Pocket Pets

When potential pet parents start their search for their perfect furry friend, most people assume they’ll be restricted to considering cats and dogs. But smaller animals such as ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, and mice make for adorable companions for animal lovers with suitable homes.

Despite their stature, pocket pets can be just as loving as larger pets and can be ideal for people living in smaller dwellings or homes without a yard. 

RSPCA NSW offers plenty of support to help animal guardians ensure their pocket pets live happy and healthy lives. Those looking to adopt or foster one of our smaller shelter stars can visit our blog for additional guidance on properly caring for a pocket pet.

If you feel as though a pint-sized companion could fit perfectly into your home, consider adopting a pocket pet from RSPCA NSW. However, if you don’t believe you are ready to adopt an animal at this time, consider becoming a foster carer for an animal in need!

Caring for Pocket Pets

Caring for a pet comes with a range of benefits for both our mental and physical health. Despite their smaller stature, pocket pets provide their owners with unconditional love, as well as company when we're sick, home alone, or feeling down.

We owe it to our pocket-sized companions to learn how to care for our forever friends, either by reading science-based literature about your chosen species or breed, or by consulting a veterinarian or animal health and welfare professional. Whether you’re looking to adopt or foster or simply interested in caring for animals, RSPCA NSW can help you understand and meet your animal’s needs.

Additionally, as an animal guardian, you are responsible for providing your pocket pets with health checks and veterinary care. Thankfully, RSPCA NSW Veterinary Hospitals are ready to assist you pets by providing your animal companion with essential services and support. From specialised consultations to complicated surgeries, we can help you provide your pocket pet with tailored treatment and emergency support.

 

The Cost of Owning a Pocket Pet

Despite their smaller size, pocket pets require just as much care as larger animals. When you adopt a pocket pet from RSPCA NSW, our staff will take the time to ensure you understand everything about your new companion – from feeding to socialisation and the estimated cost of care.

From housing, food, and bedding to any initial adoption fees, new pet parents typically incur numerous expenses following adoption. Thankfully, RSPCA NSW covers several essential procedures to ensure our pocket pets are desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, and treated for worms prior to adoption.

More Pocket Pet Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I adopt a pocket pet from RSPCA NSW?

RSPCA NSW rehomes a range of adorable animals, including cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and more! We can help you find your perfect dog at one of our shelters and adoption centres.

Though we update our online lists of adoptable pocket pets every day, there is always a chance that the animal you’re eyeing will find a home before your visit. 

By adopting a pocket pet, you can give the gift of love to an animal in need. Every one of our animals has the capacity to be someone’s forever friend; all they need is a kind-hearted animal lover to open their heart and home.

Animal welfare organisations care for thousands of animals a year, including pocket pets waiting for new families and homes. If you can care for a smaller animal, consider adopting a pocket pet from RSPCA NSW.

Our pocket pets have undergone a series of comprehensive checks to ensure they are ready to begin their search for a loving home. They have all been desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, and treated for worms and parasites to ensure that adopters can focus on forming a bond with their new companions.

We strive to provide the very best support throughout the post-adoption process. Our dedicated staff and volunteers are always ready to assist new adopters, offering guidance on everything from general advice to exercise, nutrition, and housing tips.

Every RSPCA NSW animal that requires desexing, microchipping, parasite treatment, and vaccinations undergoes all these procedures prior to adoption. Each animal also goes through a series of comprehensive veterinary checks along with any necessary training, quarantine, and rehabilitation.

As a charity, we use our adoption fees to help us recover a portion of these costs, so we can allocate more of our resources to supporting people and pets in need.

Rescuoodle Stories