Having a pet is an incredibly rewarding experience that can enrich the lives of you and your whānau. But it does carry responsibility – to your pet, the environment, and other people and animals around you. Here are some tips for being a responsible pet guardian.
Vaccinations are an important part of keeping pets healthy and preventing the spread of infectious diseases to people and other animals. Talk to your vet about setting up a vaccination programme for your pet.
A microchip is a small device (about the size of a grain of rice) that is implanted in the scruff of your pet’s neck. Each one has a unique number that can be scanned by vet clinics, animal shelters, and councils to identify your pet if they get lost.
Microchipping is required by law for dogs and some regions have by-laws that require cats to be microchipped too. We recommend microchipping for all pets though, as it is a vital tool to help you reunite with your pet if they get lost or go missing, or are injured and taken to a local vet clinic.
Talk to our team about microchipping and registering your pet on the national companion animal register (details on how to register your pet’s microchip can be found at www.animalregister.co.nz). Make sure you keep your contact details up to date on the register and consider providing a second trusted contact in case you’re not available straight away.
Desexing any pets not intended for breeding helps to prevent overpopulation and unwanted animals. Thousands of animals are abandoned each year and there are often see big spikes around breeding seasons. Your vet can provide advice about the best time to desex your pet.
You should plan to visit your vet at least once a year for a general health check. Your vet can help you work out a preventative healthcare plan for your pet that includes vaccinations, parasite control, and nutrition advice.
Your pet may also need veterinary care between their regular visits. Call us immediately if your pet shows any of these symptoms, as they can be signs of serious injuries or health conditions:
Other signs that may warrant a vet visit include:
Natural disasters can strike at any time, so it's important to have a plan for your pet. This includes:
You can find resources about emergency and disaster planning on the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) website.
We strongly recommend you consider pet insurance for any unexpected medical bills or emergencies. Pet insurance can give you peace of mind in an emergency, and gives you one less thing to worry about when deciding the best treatment for your pet. There are a number of companies that offer pet insurance so you’ll need to do some research to find the best one for you and your animal.
Animal Care Vets is actively involved in our local community. We support a number of charities, including the SPCA. We also care for the Hawkes Bay Police dogs. Our customers know by experience that they can rely on us for sound advice on treatment options and that their pet is in the very best hands with our team.
