After a firestorm hit Dunalley in Tasmania, a temporary vet facility provided treatment to wildlife and domestic pets. Vets united to provide free services for affected animals whether those animals were owned, lost, stray or abandoned.

Participating vets provided emergency treatment and then organised onward transportation to vet clinics or animal shelters. Where the suffering of animals was too great, vets relieved the pain through humane euthanasia. Vet Dr Tering Davies said the coming together of veterinary clinics, animal shelters, governing authorities, organisations such as Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Reptile Rescue and a whole bunch of animal lovers was a true representation of what animal welfare should be.

During the life of the temporary facility, vets, vet nurses and volunteers assisted dogs with burns to their feet, face and eyes, reptiles with burns to their backs and tails, numerous wallabies, echidnas with burnt spines and fire affected birds. A St John’s ambulance member provided early treatment to an injured 16 year old dog before vets arrived and heroic fire fighters extended themselves even further by taking time to bring injured and traumatised animals into the vet facility for treatment.

Many locals, despite their own trauma, were taking in misplaced pets until their real owners could be found. What would these vulnerable animals say, if they could? Thank you to all those who cared enough to act on their behalf. Thanks also to the compassionate leaders at temporary refuges who recognised pets are family and permitted misplaced persons and their beloved pets to bunk down together. The Rural Fire Service of NSW provide a useful fact sheet on fire safety for pets (www.rfs.nsw.gov.au).

A study led by University of Western Sydney’s School of Medicine is finding out how pet owners prepare for disasters so emergency services can improve communications regarding the responsibilities and actions of pet owners in times of natural disaster.To participate or find our more information visit the study’s online survey by clicking here

Animal Welfare League Australia is partnering with the team at Vetico, a new online Pet Health Community. The online veterinary information site for pet owners has been created by vets and members of the veterinary industry to provide reliable up to date content. Vetico’s Chief Veterinarian, Dr Nick Wonders recognises that pet owners often go online to supplement their relationship with their local vet and need to be able to ensure they are getting accurate information. While there is a lot of pet related content on the internet, vets in practice are concerned about some of the advice being given to pet owners online. Vetico aims to address this by providing quality information. Together, AWLA and Vetico also aim to increase the exposure of Australian pet owners to animal adoption from shelters and the nature of the human animal bond. Visit www.vetico.com.au

Several studies have suggested that animals in the workplace bring benefits to staff productivity and morale. Perhaps tradesmen have known this all along – it would explain why canines are unofficial supervisors on many a building site. The Australian Tax Office allows tradesmen to claim their dog as a tax deduction. Expenses like vet and pet food bills can qualify as a deduction for tradies whose dogs have a role in guarding tools or the work ute. But when it comes to pets in an office situation, pre-planning is the key. Not all pets are suited to spending time in the office. Highly social, well trained, relaxed animals are most likely to fit right in. Shy, anxious, nervous or high energy animals are not likely to enjoy a busy, noisy or confined office environment and may be happier staying on home base. Likewise, not all people are suited to working in an environment with pets - it’s just good manners to check it out with your colleagues first.

What would we miss if we didn't have pets? Answers vary, depending on why we chose to have pets in the first place. Mostly, when we interact with companion animals, our faces say it all – we smile a whole lot more when pets are around. In his book, Making the Rounds with Oscar, Doctor David Rosa tells of four cats who reside permanently at Steere House, a multi-storey nursing home in the US. A cat lives on each floor of this facility bringing cheer to residents, staff and visitors. One of these cats, Oscar, has become famous across the world for his sensitivity to those who are nearing the end of their lives and his ability to gently and reliably predict impending death. It’s a remarkable story told by an initially sceptical doctor, who while not claiming to understand how it all works, comes to value Oscar as an important part of his health-care team. At this facility, the benefits to the health and well being of patients, their families and staff far out-weigh the practical logistics of keeping four resident cats. With an informed approach to the selection of animals, along with good care and management, keeping pets does not have to be out of the reach of aged care facilities or anyone living in an apartment, unit or higher density living situation.

Jo has been walking her elderly friend’s dog on a daily basis for four years now. Jo and her own dog are an active team who enjoy the extra company. The arrangement works well because the friends live nearby and their daily connection supports both of them in a whole range of ways. A lasting bond of friendship has formed through their mutual love of dogs. A sense of belonging is a central need for humans and there’s no doubt that pets can bring people together. Dog clubs and groups, neighbourly exchanges involving pet care, dog walking and lost and found animals have people connecting on a daily basis. We know that pets increase feelings of well-being for people who live alone or the elderly or individuals facing significant stress in their lives. But what about people who don’t feel socially isolated or under stress – do they reap the same benefits from pet ownership? These were the questions that researchers in the US set out to test. Over three separate studies, the researchers concluded that everyday people benefit from their pets in much the same way they do from their friends. On average pet owners were less lonely, had higher self-esteem and exercised more than non-pet owners. They also found that fulfilment from pets was beneficial no matter how much support the owners were already getting from other people. Pets are a boost to well-being, regardless of human companionship. People can gain joy and meaning from their pets even when they already have other friends and family caring about them. The findings support the idea that pets complement other forms of social support rather than compete with them.

Source: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology July 2011