Everyone wants a puppy or kitten for Christmas, but there are many things to consider before surprising someone with a pet as a gift.

Lifespan
While it may seem like a good idea to give someone that cute little kitten or puppy, it is important to remember that they do not stay little for long and many cats and dogs (depending on their breed) can have a lifespan of years into their late teens and even early twenties! Taking on a pet is a big commitment, not just something to be thrown away when the next present comes along, which is reflected in the RSPCA have seeing a 65% rise in animals abandoned over the last 5 years!

Cost 
The cost is also something that is often underestimated when people are buying pets. While the initial cost of the pet may be low, it is important to consider that your pet will also need food to eat, toys to play with, bedding and treats, never mind vaccinations, worming, flea treatments, teeth cleaning and other vet bills if and when something goes wrong! It is important to make sure you are financially ready to keep a pet before just looking at the price on the pet shop window.

Temperament 
While a puppy or kitten may look adorable sitting in a box with a ribbon, it is the chewed shoes, the scratched couch, and the puddles all over the floor that makes most people realise what they have taken on! It is also important to consider the breed of dog you are going to buy. If you are wanting to take your dog running with you, it might not be the best idea to get a Chihuahua.

If you have considered all these and have decided that Christmas is the right time to get a new puppy or kitten, you should consider adopting your new pet! With over 250 thousand perfectly healthy cats and dogs euthanised each year in animal shelters, adoption is a great way of finding a pet, while saving their life at the same time!

The state laws on restraining your pets in the car are changing. Currently in Victoria dogs must be restrained only when travelling in the back of a Ute. The new laws are proposing dogs & pets travelling in the back seat of the car must be safely restrained. If your dog is travelling in the car they must be restrained with a safety harness, in a large dog crate or behind a cargo barrier. If you are caught with your pets unrestrained in the car, the proposed new law includes hefty fines and loss of demerit points.

In addition to adhering to the relevant state law on pet restraint in cars, as veterinarians we believe a common sense approach to dog safety is best. Firstly any unsecure objects in a car can easily turn into life threatening projectiles during an impact. Pets left free to roam in a car can not only be life threatening to any humans or other animals travelling in a car, they are also in direct danger of being injured themselves.

The NRMA reports "If you're driving 60km per hour with an unrestrained 20kg dog in your car and it gets thrown onto you, the impact is the same as if it had hit you from a third-floor balcony

Benefits for using pet restraints

We feel there are three critical safety benefits of using pet restraints.
Window safety  - your pet will not be tempted to jump from a window, nor will he/she be at risk of falling out of an open window as a result of sudden directional changes or braking.
Driver distraction  - there's less chance of the driver being distracted if a pet is unable to move around the vehicle.
Collision protection  - if you suddenly brake or have a sudden impact there is less chance of your dog becoming a projectile.

Types of dog restraints

Harness  - Swivel style attachment systems that anchor to the existing seatbelt and attach to a dog harness. To be effective, it is essential for the harness to be correctly fitted and for the anchor to be secure.
Pet transport crates  - For complete safety, crates must be secured to your vehicle and be big enough for a pet to stand up, lie down and turn around as per RSPCA guidelines.
Cargo barriers  - Ideal for station wagons and four wheel drives. They can be purchased to suit your make and model of vehicle or you can purchase adjustable barriers that are easily installed and removed. If your cargo area is large consider the use of a harness as well.

One reason why you should act

As much as we all love to see a cute and happy face poking out from a car window and lapping up the breeze and sun, we ask you to consider a car restraint when travelling with your pet. We recently heard of an unfortunate accident where a driver passed away after a sudden impact accident. However the driver's dog, travelling in the rear of the car survived the tragic event as a result of wearing a car harness.

If not for your safety, please consider your family, your pets and other road users.

Ashleigh finished school in 2012 & is currently studying Certificate II in Animal Studies & would love to go on & complete Certificate IV in Vet nursing. Ashleigh has always had a passion for animals; this is reflected in the care & attention she has shown towards our patients in the short time she has been with us.

At home, Ashleigh lives with her family which includes a 13 year old English Collie named Maverick, her Thoroughbred horse Toppa and Diamond python Nyoka.

When you’re in the clinic next be sure to say G’day!