Your guide to the new standards for pets in South Australia

03 Aug. 2017 2 min read

Buying a new pet in SA? You can now rest assured they’re raised in acceptable conditions. Here’s what it means.

Pets are part of the family, with more than 60 per cent of South Australian households having a family pet.

Whether it’s a dog’s warm welcome home or a cat’s snuggles at night, or even a parrot’s catchy morning tune, pets are such an important part of the lives of the majority of SA families.

The new standards for breeding and trading pets in SA will ensure they are bred and sold with care.

Here’s the low-down on the new law

As of the start of August this year, the South Australian Standards and Guidelines for Breeding and Trading Companion Animals came into effect.

These standards set a minimum to ensure the health and welfare requirements of companion animals are met.

The standards apply to anyone who breeds or sells pets in SA, including at pet shops, shelters, dog and cat breeders or any other person selling a pet.

They must ensure that the housing, husbandry, veterinary care and living environment provided to the animals for sale, and their parents, meet these standards.

The standards target puppy farms and people who put profits before the welfare of animals for sale, and will be regulated under the Animal Welfare Regulations 2012 and enforced by the RSPCA.

Ask to see paperwork before you buy

The standards require the seller to provide the buyer with paperwork about caring for the animal, information about the type of pet or breed, and any legal requirements or medical history.