Take our quiz to discover how you can play your part in being a responsible pet owner.
1
Why should you avoid releasing pet fish into our waterways?
Not only do pet fish outcompete native species, they can also degrade water quality, introduce parasites and disease and eat native insects, fish eggs and plants. What’s worse: they can spread and breed quickly, making pet fish difficult to get rid of once they are established.
If you can no longer care for your fish, it’s important to find a new owner, return it to the pet store or find a fish rehoming group on Facebook.
2
What risk is associated with releasing pet lizards into our environment?
Allowing domesticated animals to escape, or dumping them, puts them at risk of harm. They could be attacked by other animals, or injured by vehicles. Exotic lizards also pose a risk to our indigenous species, spreading diseases, eating insects, and competing with our beautiful native lizards.
If you own a lizard and can no longer take care of it, be kind to it and contact an exotic animal rescue.
3
Why is releasing a pet turtle into our environment a concern?
Keeping turtles securely contained is a must, and if you can no longer care for them, then try to find a new owner, or take them to a turtle rescue centre or turtle haven.
4
What dangers do pet parrots pose if they escape?
Once they’re lost from home, pet birds can impact native species, especially native parrots such as kākāriki and kākā, by introducing diseases and taking away food resources and places to nest.
If you’re no longer able to look after your pet bird, try to find someone else who can give it a long-term home or look for a bird rescue centre.
5
Which of the below answers is an example of what NOT to do when you can no longer look after your pet?
The worst thing you can do for the pet and the environment is to release them into the wild — it’s not good for your pet or our native wildlife.
If you’re no longer able to look after your pet, try to find someone else who can give it a forever home or look for a rescue centre.
6
What should you check for before free-flying your parrot inside?
A responsible bird owner will ensure their birds are securely contained at all times, and give them enough space and quality food to meet their behavioural needs.
If you are no longer able to look after your pet bird, find someone else who can give it a long term home or look for a bird rescue centre.