside when they underestimate the time commitment. Cats, too, are social and are safer and healthier if kept indoors providing they have a stimulating indoor environment. If left outside they are victim to cars, other animals and disease. The life span of an outdoor cat is much shorter than that of an indoor cat.

Timing: Is this the right time for getting a pet?

If you are planning to move or are not home frequently, this may not be a good time. Pets need stability and routine to feel secure. Consider your future plans and evaluate if a pet will fit in with those plans. Cats have an especially difficult time adjusting to new environments and often run away from new surroundings unless care is taken to keep them secure until they adjust to their new environment. Getting a pet should never be a spur of the moment decision. Their life is dependent on you.

Stability: Are my living arrangements suitable?

All members of the household should be in agreement of the pet you choose. Also if you are renting, make sure you have permission from your landlord. Do you have enough space for the pet you are considering?  Most animals don't need a lot of room but some will require more than others. Surprisingly some breeds of large dogs don't need as much space as people think, while many small and medium breeds need lots of space. It is the outdoor exercise and play area that are important. If you are in a house you need to have a secure fenced yard if you get a dog.

Dedication: Will I be a responsible pet owner?

Cleaning up after your pet is necessary, whether it be scooping poo in the park or cleaning a litter box. This is important for the health of yourself, your family, your animals and the community. Bathing and grooming is also a key component of looking after most pets. Brushing animals with long hair is necessary to prevent painful matting and tangles. Dental care is also essential.

Time: Do I have the time for a pet?

Different animals will require different amounts of your time. The amount of extracurricular activity you do, the amount of time you are home, and how often you go away on holidays or work trips, are all factors to consider when choosing a pet. It is recommended that you provide a minimum of one hour a day of active play and walks for your dog or cat.

Cost: Can I afford a pet?

The cost of pet care can vary but expect the average dog to cost a minimum of $1800 per year and a cat approximately $1100. This doesn't include the initial one-time costs including the adoption/purchase fee and basics such as leashes, collars and toys. Remember you will also need to register your pet with the local council and this will be an ongoing annual cost. All pets require an annual visit to the veterinarian. There will also be visits due to illness or accidents and preventative care (fleas and worming). Don't forget that unsupervised puppies and even adult dogs will inadvertently destroy items such as shoes, TV remote controls, books, couches and other items.

Additional pets: Will my new pet get along with my existing pets?

Are other animals in the household likely to accept a new pet? Not all dogs and cats are willing to share their homes and owners. Consider the additional work, time and cost that owning an extra animal can cause. You will also need to investigate the maximum number of pets you are permitted to own in your council area. This can vary between councils and for additional animals, the council may charge a fee for a special permit.

 

If you are ready to welcome a new dog or cat into your life, we encourage you to research your preferred breed or breed mix and speak to our friendly adoption staff who can help you decide upon the best match for you.

Dogs and cats available for adoption from The Lost Dogs’ Home are updated online daily and can be viewed at www.doghome.com, or please visit the shelter.

Costs of owning a pet

The cost of pet care can vary but expect the average dog to cost a minimum of $1800 per year and a cat approximately $1100. This doesn\'t include the initial one-time costs including the adoption/purchase fee and basics such as leashes, collars and toys. Remember you will also need to register your pet with the local council and this will be an ongoing annual cost. All pets require an annual visit to the veterinarian. There will also be visits due to illness or accidents and preventative care (fleas and worming).

Annual budgeting for a dog - a general guide to the costs involved in owning a dog.

Annual budgeting for a cat - a general guide to the costs involved in owning a cat.

The essentials checklist

Dog Care Checklist 

To ensure your dog is happy, healthy and safe, here is a basic checklist of what you will need to provide for your dog:

Microchip - with your current contact details on a microchip register

Local council registration – annual registration which is compulsory after 3 months of age

Collar - with council tag and engraved ID tag attached containing current contact details

Lead – to safely walk your dog

Bedding  – warm, comfortable, clean and free of fleas

Shelter – weatherproof and protected from the sun, wind and rain

High, secure fences and gates – to ensure your dog remains safe and doesn’t escape

Food and bowls – nutritious, well balanced diet at least once a day

Water and bowls – clean and fresh water available at all times

Desexing surgery – once off surgery which will provide a range of health and behavioural benefits

Veterinary check up – at least once a year or whenever your dog is sick or injured

Vaccinations – important injection administered by your vet to protect against a range of serious and sometimes fatal diseases

Heart worm treatment – injection administered by your vet or medicated treatment you can provide to protect your dog against this potentially fatal disease

Intestinal all-wormer treatment – medicated treatment administered every three months to protect your dog against potentially fatal parasites

Flea and tick treatment – medicated treatment you can provide to protect your dog against nasty fleas and ticks

Behavioural training – to learn how to behave appropriately when at home and out and about

Exercise and  socialisation– daily walks to release energy, provide mental stimulation and reduce boredom

Toys and stimulation – to have fun, provide mental stimulation and reduce boredom

Grooming items (brush, dog shampoo etc) – to keep skin and coat clean and healthy

Car harness/crate – to keep your dog safe when driving in a vehicle

Time with you! - include your dog in your everyday activities both inside and outside of the home, and interact and play games with your dog on a regular basis

Cat Care Checklist

To ensure your cat is happy, healthy and safe, here is a basic checklist of what you will need to provide for your cat:

Microchip - with your current contact details on a microchip register

Local council registration – annual registration which is compulsory after three months of age 

Elastic safety collar - with council tag and engraved ID tag attached containing current contact details

Food and bowls – nutritious, well-balanced diet at least once a day 

Water and bowls – clean and fresh water available at all times 

Litter tray – one for each cat and cleaned out regularly 

Scratching post – to keep their nails in good condition and because they love to scratch 

Cat brush – for grooming long-haired cats 

Desexing surgery – once off surgery which will provide a range of health and behavioural benefits 

Veterinary check up – at least once a year or whenever your cat is sick or injured

Vaccinations – important injection administered by your vet to protect your cat against a range of serious and sometimes fatal diseases 

Intestinal all-wormer treatment – medicated treatment you can provide to protect your cat against potentially fatal  parasites 

Flea and tick treatment – cat-specific medicated treatment you can provide to protect your cat against nasty fleas and ticks 

Behavioural and socialisation opportunities – to learn how to behave appropriately and provide mental stimulation

Toys, exercise and climbing opportunities – to have fun, provide mental and physical stimulation and reduce boredom

Cat carrier – to keep your cat safe when driving in a vehicle

Time with you! - interact and play games with your cat on a regular basis