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Nearly two-thirds of Australians own a pet, with nine in 10 owners reporting that their pets have a positive impact on their lives, according to the latest Pets in Australia report from Animal Medicines Australia.
The benefits to humans are many: companionship, improved mental health and even boosted immunity.
In fact, we treat them as family, with half of all dog and cat owners sharing their beds with their fur babies.
Research
New research has revealed our strangest behaviours as pet parents and has uncovered what we really think about our pets.
The 2022 PETstock Pet Parent Report reveals that dogs have maintained top spot as our most popular pet, with 72 per cent of Australians cohabiting with a canine. Cats remain in a comfortable second place at 45 per cent ownership and are most common among women living in metropolitan areas.
Animal behaviourist Dr Kate Mornement says she believes that there has been a “boom” in pet ownership during the Covid pandemic.
Developers all over Australia are taking notice and although owning a pet in an apartment has always been a bit contentious, fortunately, strata by-laws have caught up with the way people want to live.
Design
New developments have been deliberately located near large parks, perfect for dog walking. Designers have included a purpose-built dog park within a development and a doggie washing station to pamper pets after muddy walks, as well as interior floor surfaces designed to be durable when clacked over with scratchy paws
A late 2020 NSW Court of Appeal ruling set a precedent that now allows dogs, cats (or budgies or guinea pigs) to live in NSW apartments, unless there’s a good reason for them not to.
But what’s clear is that more and more people are accepting that pet ownership is a huge part of Australian life, no matter where their owners live.
Building owners are forbidden from banning pets without a good reason, although tenants and owners are still expected to seek formal permission and register their pet’s details with strata.
Top tips
Although it’s commonly believed that smaller dogs are the best picks for small-space living, veterinarian Cherlene Lee said temperament was the most important factor to consider when expecting a dog to live in an apartment. Then, it’s a matter of commitment and planning.
Ms Lee said her top tips for happy indoor pets and happy owners were:
- Pick the right pet. If you’re not home much, a cat may be better than a dog. Or consider a so-called ‘pocket pet’ like a guinea pig.
- With dogs, training is key; whether it’s helping to relieve separation anxiety or interacting with other dogs in the elevator.
- Good training will also teach your dog to only relieve themselves when outside, rather than on your balcony.
- Invest in an app such as a dog monitor so you can check in on your pet when you’re out and ensure they are not barking and upsetting your neighbours.
So, summing up, a pet – with dogs and cats the most popular options for apartment living – can provide companionship, improved mental health and boosted immunity. And with dogs, remember to take their temperament into account and get in some training.