As a conservation charity, every visit, adoption, donation and ticket helps save species from extinction

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As a conservation charity, every visit, adoption, donation and ticket helps save species from extinction

Animal welfare in your home

We know you want your furry, scaly or feathered love ones to be happy and healthy, so we want to share with you ways you can make their lives even better! Our animals make our lives so happy; it’s the least we can do for them in return!

Environment

Feeling hot! – in summer, freeze bottles of water, wrap in a tea towel and place them in your pet’s enclosure to help them keep cool.
Hide and seek – providing a private retreat, den or hidey hole will make your pet feel safe and protected. Cardboard boxes, or PVC tubes for fish and small pets are good choices.
Safe as houses – pets that roam unsupervised are susceptible to a range of dangers, including road accidents, predation, exposure to diseases and poison.
A change is as good as a holiday – add and change structures, perches, and toys regularly.
Room with a view – giving your indoor pet a view out to the world can provide interest.

Baby alpaca at Adelaide Zoo

Behaviour

Eeny, meeny, miny, mo – providing multiple options for toys gives your pet choice and control, and this is proven to enhance their welfare.
Bells and whistles – stimulate all your pet’s senses with toys and enrichment that have different sounds or textures, and make them forage for treats hidden in hard-to-reach places.
Bubbles! – zoo and domestic animals alike love to chase bubbles, and it’s fun for you too!
Play dates – provide regular opportunities for social enrichment with other animals or even with you, giving them attention and company.
Training – positive reinforcement training is a great way to keep your pet’s mind active and help you understand each other. It has proven scientific benefits, including reducing stress and aggression and strengthening your relationship with your pet.

Health

Take them to get a vet check at least once a year – not only will your pet’s doctor make sure they are up to date on vaccinations, but they can also detect early signs of serious health conditions like kidney or liver disease.
Toxic treats – many foods are toxic to pets, for example chocolate, tomatoes (cats), and avocado (birds, horses, rabbits).
Know what is normal – be alert for signs that your animal may be feeling unwell, such as loss of appetite.
Tell parasites to take a hike – Treat regularly for internal and external parasites such as fleas, ticks, mites and worms.
Maintain dental health – overgrown teeth can lead to severe pain and weight loss in many animals.

Nutrition

An apple a day – good food is the cornerstone of great health. Your pet needs a nutritious, balanced diet suited to their species’ needs.
Think outside the bowl – present food in toys, or homemade puzzle feeders such as egg cartons.
Feeding frenzy – only occasional treats (for instance, for training purposes). If your pet is overweight, you might be surprised just how much the treats are contributing to his/her weight problem.
Scatter it far and wide – let your pet forage for their food by scattering dry food, grain or hay.
Cool as a cucumber – in summer, why not freeze their food into a tasty popsicle? Not only will it keep them busy for longer, it will also cool them down.

Want to learn more about how to improve your pets welfare?

We’ve compiled a list of some trusted information from Agriculture Victoria and RSPCA to help you become a pet welfare hero.

Donate to help save species!

Zoos SA is a conservation charity that exists to save species from extinction and connect people with nature. We rely on the generous support of the community to care for endangered animals, undertake research and conservation programs and delight and educate zoo visitors.

Your generous donation will support animal care and our wildlife research and conservation programs in our own backyard and across the globe. Donations of $2 or more are 100% tax deductible.

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