July 12th, 2023Make Fido and Fifi count: participate in Victorian pet census

The Victorian government is launching the nation’s first Pet Census to help shape the future of animal welfare and ensure pet owners have the support and services they need.

Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney was at the Australian Animal Protection Society in Keysborough recently to announce the Victorian Pet Census and encouraged all pet owners to get involved.

Opened at the start of the month, the Pet Census asks Victorians a variety of questions to gather crucial information on pet ownership and the attitudes and experiences of owners.

Pet ownership rates in Australian households have risen from 61% to 69% since the pandemic – making it more important than ever for the Government to establish a better knowledge of pets, their owners and the important community organisations that support them.

Data received through the Pet Census will form a clearer picture of pet companionship of all kinds across Victoria, so the government can continue supporting pet owners and improving pet welfare.

The Victorian Pet Census will take 15 minutes to complete, and can be done online by visiting the website  animalwelfare.vic.gov.au.

The government says that the welfare of the state’s animals and wildlife remains a priority it, and that $18.5 million was directed to the state’s animals in the Victorian budget 2023/24.

This includes $7 million towards the Animal Welfare Fund grants program, recognising the role companion animals play in the lives of Victorians.