The soft-name boom isn’t a fluke. Australians are clearly gravitating toward names that end in -ie, -y or -a, the kind that instantly make a dog feel like part of the family.

As the country gears up to celebrate the 2026 Australian of the Year, another significant title is also up for grabs: Australian Dog of the Year.

If you’ve ever watched someone have to say goodbye to a pet because they’re moving into aged care, you’ll know the heartbreak is real. It’s the kind that rips right through the chest.

Dogs are still the most popular flatmate It’s official, the country’s gone to the dogs. And cats. And, apparently, reptiles. According to Pets in Australia: A National Survey of Pets and People  by Animal Medicines Australia, Aussies are now outnumbered by their pets. As of March 2025, an estimated 31.6 million domesticated creatures are roaming, swimming or snoozing across 7.7 million Australian households. That’s 73% of homes, up from 69% in 2022 and significantly above the

From updating walk routes to replacing tired toys and giving Mira’s dental routine a little extra attention, the duo are proof that a spring reset isn’t just for humans.

This new range is all about helping felines explore the great outdoors After years of catering to dogs who love to hike, swim, and generally live their best off-leash lives, DOOG, that’s Dog Owners Outdoor Gear, for the uninitiated, has officially crossed enemy lines. The Aussie brand has just launched its wildlife-safe cat gear collection, and honestly, the nation’s moggies are about to get smug. Called the CAAT Collection (that’s “Cats Adventuring And Travelling,” naturall

A dog’s needs don’t vanish when work gets busy While the rest of us are powering through spreadsheets, meetings and caffeine dependency, our dogs are at home doing absolutely nothing. And according to expert canine behaviourist, force-free trainer and bestselling author Sarah Rutten, that’s a recipe for trouble — or at least a shredded cushion or two. As the end-of-year grind hits full speed, many of us unknowingly bump our dogs down the to-do list. But Rutten says it only t

Jess Kimpton and her seven-year-old Border Collie, Newcomen Stitch A 32-year-old sheepdog handler has been selected for the four-strong...

Australia’s animal rescue sector is facing a complex mix of pressures, marked by fewer pets entering shelters and foster care, alongside a decline in adoptions and steady surrender rates.

A new national survey reveals that 73 per cent of households now own a pet,

Cats don’t groom themselves; they lick themselves, and licking isn’t enough,” said Sherie. “All cats – no matter their age, breed, coat type or lifestyle – benefit from regular grooming!

From red-light therapy to Reiki, Australian cat and dog owners are going to extraordinary lengths to keep their pets happy and healthy....