Notes on Pet Ownership in New Zealand

Pet Ownership in New Zealand

  • Approximately 63% of New Zealanders own a pet.
  • There are about 4,300,0004,300,000 companion animals in New Zealand.

Dog Ownership

  • 31% of households own at least one dog.
  • 34% of dogs are acquired from a breeder.
  • People often seek specific dog breeds and are willing to pay a premium for them.
  • Purchasing a dog from a breeder can be an expensive undertaking, costing thousands of dollars, including registration and microchipping fees.

Regulations for Keeping Animals

  • Regulations exist regarding keeping dogs on properties, such as off-leash areas.

Horse Ownership

  • 3. 4% of households own a pony or little horses.

Rabbits

  • Rabbits were brought deliberately but breed rapidly and populations can become uncontrollable.

Ferrets

  • Ferrets were introduced to New Zealand in 1871 to hunt rabbits.
  • Ferrets became a problem.
  • A nozzle was introduced to stop the sale and distribution, and the breeding of ferrets as pet animals.
  • Few people have licenses to keep ferrets for hunting rabbits.
  • Keeping ferrets as pets is generally prohibited in New Zealand.

Reasons for Pet Ownership

  • Dog owners often cite that their dogs provide some kind of security.
  • People primarily keep birds for their aesthetic qualities.

Observational Studies Involving Animals

  • Zebra fish can be utilized for observation and water quality studies
  • The eggs of zebra fish are transparent, allowing observation of their life cycle.