It's no longer raining cats and dogs - The Canberra Times

High-density living, frequent travel and long working hours have come at a cost to our furry friends.

In the past decade Australia's dog population has decreased by at least 14per cent and its cat population has dropped by about 10 per cent.

This steady decline in pet ownership has brought the $6.02billion industry to its knees and next month town planners, architects, vets and policymakers from across the country will travel to Sydney to discuss a course of action.

The inaugural Putting Pets Back Into Our Lives think-tank event is being organised by the Australian Companion Animal Council, and president Kersti Seksel expects about 150 people to attend.

''The number of owned pets is decreasing and this is of great concern,'' she said. ''Animals improve the mental and physical health of people and they contribute to the economy.''

Dr Seksel said urban developments, rigid legislation and tricky landlords were responsible for declining pet numbers.

''We are living more and more in closely confined areas and some new developments don't allow pets. Renting with pets is difficult, as is moving into an aged-care facility with a pet. It can be traumatic for elderly people to be told they have to give their pets up.''

She said people needed to change their perception about living in apartments with pets.

''There's a mindset that if you move into an apartment you can't have a pet. But cats are really good urban pets and dogs can also work well in apartments as long as they are walked regularly.'' Pets are big business and in the ACT alone there are 196 businesses devoted to household animals. These include everything from catteries, kennels and breeders to pet cemeteries. There are more than 1.8 million cats and dogs living in homes in the ACT and NSW.

Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association president David Neck said the veterinary industry had evolved over the past decade to ensure declining pet numbers didn't affect business.

''I do a lot less fire brigade work, I only saw one dog with a broken leg last year. We now do preventative health, dental care has skyrocketed. That will protect the industry for a long time. There are more clients requesting blood screenings and even genetic testing among dogs.''

He said lifestyle changes were responsible for the drop in pet ownership.

''People don't want to feel tied down to the one place, and don't stay in one job for a long time. Our working hours are changing. How many people work from 9 to 5 and then walk their dog at 5.30? It's really unfortunate because study after study shows how important pets are for our physical health.''

Emma Davey is bucking the trend and recently became the proud owner of Occa, a 13-week-old blue heeler with tan, black and grey markings.

The 20-year-old student lives in a relatively small apartment in Curtin but ensures she walks her energetic puppy twice a day.

''You have to be sure you give it the attention, care and training he needs. I like the added responsibility, it's made our family grow, '' she said.