The Most Suitable Pet for Your Space
April 30, 2018

It’s a well-known fact that pets can bring a lot of joy to our lives by improving our cardiovascular health, increasing our levels of exercise and providing us with companionship. Pets in Australian households are fairly common; however, it is important that you consider what type of pet is best suited to your place prior to committing to one.
Dogs
Dogs are great additions to the family; however, your home environment will have an impact on which dog breed is most suited to you. While some dogs are happy to live in an apartment, others require open spaces to keep them happy. Backyard space is another important factor to consider before to choosing a dog as some dogs need access to a garden for more freedom. But don’t be fooled into thinking that the size of your home has to match the size of your dog! What it really comes down to is a dog’s energy requirements. A Great Dane is secretly a perfect apartment dog, because once they’ve had their walk they are completely docile. Greyhounds also fall into this category – they love their naps even more than you do! Take the quiz here to match your lifestyle to the perfect breed! https://www.petpositives.com.au/dog-breeds/
Cats
Moggies make up the vast majority of cats in Australia, so a lot of the time it can come down to the individual personality of the cat – do they like kids, or their own quiet time? But if you’re after someone really specific, you could look at the characteristics of the different cat breeds in Australia. There are a range of factors to consider before to choosing the perfect cat breed for your lifestyle. Cats love making use of vertical space such as furniture and window sills, so smaller apartments are great for those who don’t have a big backyard. Some cats are very social and really enjoy human companionship, so are more suited to an indoor environment. Other factors to consider include how vocal some breeds could be, and if they shed hair. As a fairly independent species, they can be great for people who work long hours or sometimes travel for work. Take the quiz here to learn more about the different cat breeds: https://www.petpositives.com.au/breeds/
Fish
It is common for new fish owners to think that smaller bowls or fish tanks mean less responsibility and maintenance. With frequent water changes and cleaning, fish bowls can make suitable habitats for pet fish, but it does require a lot of work. For those who invest in a well-filtered tank, less time is required with only weekly cleanings needed rather than a daily clean for smaller unfiltered fish bowls. Fish are tranquil and calming, can help lower blood pressure and stress in adults, are quiet, and make wonderful pets for those who don’t have time or physical space to devote to a high maintenance companion. Breeds such as Betta fish or Goldfish are ideal for new fish owners as they can thrive in a bowl and with frequent water changes, can make the perfect addition to your home and family.
Birds
The location of a birdcage is an integral part of your bird’s environment and daily life. The ideal placement of a birdcage, is in a corner where it provides them with a sense of security and partial view of a window. Placing your birdcage directly in front of a window may scare them as dogs, storms or commotion may frighten them. Contrary to popular belief, birds are incredibly social creatures and need a lot of mental stimulation. This may pose as a problem if they don’t have another bird to keep them company, or if their owner is out for the majority of the day. While birds may be good for small spaces, they may require attention and socialisation in captivity or they may exhibit frustration by screaming, picking their feathers or developing compulsive behaviours. If you live in close proximity to neighbours, then you may want to consider a quieter breed such as a canary, parakeet or cockatiel.
Rabbits
Rabbits are great indoor pets. They are brimming with personality, docile and easy to train to use a litter tray. They don’t need a huge amount of space and can be kept indoors or outdoors, depending on your living environment. If you choose to keep your rabbit outdoors, they will need a proper enclosure and extra care during season changes. Rabbits are very curious, so they enjoy digging, chewing and exploring. If you choose to keep your rabbit indoors, you will need to bunny-proof your home by concealing cords and providing it with lots of toys and safe chewables. Consideration should be given to space, protection from predators, different temperatures and sufficient ventilation.
Pets are a great addition to every home, but before you consider taking on the responsibility of having one, ensure that you do your research and consider factors such as space, ownership permissions, time available to spend with your pet, your activity levels, fencing and financial resources. By considering all factors, both your life and theirs will be happy and healthy.