As the frosty winter chills settle across Australia, there is nothing better than curling up on the couch with a warm cuppa and a loyal dog by your side. This June, our adult line-up delivers the ultimate seasonal comfort reads. From inspiring real-life memoirs and cosy canine fiction to critical winter health roadmaps for our beloved seniors, these six selections are guaranteed to warm your heart all month long. 

Organised from independent junior reads down to toddler picture books, our Kids Corner's June selection explores wonderful themes of animal advocacy, cosy winter safety, and teamwork. Plus, with the FIFA World Cup kicking off this month, we have the perfect soccer-themed read to get your mini athletes excited!

NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS

A heart-warming story of how many thousands of abandoned dogs were found new homes and given happy lives
by Clarissa Baldwin

We proudly call ourselves a nation of dog lovers, yet every year, thousands of dogs across Australia and the globe face the heartbreak of abandonment. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn those upsetting beginnings into joyful, happy endings, this moving memoir is an absolute must-read.

We all know the world-famous phrase, "A dog is for life, not just for Christmas"—but do you know the incredible woman who actually wrote it? Clarissa Baldwin, the legendary former CEO of the UK’s Dogs Trust, spent 40 years on a crusade for rescue dogs. Under her inspiring leadership, the Trust pioneered non-destruction policies, raised millions for state-of-the-art rehoming centres, and successfully changed legislation to improve canine lives forever.

Without her fierce determination, tens of thousands of dogs would never have received a second chance. Far from a heavy or sad text, this book is a heart-warming celebration of daily success and hope. It invites readers behind the scenes into the lives of dedicated carers, vets, and professional staff who work tirelessly to restore lost and confused dogs to life. 

Woven throughout are the unforgettable, uplifting stories of rescue dogs like Blossom, Teddy, Footie, and Freddy as they find their way into loving forever homes. A deeply touching and inspiring read for rescue lovers worldwide.

Paperback, 116 pages
Publisher: Marble Hill Publishers, 7th May 2026

RRP: $38.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

FINDING GREYFRIARS BOBBY

The amazing story of the Disney film star
by Dave Hunter (Author)

This is a heart-warming true account that will captivate any dog lover. The legendary tale of Greyfriars Bobby was made world-famous by the 1961 Walt Disney film, but this book shares the incredible, true story of what happened to the young stray dog from the Isle of Lewis who starred in the movie and was later adopted by the author’s family.

Written by a member of that very family, the book is packed with fascinating details about the filming, Bobby's subsequent celebrity status in Edinburgh, touching anecdotes of daily life with him, and private family photos never made public before.

The main plot takes a dramatic turn nearly half a century after Bobby was buried on private land in the Scottish Borders at a funeral fit for a film star; when the author discovers that Bobby's gravestone and monument were destroyed years ago and the land is about to become a building site, he is compelled to act. He embarks on a high-stakes quest to find the lost grave before it is lost forever, aiming to bring the canine star home to a new, permanent resting place near his famous historical namesake at Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh.

Joined along the way by a passionate group of volunteers who showcase the absolute best of the human spirit, the author faces overwhelming odds in a true race against time.

Paperback, 296 pages
Publisher: Troubador Publishing, 28th May 2026

RRP: $31.99 from www.booktopia.com.au

THE DOG SITTER

by Eva Lesko Natiello (Author)

The Dog Sitter is a wry, feel-good romp about a woman whose life has gone sideways, forcing her to take a 30-day dog sitting job in New York City despite not being a dog person (or a people person, frankly), in this irreverent and insightful story about starting over.

Recently divorced, newly evicted, and suddenly strapped, Colleen Fitzroy is out of options. She reluctantly agrees to work for former boss, Massimo Locatelli—editor of Savor Magazine—dog sitting his precious Aldo while he’s out of town. At least no one will bother her.

That’s until an endless parade of New Yorkers arrives unannounced, pulling Colleen into their knotty orbit. As she juggles strangers, a high maintenance dog, and her unravelling plans, Massimo takes note of her grit. He offers her a role in an ambitious new venture inside Manhattan’s rarefied restaurant scene—which triggers a shameful secret.

Colleen must confront the life she’s been living—and decide if she has the courage to seize the life that’s long overdue.

Kindle, 336 pages
Publisher: Fine Line Publishing, 19 May 2026

Price: $7.99 from www.amazon.com.au

DRIFT AND RETURN

Two Stories of Healing, Change, and the Dogs Who Lead Us Forward

by Neil S. Plakcy

This gentle, deeply moving work of fiction is the ultimate winter comfort read, exploring what happens after the life you thought you understood suddenly changes.

Set against the cosy backdrop of the fictitious Smiling Dog Café, this book delivers two beautifully interconnected stories of second chances. First, we meet Tom, an Olympic luge medallist who finds himself completely adrift after retiring from the ice—until a gentle Golden Retriever leads him to the café's doors to rediscover connection.

Then there is Margaret, a woman confronting the silence of retirement after an intense, disciplined career, who is guided by a clever Dachshund to learn how to live a life no longer dictated by strict control.

With its touch of quiet magical realism, this is a beautiful exploration of emotional healing and how our canine companions always seem to know exactly when—and how—to lead us forward. 

Series: The Smiling Dog Cafe
Paperback, 246 pages
Publisher: Samwise Books, 11th May 2026

Price: $21.99 at www.amazon.com.au

COMPANION FOREVER

Unlocking the Science of Longevity for Your Canine
by Ascanio Fedeli

This practical, science-backed roadmap is designed to cut through the modern misinformation of pet care and help your dog live a longer, healthier life. Written with compassion and grounded in the latest canine health research, this comprehensive guide replaces guesswork with clarity, transforming complex data into easy-to-follow daily habits.

Inside, you’ll discover:

✔ Tailored Nutrition: How to build a science-backed diet plan that supports long-term vitality.

✔ Longevity Routines: The crucial role daily exercise and mental stimulation play in extending your dog's lifespan.

✔ Environmental Safety: How to identify and protect your pet from hidden hazards in your home and neighbourhood.

✔ Emotional Well-being: Proven strategies to reduce stress and anxiety in dogs.

✔ Senior Care: Expert prevention and management tips for age-related diseases to help senior dogs thrive.

Paperback, 172 pages
Publisher: Orbita Media GmbH, 18th April 2026

RRP: $34.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

DEMENTIA IN DOGS

Diagnosis, Therapy, and Everyday Help for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
by Elisabeth Napp

As highlighted in our feature on winter health risks, the onset of colder weather and shorter daylight hours can suddenly make the subtle signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) much more noticeable. 

If you’ve recently observed an older companion pacing at night, staring blankly at walls, or becoming disoriented in familiar corners, this practical handbook is an invaluable companion guide.

Elisabeth Napp cuts through complex veterinary jargon to deliver compassionate, real-world solutions for managing "dog dementia." 

From implementing stress-free daily routines and environmental safety adaptations to offering brain-boosting cognitive enrichment, this affordable guide provides a clear roadmap to help you support your senior dog's mental vitality and ensure their golden years remain comfortable and secure.

Paperback, 130 pages
Publisher: Bremen University Press, 8th October 2025

Price: $50.05 from www.booktopia.com.au

BOOK CLUB - KIDS CORNER

GEORGIA THE GREY – COMES HOME TO STAY

by Hannah Danesfaleh (Author), Emily Norman (Contributor), Katayha Gould (Illustrator)

An Australian Greyhound runs for her life. She wins all her races and pleases her trainer—until a bad fall leads to pain and uncertainty. Could love and freedom heal a racing dog's broken heart? Fortunately, a beautiful new life is waiting for her where she'll find a sister, a new talent, and a best friend.

Why it’s so special: This is the brilliant debut book written by Hannah, a young primary school student from Western Australia and the human sister of Georgia the Grey (a rescued Greyhound living in Perth). Hannah is a passionate advocate who has been volunteering to help hounds since she was just five years old! Written entirely from a young advocate's perspective, this story beautifully features stunning illustrations by Katayha Gould that bring the characters to life.

Hannah just won the national Australian Alliance for Animals Young Political Advocacy Award for her incredible work! 

Softcover, 46 pages
Reading Age: 6 – 12 years

RRP: $20.00. Available from Greyhound Rescue and other greyhound rescue groups.

DOGS NEED SHELTER, YES THEY DO!

by Robin Lapre, Zoe Saunders (Illustrator)

Teaching the next generation about responsible pet ownership can be a challenge, but this delightful new rhyming picture book makes the lesson both fun and highly engaging. 

While most children easily understand that dogs need plenty of food, love, and fresh water, this charming story explains why proper protection from the elements is just as vital to a dog's health and happiness.

Written specifically for kids aged 5 to 8, it gently explores how to protect pets from harsh winds, rain, and cold temperatures, while also offering clever tips on keeping indoor dogs safe from everyday household hazards. Complete with adorable illustrations and an interactive question-and-answer section at the back, it’s a fantastic educational tool for any young dog lover's library.

Paperback, 36 pages
Publisher: Robin Lapre, 30th April 2026
For Ages: 5 - 8 years old

Price: $15.41 from www.amazon.com.au

ALL DOGS BARK

by Catherine Meatheringham, Deb Hudson (Illustrator)

2022 Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Shortlist

All around the world, dogs bark. 

Jappe! Gav! Woof! 

From country to country, dogs greet the world in their own noisy way. Join the journey and discover the many different barks heard across the globe in this joyful, read-aloud celebration of language, sound and our much-loved canine companions.

Paperback, 28 pages
Publisher: Windy Hollow Books, 11th May 2026
For Ages: 4 - 8 years old

Price: $18.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

SIGGY THE SOCCER DOG

A Playful Picture Book about Football, Friendship and a Little Dog's Big Dreams
by Brian Frederick (Author), Vivien Sárkány (Illustrator)

✔ Why We Love It: With the excitement of the FIFA World Cup kicking off this June, there’s no better time to get your little ones excited about teamwork and sport!

✔ The Story: Meet Siggy, a small dog with an enormous passion for the world's most popular game. While the other dogs are content chasing sticks, Siggy has his eyes firmly on the ball and big dreams of playing on the grand stage.

✔ Themes: This beautifully illustrated picture book is perfect for young readers, seamlessly blending a love for football with important life lessons about persistence, true friendship, and never letting your size get in the way of your dreams.

Paperback, 32 pages
Publisher: Tiny Tree Books, 28 May 2026
Best For: Ages 3–7, mini athletes, and any dog-loving families gearing up for a big month of soccer!

Perfect pre-World Cup reading! Grab your copy of Siggy the Soccer Dog here.

THE CASTOFF CANINE

by Amanda Morena (Illustrator), Jeannette Elum Greulach

Once unwanted and left behind, Rocky's life changed the day he was rescued. The Castoff Canine tells the tender, true-to-heart story of a dog who went from forgotten to forever loved.

Through gentle eyes and a loyal heart, Rocky reminds us that even the most broken souls can find healing in love. 

His days were filled with comfort, family, and joy and his story will stay with you long after the final page. A touching tribute to rescue dogs and the humans who give them a second chance.

Paperback, 26 pages
Publisher: Jeannette Greulach, 17 November 2025
For Ages: Baby - 18 years

Price: $24.64 from www.amazon.com.au

Innovate, Educate, Advocate: The PPGA Pet Training Conference Returns for 2026!

Are you a pet industry professional looking to sharpen your skills, or a dedicated pet owner eager to understand the latest insights into animal behaviour?

The Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA) has announced its highly anticipated biennial conference for 2026—and it promises to be an unmissable event that goes well beyond standard PowerPoint presentations! Running from 11 to 13 September 2026 in Sydney, this year's event features hands-on practical workshops alongside a stellar lecture series.

Why the PPGA Matters

The dog and pet training industry in Australia remains largely unregulated. The PPGA stands out as one of the very few organisations requiring its professional members to commit to continuous further education. This ensures they consistently keep up with best practices and peer-reviewed scientific research to maintain their credentials.

The Keynote Line-up: World-Class Experts

Dr Tom Mitchell (UK): Rethinking Canine Agency & Optimism

Kicking off the conference is Dr Tom Mitchell, a world-renowned veterinarian, dog behaviourist, and founder of concept training. Concept training helps dogs make good decisions on their own via fun and engaging games and protocols. Tom brings over a decade’s worth of experience transforming canine behaviour struggles to help people (and their pets!) achieve their dog-owning dreams. 

He established Behavet, the world's largest online canine behaviour clinic, and founded Help! My Dog, an online community for dog owners and professionals, alongside its #1 ranked dog podcast.

• The Workshop: Tom will be hosting an interactive workshop focused on Agency—the ability for dogs to make autonomous choices and have control over their own life and environment. He will explore how powerful this can be, particularly with anxious, fearful, and reactive dogs.

• The Lectures: He will present a series of lectures exploring pessimism (and how to build optimism!), pressure-sensitivity, and the secret to transforming behaviour even with a long rehearsal history.

Simone Mueller (Germany): Mastering Predation Substitute Training

Simone Mueller is an acclaimed author (Hunting Together, Rocket Recall, Walking Together, and Don't Eat That) and the founder of Predation Substitute Training.

Simone's "ah-ha" moment came when her first dog, an Aussie Shepherd mix named Malinka, demonstrated an intense passion for chasing wildlife on walks. The conventional training options focused on punishment and left the human as the annoying factor that ruins the fun. Simone began playing games with Malinka that mimicked the predatory behaviour she loved to perform.

Playing Predation Substitute Games stopped Malinka from running off and searching for wildlife to chase. Instead, she focused on Simone during their walks, always eagerly waiting for the call to play her beloved games. Over the years, Simone developed Predation Substitute Training (PST) into a holistic, force-free training system for dogs with predatory behaviour. While hunting games and substitute activities are one important aspect, PST is built around four core pillars:

1. Emotional regulation

2. Cooperation and connection with the guardian

3. Safe outlets for predatory needs

4. Practical real-life skills (such as recall, impulse control, and behavioural interruption around wildlife).

• The Workshop: Simone will host an interactive workshop on building focus around real-life distractions.

• The Lectures: She will cover predatory behaviour in depth, putting PST into practice, and exploring why high-prey-drive dogs pull on the leash.

Local Scientific Insights

The conference also brings together top Australian veterinary and behaviour minds:

Dr Dennis Wormald (VIC): A practicing behaviour veterinarian in Melbourne with a PhD in canine anxiety, during which he led and published several scientific studies on anxiety in dogs. Dennis also launched ABAdog, an online platform linking trainers, owners, and vets in behaviour care.

Dennis will present a talk on stress coping styles, which is the way an animal responds both behaviourally and physiologically to stressful situations. His talk will look at how different breeds can have different stress coping styles and what techniques may be beneficial in helping them cope better. He will also give us a peek into behaviour medications from a behaviour vet's perspective. With the use of medication more common nowadays, this will provide an insight into how they work and how they can be utilised in managing behaviour cases.

Dr Diana Rayment: Holding a PhD in canine behaviour, Dr Rayment has worked as a dog trainer and behaviour consultant for over 15 years, alongside roles within animal rescue and shelter organisations. Her research work focuses on canine behaviour and assessments in different settings like rescues and shelters with a focus on how assessments and behavioural knowledge of animal care workers can be improved and how we can increase adoptability of rescue dogs. Diana will share insights into canine personality science, and how that theory can work in practice.

Expanding the Scope: Cats & Birds

This year, the scope of the conference has broadened to include a variety of pet species:

✔ Feline Behaviour:

Certified Cat Behaviour Consultant Andrea Carne of Cattitude will share her expert knowledge on feline behaviour. She conducts behavioural consultations not just in person but across the world.

She will be delving into some myths surrounding our feline friends and how we can help them to be happy and healthy. She will also provide advice to the age-old dilemma of how to introduce a dog to your resident cat with some interesting case studies as well.

✔ Avian Behaviour:

Brisbane-based Lee Stone, an Avian Behaviour and Training consultant for Parrot Life Behaviour and Training, will delve into the "wild mind" of our avian friends and how we can improve their lives.

Unlike our canine friends, avian species such as parrots that are highly intelligent, social, and largely undomesticated can present new challenges for pet owners. She will explore understanding behaviour challenges in a wild companion animal and what we can do to help them. She will also share lessons learned from working with animals who can simply fly away—and how those lessons apply to working with other pets.

Unwinding & Networking

There will be plenty of opportunities to mingle with other delegates and the speakers:

• Friday Night: A casual Cocktail Party (complimentary for those purchasing a 3-day ticket).

• Saturday Night: A Gala Dinner featuring an exclusive Guest Speaker (to be confirmed).

Event at a Glance

• What: Pet Professional Guild of Australia 2026 Conference: Innovate, Educate, Advocate

• When: Friday 11 September to Sunday 13 September 2026

• Where:

  • Friday Workshops: St Ives Showground, Sydney (organised transport from the CBD is provided).

  • Saturday & Sunday Lectures: Rydges World Square, Sydney CBD.

• Full Schedule: ppgaustralia.net.au/Conference/schedule

• Registration: Opening shortly at ppgaustralia.net.au/Conference/Register

Australian Dog Lover Verdict

ADL Verdict: ★★★★★

Whether you are a dog professional aiming to bring the latest science-backed methods to your clients, or a dedicated pet parent dealing with a high-prey-drive or reactive dog, the PPGA 2026 Conference is an essential investment. The rare combination of practical field workshops at St Ives and central CBD lectures makes this the premier educational dog event of the year. Highly recommended.

Victoria Records Nation’s Highest Greyhound Death Toll as Calls Grow for Urgent Inquiry

A devastating update from animal welfare groups reveals 30 Greyhounds have died and more than 1,200 have been injured on Victorian tracks so far this year, sparking urgent demands to end public funding for the industry.

Animal welfare groups and political parties have united in a call for an independent inquiry into Victorian Greyhound racing, following a disturbing surge in track deaths and injuries across the state.

Animals Australia, the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG), the Animal Justice Party, and the Victorian Greens have all expressed deep alarm at ongoing animal welfare failures within the state's racing industry.

The 2026 Toll: Victoria Leads National Casualties

According to recent racing data collated by CPG, 10 Greyhounds have died directly on Victorian tracks in 2026, with a further 20 dogs later dying after sustaining race-related injuries. Seven of these racing deaths occurred in May alone, marking it as the deadliest month so far this year.

CPG states this represents the highest recorded toll nationally, with more than 1,200 Greyhounds sustaining racing-related injuries in Victoria this year.

“An independent parliamentary inquiry into greyhound welfare, regulation and industry oversight in Victoria is urgently needed,” says CPG Victorian Director Steve Cook.

“The inquiry should examine concerns about track safety, euthanasia rates, rehoming shortfalls, participant offences, and a lack of transparency across the industry.”

A Growing Trajectory

The current numbers follow a devastating year for the industry in 2025. CPG data shows that last year, 46 dogs died on Victorian tracks, while another 48 later dying after sustaining serious race-related injuries. More than 3,000 greyhounds were reportedly injured over the same 12-month period.

CPG and partnering animal welfare groups argue that the growing death and injury toll demonstrates that existing regulation has completely failed, and that Victoria can no longer ignore mounting animal welfare concerns surrounding the sport.

Advocacy Groups and MPs Speak Out

Glenys Oogjes – Chief Executive Officer, Animals Australia

“Dog racing is inherently cruel, and it must be phased out. Animals Australia remains deeply concerned about the systemic abuse, overbreeding, isolation, live baiting, unauthorised export, injuries, doping and deaths associated with it.

“GRV’s [Greyhound Racing Victoria] own reports show that injuries and fatalities have continued every year since the last reviews in 2015, and the alleged $3 million ‘emergency payment’ of Victorian taxpayer funds to keep GRV operational is the antithesis to what is needed to move away from this outdated and cruel practice.”

Georgie Purcell MP – Animal Justice Party

“Victoria could save half a billion dollars over ten years if the government stopped funding the continuation of Greyhound racing, which could instead be used for vital services that all Victorians need.

“An inquiry into Greyhound racing will allow us to examine this grubby industry’s ongoing failure to protect the animals it profits from. Anything less from the Allan government is continued complicity in cruelty."

Katherine Copsey MP – Victorian Greens Spokesperson for Animals

“It is despicable that the Labor Government continues to support Greyhound racing, despite the alarming number of greyhound deaths on and off the track. Greyhound racing should have no place in our state and the Victorian Greens call for it to be banned permanently.”

Steve Cook – Victorian Director, Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds

“Victoria leads the country in racing deaths and there has to be an urgent inquiry. Public funding for Greyhound racing must also end. The Australian Greyhound racing industry has shown it cannot reform and there have been systemic failures in animal welfare standards.

This is why it is being phased out in Tasmania and there have been inquiries and reviews in SA, WA, NSW, and Queensland.”

More Information

Figures cited are current to May 2026. Readers interested in following the campaign or learning more about the advocacy groups involved can visit the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG) and Animals Australia.

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Shattering Stereotypes: Meet Frankie, Toby and Sadie

While track statistics paint a grim picture, stories from adoptive families reveal a completely different side to these "long dogs." While every individual dog requires proper assessment, Greyhounds are successfully shattering the misconception that they cannot live alongside other household animals.

Take Frankie from NSW, a gentle rescue Greyhound who peacefully shares his home with a complete menagerie, including cats, rabbits, and a companion rainbow lorikeet. His owner recalls once finding Frankie completely frozen in place, deeply reluctant to move simply because a rescue kitten had nestled warm and fast asleep against his belly.

Frankie isn't an isolated case, either. His fellow housemate Greyhounds, Toby and Sadie, also live in perfect harmony with the same multi-species family, routinely hanging out on the couch with birds like chickens, cockatiels, and their favourite lorikeet.

Toby hangs out with a lorikeet on the couch (left); Frankie loves a bunny cuddle (right)

How to Help: Foster or Adopt a Greyhound

With June marking National Foster a Pet Month, there is no better time to look towards a brighter future for these incredible animals. If you are ready to open your heart and home to a Greyhound, please consider adopting, fostering, or donating through a local independent rescue organisation:

• Greyhound Rescue NSW
• Greyt Greys
• Friends of the Hound
• Galgos del Sol
• Hounds in Homes
• Homeward Bound Hounds
• I Want a Greyhound (IWaG) | Queensland
• Dogs' Homes of Tasmania
• Busselton Greyhound Awareness

The Aussie Postcode Lottery: How Your State and Pet’s Size Dictate Your Next Vet Bill

Following our recent look into how Australian veterinary fees mirror human healthcare costs—and the growing financial stress it is placing on local households—new data has shed light on exactly how much location and breed variables can alter what you pay across the country.

While previous industry studies focused on the overarching "preparedness gap" facing families, a fresh nationwide analysis of over 16,000 insurance quotes and localised veterinary data by Compare the Market reveals a stark reality: pet ownership costs in Australia are heavily influenced by a geographic postcode lottery and the physical size of your animal.

With baseline veterinary fees rarely publicised and the rising cost of living applying constant pressure to domestic budgets, these micro-variables can heavily dictate a household’s financial planning. Understanding how geography, gender, and breed scale influence these numbers is becoming a core component of modern pet parent preparation.

The True Cost of Complex Surgeries

When a pet requires specialised surgical intervention, the final bill is rarely fixed. It depends heavily on the clinic, the localised cost of medical supplies, and the severity of the clinical presentation. A snapshot of specialised and orthopaedic pricing across Australia demonstrates how swiftly an unexpected diagnosis can transform into a major financial crisis.

On average, Australian pet owners are looking at these baseline, indicative costs for major surgical procedures:

• Hip Replacement Surgery: $6,667

• ACL / Cruciate Ligament Repair (including TPLO surgery): $3,533

• Hip Dislocation Treatment: $3,500

• MLP Surgery (Medially luxating patella / kneecap repair): $2,692

• Gastrointestinal Surgery (required to clear an ingested foreign object): $2,620

• Cystotomy (Surgical bladder stone removal): $2,440

• Skin Masses / Cancerous Tumour Removals: $1,380

While comprehensive, early-stage insurance policies typically cover these exact types of major operations, the upfront burden can catch uninsured owners completely off guard.

The Routine Bill: Desexing Costs Across State Borders

While emergency surgeries represent the unexpected side of ownership, routine operations highlight how veterinary costs accumulate in the very early days of bringing a puppy or kitten home. Because desexing is classified as an elective or preventative procedure, it is generally excluded from standard pet insurance policies, meaning the entire financial weight is borne out-of-pocket by the owner.

Pricing fluctuates heavily across state lines. Furthermore, because a female "spey" requires an invasive abdominal surgery that demands more time, monitoring, and surgical resources, it remains significantly more expensive than a male "castration" across all regions:

• New South Wales: Dog castrations range from $380 to $620, while a dog spey can scale from $510 up to a steep $1,070. Cat castrations run between $220 and $282, while a cat spey costs $384 to $630.
• Victoria: Expect to pay between $439 to $690 for a dog castration and $540 to $780 for a dog spey. Male cats average $275, while female cats cost $420.
• South Australia: Dog castrations run from $509 to $625, and dog speys cost $556 to $949. Cat castrations average $178, while a cat spey sits at $405.
• Queensland: Offers a slightly lower entry baseline, with dog castrations at $250 to $610 and dog speys at $300 to $800. Cat castrations range from $140 to $235, and cat speys sit between $180 and $410.
• Western Australia: Dog castrations cost $310 to $520, and dog speys range from $350 to $600. Cat castrations are the lowest in the country at a flat $120, with cat speys at $225.

The National Averages: When averaged across the participating clinics, the baseline cost sits at $512 for a dog castration, $646 for a dog spey, $207 for a cat castration, and $379 for a cat spey.

The Progressive Trap of Dental Disease

Veterinary dental health remains one of the most frequently underestimated maintenance costs. While an early-stage (Grade 1) intervention—which routinely covers a clean, scale, polish, and standard assessment—averages an accessible $622, delaying care causes costs to scale exponentially.

Advanced dental disease routinely requires extensive surgical intervention, complex extractions, and prolonged anaesthesia. Grade 3 to 4 treatments quickly average more than $1,370. In severe, long-term neglected cases, a full-mouth extraction can easily exceed $4,000, depending strictly on the size of the dog and the underlying complexity of the oral damage.

Because standard insurance usually only covers dental work when it is directly caused by a sudden accidental injury, routine dental upkeep is often relegated to a standalone policy add-on.

What is Driving Ongoing Premium Costs?

For those choosing to mitigate these risks with a policy, the data confirms that ongoing premiums are directly tied to two key risk parameters: Geography and Scale.

Nationally, Australians pay an average of $619 a year to insure a cat, compared with $1,192 a year to insure a dog. However, your local postcode plays a heavy role. Western Australia consistently records the highest average premiums across both species, pointing directly to a higher underlying localised cost for veterinary labour and clinical fees. Conversely, Tasmania remains the most affordable state in the country for pet coverage.

Furthermore, premiums scale predictably alongside a dog's physical size, matching the heightened clinical risks associated with larger frames. On average, a toy-sized breed costs roughly $809 per year to insure, whereas a giant breed jumps to $1,456 per year—a significant 40% surge.

Adrian Taylor, Chief Executive of General Insurance at Compare the Market, notes that this pricing curve is simply a reflection of veterinary realities.

"Insurance premiums tend to increase with dog size as larger breeds are more prone to complex medical conditions, requiring longer surgery and specialist care," Taylor says. "On the other hand, smaller dogs tend to experience fewer high-cost surgeries, helping keep premiums lower."

The Responsible Takeaway

Because pre-existing conditions are almost universally excluded from coverage the moment a symptom is formally logged by a vet, industry experts consistently recommend locking in a comprehensive policy early in an animal's life cycle. Securing coverage before health complications develop remains the most definitive way to manage your financial exposure and reduce the out-of-pocket burden when an unexpected veterinary emergency occurs.

With winter now just days away, Australia’s largest not-for-profit animal hospital, Lort Smith, is asking Victorians to come together for their annual winter blanket, towel, and treats drive: Operation Snugglebug.

Every year, more than 20,000 animals depend on the shelter and world-class care provided across Lort Smith's North Melbourne and Campbellfield sites. Because the hospital operates entirely without ongoing government funding, they rely heavily on the extraordinary kindness of the community to keep their paws warm when the temperature drops.

Why Your Old Blankets Matter More Than You Think

While a blanket keeps a pup warm, it also provides vital emotional support. Being in a hospital or shelter environment can feel incredibly overwhelming for a rescue dog or a sick pet.

“Soft, cosy blankets provide a calming sense of security that promotes better sleep and lowers stress," says Lort Smith Spokesperson, Suzana Talevski. 

The hospital goes through hundreds of blankets daily. Because strict hygiene protocols require bedding to be frequently washed, rotated, or safely discarded to prevent the spread of shelter diseases, their supply depletes rapidly.

"We know how much Victorians love their pets," says Ms. Talevski. "The thought of other dogs and cats being in need is something that really does resonate with so many people in our communities. So this year, we are asking everyone to think of us when putting together their winter shopping list."

Meet Detective Pupster Smith! 

To help get the word out, Lort Smith has deployed their finest four-legged investigator: Detective Pupster Smith.

 He is officially on the job this winter, sniffing out all the generous and kind members of the community who are willing to donate to keep shelter animals warm and their tummies full.

How You Can Help Support Operation Snugglebug

If you have spare towels, blankets, or dog treats to give, you can drop them off directly or courier them to either of Lort Smith's Victorian locations:

• North Melbourne: Lort Smith Animal Hospital, 24 Villiers Street, North Melbourne, VIC 3051

• Campbellfield: Campbellfield Clinic and Adoption Centre, 25-35 Berwick Road, Campbellfield, VIC 3061

⚠️ Before you donate: To ensure your items can be safely used by the hospital, please check their official guidelines. For a full list of what they can and cannot accept this winter, visit the Lort Smith In-Kind Donations Page.

❄️ Essential Winter Reading & Giveaways

Looking for more ways to keep your four-legged family members safe, healthy, and cosy as the temperature drops? Check out our latest winter guides:

• Is Your Winter Comfort Food Toxic to Your Dog? – Hidden roast, casserole, and leftover dangers to avoid in the kitchen this season.

• Winter Health Risks for Senior Pets – How to recognise signs of arthritis pain and Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) during the colder months.

• The Ultimate Winter Warmers Guide for Aussie Dogs – Our curated line-up of the best local coats, cosy pyjamas, and supportive beds for winter.

• WIN: 1 of 4 Winter Pet-Mat™ Heated Pads – Enter our popular winter giveaway to score an energy-efficient, touch-activated heating pad for your pup!