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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The survey is the first of its kind in the nation and was developed in collaboration with veterinarians and animal welfare groups.<\/p>\n
It is expected to take about 15 minutes to complete and can also be filled out by people who don’t own a pet.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“It doesn’t have to be [about] a cat or a dog,\u201d she said. \u201cIt can be ferrets, it can be rabbits, it can be parrots.<\/p>\n
“We’re wanting to hear about other members of your family.”<\/p>\n
Pet ownership rates have surged from 61 per cent to 69 per cent since the COVID-19 pandemic began, according to the State Government.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The survey will seek to close the knowledge gap on pet owner experiences and attitudes, Australian Animal Protection Society chief executive Megan Seccull said.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
About $610,000 was set aside in last year’s Victorian State budget for the inaugural pet census.<\/p>\n