Pets to be counted in census first

THEY won’t be counted two-by-two, but Victorians’ furry, feathered and scaly friends will soon be the focus of Australia’s first pet census.

The online Victorian pet census opened on Monday and will run to the end of July and asks a variety of questions about owners and their animals, including animal health and care costs.

The survey is the first of its kind in the nation and was developed in collaboration with veterinarians and animal welfare groups.

It is expected to take about 15 minutes to complete and can also be filled out by people who don’t own a pet.

Agriculture minister Gayle Tierney said the census information will be used to create a statewide database and shape the next generation of pet and animal welfare reforms.

“It doesn’t have to be [about] a cat or a dog,” she said. “It can be ferrets, it can be rabbits, it can be parrots.

“We’re wanting to hear about other members of your family.”

Pet ownership rates have surged from 61 per cent to 69 per cent since the COVID-19 pandemic began, according to the State Government.

Under Victoria’s current system, only local governments collect and store most information about pet ownership and registration, meaning there is a lack of up-to-date and reliable data for the state.

The survey will seek to close the knowledge gap on pet owner experiences and attitudes, Australian Animal Protection Society chief executive Megan Seccull said.

“This census data will help us improve our services and provide better quality support to a broader range of pet owners in our community,” she said.

About $610,000 was set aside in last year’s Victorian State budget for the inaugural pet census.

– CALLUM GODDE/ AAP