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                    Pet ownership for short term residents

                    A young woman smiling.
                    City of Melbourne is home to a large number of short term residents. Whether you’re a visitor, here for work or to study, you might be interested in caring for a pet.

                    ​Pet ownership can come in many different forms to suit your needs and lifestyle. You need to consider whether permanently owning a pet is the best option for your lifestyle and whether you can offer the long term commitment to a pet – after all, owning a pet is a big responsibility. On average, small dogs live for 11 years, and cats live for 12 years. You need to be prepared to care for your pet for this many years, and consider what would happen to your pet if you left the state or country.

                    A great alternative to owning a pet is to foster a pet or volunteer at an animal shelter, which may fill your desire to be around animals.

                    Read more about deciding whether you can look after a pet properly and choosing the right pet for you.

                    Foster care

                    A foster carer is a person who undertakes temporary care of an individual or special group of animals for the purpose of giving the animals care until they can be rehomed. Most foster care takes place in a person's home which enables specific care and treatment. 
                    Foster carers have a very important role in providing rehabilitation and care for animals in an environment outside a pound or shelter, ensuring that the animals have the best chance at being rehomed.

                    Being a foster carer is a good way to understand whether you are ready to be a permanent pet owner, as there is no long-term commitment and you receive guidance and support from the organisation you’re fostering for.

                    You can become a foster carer for the following organisations:

                    Become a volunteer

                    Being a volunteer at a welfare organisation is a great way to care for and support animals in need. A volunteer kindly donates their time to support the day to day operations of an organisation and care for the animals housed in their facilities. It may also provide you with the opportunity to spend time with animals, without committing to pet ownership. There are many opportunities to suit your requirements and skillsets.

                    You can become a volunteer at the following organisations:

                    If you have considered the above and have decided to get a pet, you must ensure your pet is microchipped and registered with your local council. If you decide to get a dog, you must also ensure you comply with the leashing requirements, pick up its waste when in public and make sure it does not create a nuisance by barking excessively.

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