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Pet ownership in Australia
Most Australians own pets.A 1999 study revealed that more than 13 million Australians are associated with pets, indicating that we have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world.(1)
Almost two thirds of the 6.6 million households in Australia own pets. Of these, 64% care for one or more dogs and 43% care for one or more cats. The typical Australian's exposure to pets, however, is far higher than these figures would imply. 83% of people have had a pet at some point in their lives, and more than half of those who do not currently own a pet would like one in the future.(2)
Clearly pet ownership is a significant community interest involving the majority of Australians. Companion animal owners need to be educated and supported by the community to ensure that facilities and services encourage them to own their pets in a responsible manner.
Australia is home to 4 million dogs and 2.6 million domestic cats. Analysis of historical data shows that the dog population has probably plateaued. The cat population is showing a steady decrease with a decline in cat owning households. Domestic owned cats numbers have declined from a high of 3.2 million in 1988 to the current levels of 2.6 million (3)
References
1 BIS Shrapnel (1999) Contribution of the Pet Care Industry to the Australian Economy,
2 McHarg M., Baldock C., Headey B. and Robinson A. (1995) National People and Pets Survey a report to the Urban Animal Management Coalition,
3 BIS Shrapnel (1999) Contribution of the Pet Care Industry to the Australian Economy.
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