Looking after any animal is a huge commitment and takes time, money and patience.  Under the Animal Welfare Act, which came into force in 2007, anyone who is responsible for a pet has a legal responsibility to meet the five basic welfare needs of pets. These are:

1. a proper diet, including fresh water
2. somewhere suitable to live
3. any need to be housed with or apart from, other animals
4. allowing animals to express normal behaviour
5. protect from and treatment of, illness and injury

We have listed a selection of sites that might be useful in helping you take care of your pet.