Knowledgebase
Animals used for Pets

Animals used for Pets

Last updated 29 November 2021

Birds

According to Australia's most comprehensive pet survey, in 2025, around one in ten Australian households had fish and/or birds as pets. Birds are extremely intelligent, with studies showing that parrots and corvids can a level of intelligence similar to that of primates. A Budgerigar Parakeet Perched on Stick in a Cage. Source: Louw Lemmer Nathan Emery, a cognitive psychologist at Q...

Cats

In Australia, there are roughly 5.3 million owned cats, making them the second most popular pet species. 33% of households include at least one cat. Orange and White Cats Lying on Sofa. Source: Ivy Son In addition to domestic cats living in homes across Australia, an additional 0.7-2 million cats live without owners, but still live within the fringes of towns and cities and are dep...

Dogs

Dogs are the most popular companion animals in Australia with half of Australian households having at least one dog. There around 7.4 million pet dogs nationwide. While generally seen as beloved pets, many dogs in Australia lead lives devoid of kindness and compassion. Around one in four pet owners (23%) have surrendered their pet/s to family, friends or an animal shelter when they could no...

Fish

Often seen as a 'low maintenance,' alternative to more traditional pets, pet fish in Australia often live lives with little enrichment or stimulation. Some studies show that fish are as smart as a cat or dog and can live for more than a decade, yet it is commonly reported that most pet fish bought from pet shops will die within a year. Young Girl Holding A Plastic with a Gold Fish. S...

Rabbits

Other than dogs and cats, rabbits are one one of the most popular pets in Australia. In 2023, it was estimated that 2.5 million pet rabbits lived in homes across the country. It is believed that most wild rabbits are descended from just 24 rabbits released near Geelong in 1859. White Rabbit On Green Grass. Source: Satyabrata sm Rabbits are popular pets across Australia, howeve...

Reptiles

Australia is home to over 10% of the world's reptiles with over 860 species. Many of these species are found nowhere else in the world. Reptiles are ectothermic, meaning that their body temperature varies with the outside temperature. They have scales and reproduce by laying eggs or giving birth to live young. Close-up of an Eastern Water Dragon in Nature. Credit: Talha Resitoglu ...

Rodents

Small mammals, especially rodents, are kept as pets by roughly 3% of Australians. Well-known small mammal pets include guinea pigs, mice, and rats. Small and often short-lived, rodents can be seen as low maintenance pets or 'starter pets' for small children. This leads to many rats, mice and guinea pigs being given inappropriate care, including small enclosures, inadequate nutrition and poor handl...

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