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For Vets

The Petcare Information and Advisory Service believes that the two thirds of Australian households which own a pet derive significant benefits from that ownership, and that their needs and the needs of the whole community are best served by ongoing information and education services. Petcare has initiated many community and school education programs to encourage the correct care of pets and promote socially responsible pet ownership. These include the production and wide dissemination of "How to care for..." literature, posters and videos, and the Selectapet program which encourages people to choose the most appropriate breed of dog or cat. PIAS pioneered a pet care school talk program, and has been involved in the development and promotion of the Australian Veterinary Association's primary school education program, PET PEP. PIAS supports the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) policies on socially responsible pet ownership, which can be found on the AVA Website.

Our most popular articles, publiations and resources are below.

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Human animal interaction research

For many decades, researchers from many fields have been studying the benefits of pets to people. A large body of this research is available to assist professionals, journalists and researchers.

The Dogs'n'Kids Program promotes responsible dog ownership, dog bite prevention and appropriate pet selection. This program has been available since 1999 and was revised in 2002 and again in 2009. The information kit includes a booklet and poster for health professionals plus a brochure for parents. The brochures are also available in five community languages (Italian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic and Turkish). The 2009 project also includes the reviewed targeted languages other than English to ensure promotion of information to new and emerging communities.

Dogs 'n' Kids Resource Kit

Download (PDF)

Dogs 'n' Kids Brochure

English - Arabic - Chinese - Italian - Turkish - Vietnamese

Dogs 'n' Kids Poster

Download (PDF)

How to improve cat and dog compatibility

Shelter Research Newsletter - Edition 8

How can we increase the chances of dogs and cats getting along together? This edition has some simple tips to ensure newly adopted animals have a good start.

Why do dogs enter shelters?

Shelter Research Newsletter - Edition 7

Australian research has identified some important factors contributing to dogs entering shelters

Why do cats enter shelters?

Shelter Research Newsletter - Edition 6

Each year thousands of cats are relinquished to animal shelters - but scientific research tells us that the causes are many and varied.

Public perception of adoptability

Shelter Research Newsletter - Edition 5

Do first impressions count? Research has found that adopters seek a dog that is approachable, friendly and intelligent without being dangerous or aggressive.

Managing shelter stress in dogs and cats

Shelter Research Newsletter - Edition 4

Shelter stress can create significant welfare problems and have a negative impact on re-homing. Minimising the negatives is critical in good shelter management.

Maximising the success of volunteer programs

Shelter Research Newsletter - Edition 3

This edition focuses on looking after the people who work in shelters - staff and volunteers. Managing eager volunteers and avoiding compassion fatigue make for a better shelter.

Environmental enrichment for shelter animals

Shelter Research Newsletter - Edition 2