Victoria’s first pet census is open

Do you want to help shape the future of animal welfare in Victoria? The first ever Victorian pet census is finally here! This is a unique opportunity from Stage Government Victoria to share your insights and opinions on pet ownership, attitudes, and experiences.


By participating in the census, you will help Animal Welfare Victoria to develop more effective and relevant policy initiatives and programs to promote responsible pet ownership and animal welfare across Victoria.

Census data will help Animal Welfare Victoria to better:

  • understand issues facing Victoria’s pet owners and their pets
  • understand how to support pet owners and the industries that service them
  • target education, policy and program initiatives relating to responsible pet ownership across Victoria, with benefits for animal welfare.

The pet census will ask you questions about:

  • the types and number of pets you own, if any (note, this includes any animal that you consider to be a pet)
  • the main reasons you decided to get a pet, or decided not to
  • the challenges and rewards of owning a pet
  • how you take care of your pet, including the types of animal services you use, and the frequency, and cost of accessing these services
  • your understanding of laws relating to responsible pet ownership and animal welfare
  • your views on some animal management and welfare practices and issues.

The census is open to both pet and non-pet owners, so don’t miss the chance to have your say. Fill-out the pet census today; it will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Fill out the pet census

Note: The pet census is an initiative of Animal Welfare Victoria, not Greater Shepparton City Council.

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