With the Festive Season nearly upon us, Territorians are being asked to ensure that their pets are cared for over the Christmas/New Year break.

Director of Animal Welfare Peter Phillips says that every year at this time some people make holiday plans without properly planning for the wellbeing of their animals.

“If you are planning to go away, please ensure your pets are well cared for.

“If you are going away for an extended period and your pet cannot come with you, please consider placing it in a boarding kennel or having a friend or family member ’pet-sit’ for you.

“If you will be away for only a few days and the pet cannot accompany you, then it can be alright to leave it at home with sufficient water, food and shelter. However, if you are forced to this option it is important that neighbours or friends know that the pet has been left alone so that its wellbeing can be checked on.

“We also ask people to act responsibly over the Christmas period, and not give pets as a present unless it is known that the pet is wanted and will be cared for.

“Every year the RSPCA is inundated with unwanted pets given as presents and we ask people to use a little forethought to help avoid this situation.

Pets are for life …. Not just for Christmas.

There are a range of fact sheets and other information about caring for pets available from Animal Welfare at www.animalwelfare.nt.gov.au

If you are concerned about an animal’s welfare, please report it to Animal Welfare on  1 300 720 386.

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