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PetRescue backs calls for Census to include pets
July 22, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
Animal welfare organisation PetRescue is backing calls for companion animals and pets to be included in Australia’s next Census.
The charity joins 19 other organisation’s in a submission to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), which conducts the Census.
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Animal welfare organisation PetRescue says pets are very much a part of our families, so it makes sense to include them in the Census.
It added pet data could also bring additional benefits to pets, pet owners, and the wider community.
In an online post, the organisation says it’s important pets are included in this snapshot of the country for a number of reasons.
PET FACT 60% of dog and cat owners refer to their pet as a family member
“Given the Census captures information about family households and dynamics, pets should be included in the data gathered by the ABS,” PetRescue says.
“As such, (they) should be included in the family household data gathered by the ABS.
“The use of accurate pet population and demographic data from the Census, alongside pet adoption data, will expand the existing research about how people and pets live together in Australia.”
In its letter of support for the submission, PetRescue requested the following data be collected:
- Animal age, sex, and desexing status
- The nature of pet caring roles (e.g., where pets are in temporary or semi-permanent care, such as with foster carers)
- Cat carers or people who care for urban stray cats in their community
- Method of pet acquisition and source of the pet (e.g., locality of acquisition will help to understand companion animal movements within Australia)
How pets in the Census can benefit the country
Emergency services
Including pets would assist emergency services by providing data on the number and types of pets in each suburb.
This would help in planning for evacuations and other emergency responses.
Pet services
The data would help identify and address ‘resource deserts’, ensuring that all people and pets have access to necessary services.
These services could include pet groomers, vet clinics, and other pet care services.
Animal welfare
The data would enable pet and owner support organisations to better understand their communities’ needs. This would help them to fund and provide services more effectively.
Dog parks and other council services
Local councils could use the data to budget for and provide pet-related services, like off-lead dog parks, based on the number of pets living in an area.
More accurate information about pet populations would lead to better services for everyone.
Better understanding of pet populations
Having a clearer picture of how Australians live with their pets could improve support and service provision.
It could also help more pets find homes in areas with low pet populations.
About PetRescue
PetRescue is a national animal welfare charity that saves thousands of lives every month by looking at the big picture, disrupting the status quo, and finding innovative tech solutions to the biggest challenges facing rescue pets in Australia.
In 2004, PetRescue launched the first national pet adoption website to help rescue pets, who may otherwise go unnoticed, find a new family to love for life.
Today, its free programs and services help millions of Australians discover the joy of adopting a new family member and help more than 1,000 rescue organisations, shelters and pounds save the lives of thousands of rescue pets.
Click here to find out more about PetRescue or to see how you can help their work
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