PDSA Animal Welfare

Rabbits should be able to do at least 3 large hops in their hutch and be able to stretch up on their hind legs

Dogs should never be left alone in a car; they can become stressed and agitated as well becoming very ill. Even leaving a window open does not reduce the temperature of a car significantly and leaving water with the dog can actually prevent them from panting

Chocolate should never be given to dogs! Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is bad for all pets, but poisonous to dogs. Other foods that are poisonous to dogs include: grapes, raisins, sultanas and onions

Pets can be microchipped so that if they get lost they can be reunited with their owners. The microchip can be scanned like a barcode and details of the pet and their owners contact details can be found. They are most often used for cats, dogs and horses

The act was passed by Parliament in 2006 but became law in 2007. Part of the new legislation was specifically aimed at pet owners, and introduced a 'duty of care', a list of 'welfare needs' which owners must provide for any animal in their care

Part of a law called the Animal Welfare Act, they are: 1. The right environment to live in. 2. The right diet. 3. The right companionship. 4. To be able to behave naturally. 5. To be free from pain, disease and suffering

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, you can only legally own a pet from the age of 16. This means that parents are legally responsible for their children’s pets!

The PDSA is a veterinary charity that treats the sick and injured pets of people in need, and helps owners learn how to care for their pets

A rabbits front teeth continue to grow throughout their life. To make sure they don’t get too long, rabbits need to eat plenty of hay; this grinds their teeth down to a comfortable length