Responsible Pet Ownership Education Program Home Page

Welcome to the site of the NSW Government's new Responsible Pet Ownership Education Program.

The NSW Government is establishing a new Responsible Pet Ownership Education Program for 5-7 year olds for delivery in NSW schools by a team of Pet Educators and their suitability tested dogs.

The Program uses multimedia, role play, song and story to provide primary school children with a smorgasbord of stimulating activities to teach a wide range of concepts relating to responsible pet ownership.

The Program focuses on teaching students about dog safety incorporating:

• When dogs should be left alone
• Things we should not do to dogs
• How can you tell if a dog is happy, frightened or angry
• A safe way to approach and greet a dog
• What to do if approached by an unknown or aggressive dog.

The Program also introduces and develops the following concepts:

• Choosing an appropriate pet
• General welfare and husbandry
• The importance of identification and registration
• Confinement and housing
• Exercise and training.

A comprehensive curriculum and resource package which incorporates picture story books, multimedia activities and teaching notes will be available to all primary schools in NSW and will be provided free of charge.