RSPCA WA urges the State’s pet owners to complete a 10-minute survey to gain insight on important issues

How much do you spend on your “fur baby”? Do they go everywhere with you? Do you struggle with any pet-associated costs?

These are the kind of questions the RSCPA WA is asking the State’s pet owners and animal lovers in a follow-up to last year’s inaugural pet census.

The 2024 survey is now live, and the animal welfare group is keen to learn more about WA pet owners.

Last year’s census revealed dogs were overwhelmingly the most common type of pet followed by cats and then fish. Some unusual pets included stick insects, mini goats, axolotls, sea monkeys and spiders.

“The data proved we love to spoil our pets, with 70 per cent of owners admitting they celebrated their furry friend’s birthday and over half of respondents reporting that their pets were their ‘babies’,” RSPCA WA spokesperson Louise Rowe said.

On the serious side, last year about half of pet owners surveyed who rent said they struggled to find pet-friendly housing. The RSPCA has also seen a rise in requests to surrender animals and anecdotal reports of people struggling to afford vet care, grooming and even pet food.

“While we do have a bit of fun with the answers, they also help inform our important work in the community and help us to advocate on issues like affordable pet-friendly housing,” Ms Rowe said.

“They also help us pinpoint where our outreach services are most needed.”

The 10-minute survey is available on the RPSCA WA website and is open until Friday, February 16.