Tougher regulations around pets in cities and a perception that it's too hard to provide a happy environment for city pets has contributed to a sharp decline in ownership, according to Dr Brown.

"I think it's probably a time where we stop seeing pets as being something to be afraid of and more as something that we need to embrace," he said.

"If you look at the health benefits [of pet ownership] across all ages it's quite significant.

"From kids and toddlers being at a smaller risk of developing allergies and asthma – right through to old age where they're a great relief for loneliness and they cause reduced blood pressure, pets cause owners to go to the doctor less and use less medication."

Pet ownership has declined significantly in Australia, according to a recent survey, which found that cat numbers had dropped by 200,000 and the dog population by 100,000 in 12 months.

Dr Brown puts this down to tough pet laws in cities and a belief that it's too hard to give a pet a happy life.

"It's 2016 and our laws and our regulations with pets haven't really changed a lot in the last 30 or 40 years. If anything they've got even stricter," he said.

"I think we need to stop isolating individual cases of irresponsible pet ownership and look at the big picture and show Australia and show residents of all the cities how they can be more responsible but also how they can have access to better rights for their animals."

Dr Brown also thinks more people should embrace cats when faced with a lack of space.

"As a nation we are kind of unique in the world in our attitude towards cats. We're incredibly negative towards cats overall," he said.

"And I know some areas of Canberra are trying to become cat-free which to me is a worry because it shows a lack of education about cats. Yes there is a big feral cat population and they do cause a big problem but your average domestic house cat is very happy being indoors so there is no reason why, with the right education, people can't have a cat and simply keep it indoors."

Lesley Pothan and Christina Erwin from the ACT Companion Dog Club said the rules surrounding dogs were too restrictive.

"We seem to be constantly told that you can't be here and you can't be there," Ms Pothan said.

Ms Erwin said: "And you can't take your pets on any public transport. So if you don't have your own car and you don't live within walking distance of the vet, it's really difficult to have a pet unless you've got someone who's prepared to come and pick you up and take you."

Dr Brown is talking to local, state and federal governments around Australia about making cities more pet-friendly.

"I think we need to act now, to see what we can do to make owning a pet a little bit easier and also while ensuring people are responsible about it."