Every year, RSPCA inspectors respond to calls about pets being abandoned.
This trend spikes over Christmas and school holidays when people are away from home.
From December 2023 to January 2024, RSPCA Queensland responded to 402 complaints about abandoned animals.
“We usually receive reports from worried neighbours about dogs that are barking more than normal and when they can’t confirm if food and water has been left for the animal,“ Inspector Steffi Schubert said.
“If we attend a property and no one is home at the time, we will leave our information to make contact. Usually within 24 hours we’ve heard from the person who is minding the pets that the owners are on holiday, and that they’re stopping in each day to care for them.”
The RSPCA is urging anyone who is leaving their pets in the care of a pet sitter, neighbour or family member to sign up to their free Home Alone service.
Owners can register their pet’s details with the RSPCA’s Home Alone service and provide the contact details of those caring for their pets.
If their pet is reported as abandoned, the RSPCA has contact details in cases of emergencies.
RSPCA inspector Steffi suggests, “If you’re concerned a pet has been abandoned, leave a note on the door of the property, or talk to other neighbours to identify if someone is coming to check on the pets before lodging an abandonment complaint. This will help free up RSPCA resources to investigate critical cases.”
RSPCA advises that pets can be left at home while owners are away as long as they have appropriate food, water and shelter.
To report an animal welfare concern, contact the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (264 625).
