Diverse pets of Victoria revealed

AN ESTIMATED 1.4 million households across the state have a pet, with dogs being the most popular choice of companion, according to the results from the state’s first pet census.

Held in July last year, the census received more than 37,000 responses.

The results will be used by Animal Welfare Victoria to inform government decisions on matters regarding pet ownership, including education, policy and program initiatives.

“The census data will empower us to better cater to a diverse range of pet owners in our community, ensuring quality support and services for every pet, regardless of species,” Acting Minister for Agriculture Harriet Shing said.

“The immense love and care Victorians have for our pets is reflected in the numerous responses to our first pet census, highlighting the vital role pets play in the lives of Victorians.”

Nearly all pet owners (98 per cent) said their pets have a positive impact on their lives, with nine in 10 (89 per cent) rating this impact as “very positive”.

Companionship, love and mental health support were identified as the key benefits of having a pet, and the emotional impacts resulting from the loss of a pet were highlighted as the biggest drawback.

On average, the state’s pet owners have 1.5 different types of pets, with the majority (42 per cent) owning just one type.

For 41 per cent of Victorian adults, dogs are the companion of choice. Cavoodles, labradors, greyhounds, border collies and golden retrievers are among the most popular breeds.

Cat ownership trails behind at 24 per cent, while 5 per cent have fish, 5 per cent own a bird and 0.3 per cent have a snake.

Just over half (53 per cent) of pet owners got their most recent pet in the last three years, which is perhaps unsurprising considering the rate of pet ownership across the country rose by 8 per cent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dog owners were more likely to have acquired their dog from a breeder (51 per cent), while 28 per cent of cat owners got their cat from a rehoming organisation and 22 per cent from a shelter.

Owning a pet remains a costly endeavour with Victorians spending about $6.6 billion on their pets in the year preceding the census.

Luna tops the list of popular pet names across both dog and cat owners.

Charlie, Max, Daisy, Coco and Bella were also identified as common choices.

Fish, at 66 per cent, were the pets least likely to have names.

Across the state, pet ownership shows no signs of slowing down with 10 per cent of adults indicating their intention to get a pet in the next 12 months.