New Year's resolutions that will help our furry friends

Hello, 2019! Christmas is well and truly done and dusted, with only expanding waistlines and depleted bank accounts remaining of the silly season.

Whether you are one of the lucky ones still lazing on a beach somewhere or whether you are already back in the daily grind, it’s time to tackle those new year’s resolutions. These nagging thoughts usually rear its head around the beginning of any new year.

To save some thinking time, here are some additional ideas for your 2019 list that will also have a huge impact on our animal friends.

Adopt don’t shop

If you are considering getting a pet, please adopt, don’t shop. Visit your local shelter or rescue group to find that perfect furry, feathered or scaled friend to add to your household this year.

Animals are continually coming into the RSPCA ACT shelter so please call in or check out our website. All animals are microchipped, vaccinated and vet-checked prior to being available for adoption.

You may also wish to check out ACT Rescue and Foster or Domestic Animal Services as options.

Water in the garden for wildlife

With scorching temperatures this summer, help our wildlife in your garden. Leave bowls of fresh, clean water out in shady locations. Shallow dishes are better for smaller animals. If you use a large container, make sure to provide a rock or stick to enable small animals to climb out.

Buy ethically and eat humanely

Please consider buying ethically and eating humanely. If you eat eggs and meat, choose cage-free eggs and RSPCA approved chicken and pork. And when eating out, support ethical and humane food restaurants and cafés. Check out the Choose Wisely website for more information.

Pet legacy

Our pets are our cherished companions. Very few of us, however, have a plan in place should we find ourselves unable to look after them. Take the time to put a plan in place, and consider RSPCA ACT’s Pet Legacy Program. This program will give you peace of mind, knowing that your animal companions will be cared for should you pass away or are no longer able to care for them.

Be a responsible pet owner

Other than spending quality time with your pet, please ensure that your pet is microchipped and desexed. Your pet always needs ready access to fresh water and a diet that maintains full health and vigour. Ensure your pet has adequate shelter and access to vet care when needed. If you take your dog out and about, please make sure it is well socialised and trained and always under your effective control.

Volunteer

We would not be able to run the shelter without the help of our dedicated volunteers. If you have some spare time, sign up to become a volunteer and become an angel without wings. Click here for more information.

Some other worthy animal-related causes that require more volunteers include ACT Wildlife and Wombat Rescue.

RSPCA Christmas Giving Tree

It is only 350 days until the next Christmas. Please consider adding the RSPCA ACT on your corporate support list for Christmas 2019. Our shelter requires assistance 365 days a year, including Christmas. During the last financial year, we had 3,302 animals coming into our care.

To inspire you, click on our video link to see the joy you can bring to the animals in our care. From all of us at the RSPCA ACT, best wishes for 2019!