How to Keep Aussie Dogs Safe This Christmas Season

by Dr. Claire Jenkins, Founder and CEO at VetChat

The Australian Christmas season is a magical time of celebration, good food, and time spent with loved ones—including our four-legged family members. But while the holidays feel joyous to us, they can bring a surprising number of risks for dogs.

From tempting fatty leftovers to glittering hazards and the unique challenge of summer heat, the festive environment is full of potential dangers. Many pet owners don't realise these could send their beloved companion to an emergency vet.

The good news is that most Christmas-related incidents are entirely preventable. By understanding the most common hazards and taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure your dog enjoys a happy, safe festive season alongside the rest of the family.

Festive Foods: The Hidden Dangers in Your Feast

Chocolate may be the most widely known danger, but it’s far from the only festive food that can harm dogs.

Toxic Ingredients to Strictly Avoid

These foods contain ingredients that can lead to severe illness or be life-threatening:

❌ Grapes & Raisins: Found in Christmas pudding and fruit platters. These can cause severe kidney failure.

❌ Chocolate: Contains the stimulant theobromine, which is toxic.

❌ Xylitol (Birch Sugar): Found in many sugar-free treats and baked goods. This sweetener is highly toxic, causing rapid insulin release and life-threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

❌ Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, vomiting, and tremors.

❌ Cooked Bones: They splinter easily, causing severe damage, intestinal blockages, or constipation requiring surgery.

Rich Foods That Cause Painful Illness

Many classic Christmas dishes are simply too rich or fatty for a dog's digestive system.

Rich ingredients like ham, turkey skin, gravy, sausages, cheese boards, and fatty meats can trigger pancreatitis—a painful and sometimes serious inflammation of the pancreas.

Even a small amount of rich or fatty food can cause problems in sensitive dogs.

Safe Alternatives for the Dinner Table

If you'd like your dog to feel included, offer safe, healthy alternatives:

✔️ Plain, unseasoned chicken or turkey (without skin or bones)

✔️ Carrot sticks

✔️ Apple slices (seeds removed)

✔️ Blueberries

✔️ High-quality dog treats

Friendly Reminder: Be vigilant and remind guests not to slip your dog snacks under the table, no matter how compelling those puppy-dog eyes can be.

Decorations & Plants: Chewing Hazards

Christmas decorations are often irresistible to curious dogs. Take these precautions to keep your home safe and festive:

Hazard Prevention Checklist

1. Tinsel, Ribbons, String, and Bows:

❌ Risk: If swallowed, these linear materials can cause severe intestinal blockages that usually require emergency surgery.

✔️ Action: Clean up wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows immediately. Place tinsel high up, or avoid it altogether.

2. Fragile Ornaments:

❌ Risk: Glass baubles can shatter into sharp pieces, causing cuts or internal injury if ingested.

✔️ Action: Use shatterproof decorations on lower branches. Place fragile, sentimental ornaments higher up.

3. Fairy Lights & Electrical Cords:

❌ Risk: Tempting to chew and can cause burns or electrocution.

✔️ Action: Tuck away electrical cords with covers or cable guards.

4. Toxic Holiday Plants:

❌ Risk: Lilies, mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias are all toxic if ingested.

✔️ Action: Place holiday plants strictly out of reach.

5. Christmas Tree Water:

❌ Risk: Can contain preservatives or fertilisers that may make dogs unwell.

✔️ Action: Securely cover or block access to the tree water stand.

Tree Safety Pro-Tip: Secure your Christmas tree to the wall or ceiling to prevent it from toppling, and consider a barrier or exercise pen around the base to deter enthusiastic explorers.

Gift Wrapping & Packaging Hazards

The textures and smells of gift wrapping are often irresistible, and accidents frequently peak on Christmas morning amidst the excitement and mess.

Post-Unwrapping Dangers

• Packaging Waste: This includes small items like silica gel packets (desiccants) found in new product packaging, which can cause gastrointestinal upset or blockages if swallowed.

• Wrapped Food Gifts: A determined dog can sniff out and tear open any gift containing food, chocolate, or scented items in seconds, leading to toxicity or overindulgence.

 Action Steps

✅ Clean up paper and waste immediately as gifts are opened.

✅ Avoid leaving food-containing or scented gifts under the tree, especially overnight.

✅ Ensure all ribbons, bows, and string (which pose a linear obstruction risk) are cleared away instantly.

Managing the Australian Summer Heat

An Australian Christmas often means warm, humid weather. Heat stress is one of the most common summertime emergencies and demands vigilance.

Dogs don’t sweat like humans and rely on panting to cool themselves, which becomes ineffective in extreme heat. Flat-faced breeds, older dogs, and overweight pets are especially vulnerable. You can read more about the signs and prevention of heatstroke in dogs here.

Essential Heat Safety Checks

1. Water & Shade: Always ensure your dog has unlimited access to shade and fresh, cool water.

2. Timing Walks: Avoid exercising or walking your dog during the hottest part of the day (usually 10 am–4 pm).

3. Hot Surfaces: Remember that footpaths, sand, and asphalt can get hot enough to seriously burn paws. Test the surface with the back of your hand; if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for their paws.

Watch for Signs of Heatstroke (Act Urgently!)

If you suspect heatstroke, act urgently. Signs include:

• Excessive panting and drooling

• Bright red or pale gums

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Wobbliness, staggering, or collapse

Immediate Action: Begin cooling your dog immediately with cool (not icy) water or damp towels, and seek veterinary care urgently.

Prepare for Emergencies, Just in Case

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Pre-planning saves valuable time, money, and stress during the busiest season of the year.

Emergency Preparation Steps

✔️ Locate Emergency Vet: Research your nearest 24-hour emergency vet and save the number now.

✔️ Consider Telehealth: Given that recent studies show 1 in 6 Australian pet owners are skipping essential vet visits due to cost, using veterinary telehealth can be an affordable and stress-reducing first step.

For less urgent concerns, or when you’re unsure if a situation warrants an emergency visit, veterinary telehealth (like VetChat) can be invaluable.

Case Study: Ollie the Border Collie 

Last Christmas, VetChat helped a distressed owner whose 31kg border collie, Ollie, had stolen approximately six chocolate M&Ms and a few Maltesers from under the tree.

Within minutes, a vet was able to reassure them that at Ollie's size, he ingested well under the toxic threshold. The owner was advised to simply monitor for any unusual symptoms and enjoy the rest of their Christmas, avoiding an expensive and stressful emergency vet visit on Christmas Day.

A little planning and awareness this Christmas can make all the difference, ensuring your dog enjoys a safe, happy holiday season alongside the whole family!

About VetChat

VetChat is Australia’s leading veterinary telehealth provider, offering fast, affordable online consultations with qualified vets. With a focus on accessibility and peace of mind, VetChat provides general advice and triage services that complement in-person vet care. Last year, VetChat delivered more than 63,000 consultations, with 90% of pet owners connecting to a vet in under two minutes, achieving a 95% satisfaction score.

For more information, visit www.vetchat.com.au.

Connect with VetChat on Social Media:

• Facebook: @VetChat

• Instagram: @vetchataustralia

Before You Fly Virgin: 6 Essential Checks for Your Dog's Safety

As Virgin Australia launches the country’s first-ever “Pets in Cabin” cross-country service, animal travel experts are urging owners to ask themselves six crucial questions before flying with any pet.

The introduction of Virgin Australia’s new service has created a wave of excitement across our Australian dog-loving community, signifying a major shift in how we travel with our beloved companions.

But while the shift to in-cabin travel offers huge benefits for pet wellbeing, proper preparation is essential to ensure a smooth journey for everyone on board.

Joanna Maddison, founder of leading pet airline SKYE PETS, says the new era of pet air travel is welcome, but owners must understand the finer details of health, documentation, and stress management.

“With proper preparation and calm, confident handling, in-cabin travel can be a game changer for pet wellbeing,” she says. “But owners must understand what’s really required to make it safe.”

Here are the six crucial things every pet owner should check before taking to the skies with their dog.

1. Does Your Pet Require a ‘Fit to Fly’ Certificate?

While not always mandatory for in-cabin domestic flights, checking your pet’s overall health is the first step. According to Maddison, certain tell-tale signs can reveal whether a pet might struggle in the air.

• Snoring/Panting: “Pets that snore heavily, pant constantly, or overheat easily may have airway issues that make air travel unsafe,” she notes.

• Existing Conditions: Senior animals and pets with existing health concerns, such as heart disease, respiratory issues, or mobility limitations, may tire more easily or become disoriented during travel.

Maddison emphasizes the benefit of in-cabin flights: "In-cabin flights are recommended, as they allow owners to administer medication, monitor their pet’s wellbeing, and provide reassurance throughout the journey." She advises that in some cases, a pre-flight veterinary “fit to fly” certificate may be required to confirm your pet is healthy enough to travel safely.

2. Do You Have a Breed That Has Special In-Cabin Requirements?

Specialised Comfort: As an expert in pet travel,
SKYE PETS ensures dogs like Lola receive
optimal comfort in dedicated travel areas. 

Not all breeds adapt equally well to air travel. Snub-nosed (Brachycephalic) breeds, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats, face greater challenges due to their unique anatomy.

Maddison cautions that their shortened airways make breathing less efficient, especially in pressurised environments. Even mild stress or excitement can quickly lead to laboured breathing or overheating.

“Dogs cool themselves primarily through panting, and snub-nosed breeds are less efficient at this,” Maddison explains. “Maintaining airflow and hydration is vital to prevent overheating.”

These breeds require extra care and should be kept cool, calm, and closely monitored throughout the journey.

3. Do You Know How to Mitigate Pet Jet Lag?

It’s not just humans who feel the effects of crossing time zones—pets can experience jet lag, too.

“Their internal clocks are guided by daylight, mealtimes, and sleep cycles, so crossing multiple time zones can confuse their rhythm,” Maddison says. This can manifest as restlessness at night, tiredness during the day, or a temporary loss of appetite. (Most adjust within a few days.)

To support your pet, Maddison suggests a simple trick:

“Before travelling, sleep with your pet’s blanket or toy for a few nights so it carries your scent. Place it in their crate during the flight; the familiar smell provides comfort and reassurance, especially during take-off and landing.”

Mid-flight shut-eye achieved! Passengers Russell and Anita demonstrate the perfect outcome, as their dogs rest soundly, tucked into beds with blankets in the SKYE PETS cabin.

4. Have You Planned a Pre-Flight Meal Plan?

For a smooth journey, careful timing for pre-flight meals is essential to avoid nausea and vomiting.

• The Golden Window: “Offer the last full meal 6–8 hours before departure to allow digestion and reduce nausea or bloating,” Maddison advises.

• The Cut-Off: Avoid feeding within two hours of departure to minimise discomfort and risk of vomiting.

Tip: Stick with your pet’s regular food, or for sensitive stomachs, a small portion of boiled chicken or white fish with plain rice works well. Also, ensure your pet is hydrated before departure, as cabin air is very dry.

5. Can You Keep Your Anxious-Flyer Calm?

If your pet is generally anxious (startles easily, hides during thunderstorms), the constant background noise and motion of an aircraft can be stressful. The good news is, your presence can make all the difference.

“Pets mirror their owners’ emotions,” says Maddison. “Remaining calm, moving slowly, and speaking softly tells them everything is safe. Your energy directly influences theirs.”

Preparation helps: use crate familiarisation training and bring familiar bedding along. Cabin companionship is key to reducing stress for anxious flyers.

6. Do You Have The Essentials Packed?

To ensure the flight is seamless and hygienic for your pet and the surrounding passengers, pack your pets' must-haves.

“Absorbent pads, thick quilted liners, and multi-purpose bedding make a huge difference,” Maddison says. These essentials aid with comfort, hygiene, and temperature regulation, and are invaluable for any journey—no matter how short.

Ready for Your Next Pet Journey?

With the right preparation, the new in-cabin services make domestic travel simpler and less stressful for Australian pet owners than ever before. It's a welcome change that puts your dog's comfort first.

However, if you are an Australian dog lover thinking of moving overseas for a job or adventure, remember that bringing your pet back home is an entirely different journey. Australia maintains some of the world's most rigorous import rules, demanding months of careful planning, testing, and quarantine.

Before you book a life abroad, understand the commitment required to ensure your beloved companion can return to Australian shores safely.

Read the full story and prepare for the ultimate challenge:

Australia: The World's Toughest Pet Border (And How to Get Your Dog Home)

About SKYE PETS

SKYE PETS was founded in 2021 after we struggled to find a safe and humane way to relocate our three Siberian Huskies internationally, without putting them in the cargo hold. When we realised no such option existed, we created one. What began as a personal solution quickly revealed a larger need, as many other families were searching for the same alternative.

There are countless reasons why pets cannot travel in the cargo hold, not just because they deserve a more humane experience, but due to real limitations like breed restrictions, age, health conditions, and anxiety. We knew there had to be a better way.

Sources and Context

This article references the current Virgin Australia “Pets in Cabin” trial, which launched in October 2025 and operates between Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, under a regulatory exemption from the Food Standards Code.

Source Information: Virgin Australia Newsroom

Flat-Faced Favourite Breeds Drive a Global Welfare Crisis

A landmark study from the UK’s Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has delivered a sobering look into the true cost of owning a French Bulldog, revealing a startling 2075% increase in soft-tissue surgical referrals for the breed over a decade.

The research, which analysed data from the RVC’s Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (QMHA) in London, found that the massive surge was overwhelmingly driven by the need for complex, costly surgeries to address severe breathing problems associated with their deliberately flat faces.

While the data comes from a prominent UK institution, the RVC's findings serve as a powerful and urgent warning for Australian Dog Lover readers who have embraced the French Bulldog and other flat-faced, or 'brachycephalic,' breeds like the Pug and British Bulldog.

The Startling Numbers: A Crisis in the Making

The research, led by Dr. Alex Currie, compared surgical logs from 2008 to 2018 and painted a stark picture of shifting veterinary needs:

• French Bulldog Referrals: A staggering 2075% rise in referrals for soft-tissue surgery.

• Total BOAS Surgeries: Procedures for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)—the serious breathing condition affecting flat-faced dogs—rose by 1813% (from 16 surgeries in 2008 to 131 in 2018).

• Frenchie Dominance: By 2018, French Bulldogs accounted for almost half (45% ) of all BOAS surgeries performed.

• Young Patients: The median age for referred French Bulldogs was shockingly low at just 26 months, suggesting a short lifespan linked to chronic health issues and a high demand for young dogs with health problems.

Dr. Alex Currie, former RVC intern and lead author, summarised the findings: “These findings demonstrate the welfare cost associated with flat-faced dogs, in addition to the financial and emotional toll on owners of managing the health needs of such breeds.”

What is BOAS and Why Does it Require Surgery?

The appeal of a short muzzle and large eyes often overshadows the severe health consequences for these dogs. BOAS results from the deliberate breeding of dogs to have compressed skull structures, leading to:

• Difficult Breathing: Inability to easily draw in air.

• Heat Intolerance: Inability to pant effectively and cool themselves.

• Sleep Problems: Disrupted sleep and chronic fatigue.

Procedures like widening the nostrils, removing excess soft palate tissue, and correcting narrowed windpipes are often essential for these dogs to breathe comfortably, but they are invasive, complex, and carry a high BOAS surgery cost.

The Australian Connection: A Warning for Owners

In Australia, the popularity of the French Bulldog has skyrocketed, making this research highly relevant. As Professor Dan O’Neill, co-author of the study, notes:

“These findings show the huge cost that dogs are paying for our human desire to own dogs that no longer look like natural dogs.”

 “It is time for humanity to put the welfare needs of the dog ahead of our whims to own extreme and non-natural shaped animals, and to return to seeing the natural canine body shape as a thing of beauty.”

This statement is a powerful call-to-action for the Australian dog community. Owners must be prepared for the potential emotional, time, and financial strain that comes with managing a brachycephalic dog's chronic health issues.

Informing the Future of Veterinary Care

The study also highlighted the importance of using administrative data, like surgical logs, to inform veterinary resource planning. The massive shifts in breed popularity are directly driving new requirements for specialist expertise, specific facilities, and equipment.

Professor Dan Brockman, Professor of Small Animal Surgery at the RVC, said: "It is impossible to ignore the dominant, stark and devastating finding that human “preference” is creating a welfare catastrophe before our eyes and 'on our watch.' I concur entirely with Professor O’Neill, it is time for this to stop.”

What Can Australian Dog Lovers Do?

• Prioritise Health Over Aesthetics: When considering a brachycephalic breed, research ethical breeders who prioritise health screening and breeding away from extreme features. Look for breeders who use BOAS testing schemes.

• Pet Insurance is Essential: Given the high risk of needing specialist, complex surgery at a young age, comprehensive pet insurance is crucial for these breeds.

• Support Welfare Campaigns: Support groups and campaigns in Australia that advocate for improved breeding standards and better health outcomes for flat-faced dogs.

Reference:

Currie A.J., O’Neill D.G. & Brockman, D. (2025). ‘Lessons from changing soft tissue surgical referral trends for cats and dogs in a UK veterinary university teaching hospital between 2008 and 2018’ Companion Animal Health and Genetics [https://doi.org/10.1186/s40575-025-00147-w.]

About the Research Source:

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is the UK's largest and longest established independent veterinary school and a Member Institution of the University of London. The RVC is consistently ranked as one of the top veterinary schools in the world (QS World University Rankings by subject, 2025).

The RVC is one of the few veterinary schools globally to hold accreditations from major bodies, including the Australian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) for Australasia, giving its research immediate relevance to Australian veterinary standards and practices. The College is a leading research-led institution, providing expert veterinary care through its teaching hospitals in the UK.

For more information, visit the RVC website.

Discover SafetyNet PetAssist™: Protecting the Dog-Owner Bond

The bond between an owner and their dog is often profound—a source of comfort, stability, and unconditional love, often proving to be a true lifeline in difficult times. 

But what happens when the unexpected cost of emergency or palliative care threatens that very relationship? For vulnerable Australians, the financial barrier to accessing timely veterinary support is a harsh and growing reality that can force owners into heart-breaking choices.

With animal shelters across NSW and the Hunter region facing a growing "rehoming crisis" [1], with economic hardship cited as a major reason for relinquishing a pet, the need for proactive support has never been greater. Without access to affordable care, pets can be left untreated, surrendered, or denied a peaceful end. Studies show that providing affordable veterinary care to low-socioeconomic companion animal owners increases the number of veterinary visits for both disease/injury and wellness [2].

One innovative Australian program, SafetyNet PetAssist™, is stepping up to fundamentally change this landscape.[1] By providing an immediate safety net, the initiative is ensuring that a pet's health and life aren't determined by their owner's bank balance.

A Collaborative Solution for Equitable Care

SafetyNet PetAssist™ was co-built by major industry partners—PetSure, VetChat, and VetPartners—to create a system that addresses the two primary barriers to care: cost and accessibility.[2] The program targets pet owners most vulnerable to rising costs, including people living with disabilities, jobseekers, pensioners, and families in financial hardship.

The initiative provides eligible pet owners with a two-part support system:

• Free 24/7 Vet Telehealth: Accessible online consultations via VetChat to get expert advice, overcoming geographic, mobility, and immediate cost barriers.[3]

• Subsidised Urgent In-Clinic Care: Assistance with out-of-pocket costs for urgent in-clinic treatment at participating VetPartners clinics and out-of-hours emergency care at facilities like the Animal Referral and Emergency Centre (AREC).

Dr Simone Maher, Chief Veterinary Officer of SafetyNet PetAssist™, highlighted the difficult reality faced by many households:

“In a tight household budget, pet medical care can be the expense that forces impossible choices.”

Major Impact and Early Success in NSW

The program’s impact in its initial launch areas of the NSW Central Coast, Newcastle, and Hunter precincts has been significant. Since launching in late 2024, the program has provided over $230,000 in veterinary support and helped over 300 pets.

Most critically, the program has saved 29 pets from economic euthanasia—the tragic decision to end a pet's life solely because the owner cannot afford the necessary medical intervention. This demonstrates the immediate life-saving role the program is playing in the community.

The program is also working closely with over 45 local community support services to increase awareness among clients who need it most.

Early data shows that the support is being directed toward acute, urgent care. The top five conditions treated under the SafetyNet PetAssist™ program are:

Pet Health Condition                             Percentage of Cases

Gastrointestinal                                        18%
Wound or Laceration                               12%
Neoplasia (Tumours)                                 9%
Dental or Oral Issue                                   7%
Acute Limping/Lameness                         6%

Case Study: The Best Goodbye – Sasha and Ben’s Story

Any pet parent will tell you pets imprint their shape on your heart. We know they're not in our lives forever, and the hope of every owner is a peaceful end full of love and care. For Ben, that outcome was made possible.

Sasha, a loyal English Staffy, had been Ben's companion for 12 years. 

"She was my girl, my shadow, my rock," Ben says. 

Through every high and low, Sasha was his one constant soul.

When Ben lost his job, he quickly found himself in major financial hardship. Soon after, Sasha’s health began to decline. "Her breathing changed, she started drinking constantly," he recalls. "The worst part was that I knew something was wrong, but I couldn’t afford a vet."

Desperate and feeling like he was failing her, Ben discovered SafetyNet PetAssist. He was put in touch with a vet who directed him to New Lambton Veterinary Clinic. Staff suspected Cushing’s disease, a life-long condition, but obtaining a confirmed diagnosis and planning ongoing care was prohibitively expensive.

"The vet explained Sasha was eating fine, she had energy and she wasn't in pain," Ben says. "Ultimately, I knew I’d have to say goodbye before long, but I had no idea when that would be."

A Critical Night

The end arrived with shocking speed. One week, Sasha’s condition worsened considerably: "She wouldn’t eat, she started stumbling. She was confused and sad. I was watching her suffer and I couldn’t bear it."

Ben was sure his initial SafetyNet PetAssist coverage had expired, but upon logging in, he found he was able to extend his access. "It was nearly 3am, but I didn’t care," he says. "I hit the video call button, praying for an answer."

Within 10 minutes, a vet called back and organised an urgent consultation at AREC in Broadmeadow. 

"That moment gave me hope in one of the darkest nights of my life."

The Hardest Decision

At the clinic the next morning, tests confirmed Ben's worst fears: Sasha had a critical mix of conditions, including Pancreatitis, Diabetes, Anaemia, and a severe infection, compounding the suspected Cushing's. Extended hospitalisation and intensive care were required, funds that were far beyond Ben's means.

The vets suggested the kindest act would be to let Sasha go. "I broke. I completely broke," Ben remembers. "I told her she was a good girl, that I’ll always love her and that I hoped she’d forgive me. And then she was gone.”

It was thanks to SafetyNet PetAssist that Sasha wasn't alone at the end. The program covered $2,234.17 for Sasha’s treatment, including all telehealth and in-clinic consults, tests, and the final euthanasia.

“She didn’t suffer in pain and confusion. She was safe, warm and loved. I had the chance to say goodbye properly, which means everything to me. It was a way for me to be the kind of owner she deserved, right to the end.”

Expanding the Safety Net to Tasmania

Building on the life-saving success in NSW, SafetyNet PetAssist™ announced a significant expansion, launching in Tasmania in October 2025. [4] This move brings the program to a state where PetSure analysis indicates approximately 113,000 residents are pet parents [3], and nearly 29 per cent hold concession cards [4], highlighting the significant, unmet demand for accessible veterinary support.

The expansion involves six participating VetPartner clinics across the state, including Launceston Veterinary Hospital and VetCentre New Norfolk.

Teamwork in Tasmania: SafetyNet PetAssist Partners at Spreyton Veterinary Services.

Dr. Claire Jenkins, Founder of VetChat, emphasised the importance of accessible, immediate advice, particularly in remote areas. "The telehealth component of the program will help break down geographical and mobility barriers in helping vulnerable pet parents in these areas access timely care for their pets."

Dan Wiggins, VetPartners Regional Manager – Tasmania, also welcomed the program. “We believe that limited financial resources should never be a barrier to experiencing the love, joy, and companionship that pets bring. By removing some of the financial barriers to care, we’re helping to keep families and their beloved pets together, where they belong.”

The program’s journey is not just about saving pets; it's also about supporting the people who love them. The University of Sydney and the Black Dog Institute are undertaking a study into the program's effects on the well-being of the pet owners themselves.

SafetyNet PetAssist™ is a powerful demonstration of how collaboration can create systemic change, ensuring that the unique bond between an owner and their pet is protected, even when life presents the toughest financial challenges.

Is Your Pet Eligible for Help?

If you are a cat or dog owner in the Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter regions, or Tasmania, are experiencing financial hardship, receiving Centrelink benefits, and your pet needs urgent veterinary care, you may be eligible for support.

Visit the SafetyNet PetAssist™ website to find out more and access support:
petsafetynet.com.au

Sources

[1] Newcastle Herald article, “Pet surrenders growing as inquiry details ‘rehoming crisis’” (December 2024).

[2] Mueller, M.K.; Chubb, S.; Wolfus, G.; McCobb, E. Assessment of canine health and preventative care outcomes of a community medicine program. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 2018, 157, 44–49.

[3] PetSure population analysis based on Animal Medicines Australia, “Pets in Australia” report 2025 data and ABS Census Data 2021

[4] DSS Benefit and Payment Recipient Demographics – quarterly data to June 2025.

Celebrating the True-Blue Aussie Spirit: Courage, Love, and Fur-iendship

At Puppy Tales, the team believes there’s a hero hiding in plain sight—and they often have four paws and a wet nose.

Just look at Elle, the remarkable 2025 Australian Dog of the Year. This deaf rescue dog communicates through sign language and spreads joy by supporting school children facing anxiety and behavioural challenges. 

As her owner, Robyn Adair, shares, Elle is "even part of the school staff photo, a testament to the incredible difference she’s made in her community.”

It’s these inspiring, life-changing companions who are the reason Puppy Tales is once again proud to launch the search for the 2026 Australian Dog of the Year!

Sniffing Out the True-Blue Heroes

Now in its sixth year, the Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Awards aim to sniff out the doggo who best embodies the true-blue Aussie spirit of love, courage, inspiration, assistance, and fur-iendship. The winners will be unleashed on Australia Day, 26 January 2026.

The Awards are inspired by the incredible dogs Kerry Martin, award-winning pet photographer, author, and founder of Puppy Tales, has met and photographed across the country. Canine companions are as diverse as Australia itself—from therapy and assistance dogs to hard-working farm dogs, conservation heroes, and the fearless hounds in rescue teams, the military, and the police force.

Kerry explains why these awards are so vital:

“They awards are about shining a national spotlight on the often-unsung heroes making a paws-itive difference every day, whether in homes, schools, hospitals and communities across the country, often without asking for anything in return.”

Does Your Dog Deserve to be Crowned?

Every dog is a hero in its own way—and ALL are encouraged to enter!

If a dog represents the true spirit of Australia by being courageous, loving, or in any way amazing, their story deserves to be celebrated.

“Whether they’ve saved lives, supported their humans through challenges or simply brought joy and comfort to those around them, every dog’s story deserves to be celebrated,” says Kerry. 

Puppy Tales wants to hear about the pooches who’ve gone above and beyond, including:

• Guide dogs, hearing dogs, and assistance dogs

• Therapy dogs visiting hospitals, aged care, or schools

• Dogs involved in reading programs or providing support in classrooms

• Wildlife detection, conservation, or protection dogs

• Police, military, and other service dogs

• The loyal best friend who helped a human through a tough time

Nominate them now for a chance to win fabulous prizes and treat them like the royalty they are!

🎁 $20,000 in Prizes & Giving Back

The Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year 2026 winners, nominees, and voters will share in prizes worth $20,000!

The celebration isn’t just about treating dogs; it's about giving back to the wider community.

“The Puppy Tales Australian Dog of the Year Award not only celebrates our incredible canine companions but also gives back,” says Kerry. 

“Puppy Tales will make a generous donation to the winner’s preferred charity, recognising the vital work they do in communities across the country, particularly in these challenging times.”

Meet the Judges

This year’s awards will also feature a special judging panel, including Elle’s human, Robyn Adair, Agnes Beugnon, publisher of the Australian Dog Lover website & digital magazine, with additional surprise judges to be announced. Keep your paws on the Australian Dog of the Year website for updates!

Prizes for Winners and Voters

Here is a breakdown of what the top dogs and lucky voters can fetch:

The 2025 Australian Dog of the Year, Elle. This amazing deaf rescue Border Collie is a school therapy dog who inspires resilience wherever she goes. Photo: Puppy Tales Photography.

• Winner

✔️ $1,000 Donation to Charity / NFP of their Choice
✔️ Photography Session & 'The Bailey' Collection from Puppy Tales (minimum value $4,000)
✔️ Personalised trophy of the winning dog (value $300)
✔️ Media Campaign with Pet Journo announcing your title to the Australian Media
✔️ $250 Pet Circle Gift Card

• People's Choice

✔️ $250 Donation to Charity / NFP of their Choice
✔️ Photography Session and Large Canvas from Puppy Tales (Value $1,250)
✔️ Media Campaign with Pet Journo announcing your title to the Australian Media
✔️ $100 Pet Circle Gift Card

Bear, the 2025 ARAS Medal winner. This incredible Border Collie x Koolie rescue dog saved over 100 koalas as a conservation detection dog. Photo: Puppy Tales Photography.

• The ARAS (All Rescues Are Special) Medal - Sponsored by The Saltiest Dog

✔️ $250 Donation to Charity/NFP of their Choice
✔️ Photography Session and Large Canvas from Puppy Tales (Value $1250)
✔️ Media Campaign with Pet Journo announcing your title to the Australian Media
✔️ $100 The Saltiest Dog Gift Card

• Nominee Prize Draw (x10)

✔️ $450 Puppy Tales Photography Gift Card

• Voters in the People's Choice Prize Draw (x10)

✔️ $450 Puppy Tales Photography Gift Card

Weekly Bonus: Random Prize Draws

To add an extra wag to the celebrations, everyone who nominates a dog has the chance to fetch a weekly prize! For five weeks from 24 November, all valid nominations will go into the draw to win one of 5 x $200 gift cards for Golden BARKery Treats.

The gift cards are a generous gift on behalf of Sunday the Rottweiler, winner of the 2025 Paws-itive Change Award.

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 Important Dates to Remember

• Nomination deadline: 8pm on Monday, 12 January 2026

• Finalists announced: Wednesday, 14 January 2026

• People's Choice Voting: Commences January 14 and closes at 12pm on Friday, 23 January 2026.

• Winners Announced: Australia Day (Monday, 26 January 2026) on Puppy Tales’ Facebook page.

Photo Credit (all): Puppy Tales Photography

About Kerry Martin & Puppy Tales

Photodography™ you'll adore | Pet Travel & Adventures you'll Dig

Kerry Martin, founder of Puppy Tales, helps and inspires pet parents to create incredible memories with their dogs. As the founder of the Australian Dog of the Year Awards, which recognise the essential contributions of dogs, Kerry is known nationally for her award-winning work.

Based in Melbourne, Kerry travels Australia offering her photography. She was the only Australian winner in the 2024 International Pet Photography Awards and holds titles including Master of Photography. Her recognised seasonal work includes Snow Dogs and her Project Dogalogue.

Travelling with her own dogs, Keiko and Summer, Kerry creates content for the Puppy Tales website and social media community (over 500,000). She promotes dog-inclusive activities, shares travel and health resources, and recounts heartfelt dog stories, all supported by her stunning photography.

Puppy Tales is a carbon negative business for good with a mission to make a paw-sitive difference, supporting local organisations and contributing to global efforts to protect the planet and wildlife.

To discover more, visit https://puppytales.com.au