The Ultimate Pet Day Out: Sydney's Santa Paws Aims High to Rescue More Animals

Mark your calendars, Sydney dog lovers! The city's biggest day out for pets and their humans, Santa Paws, is back to turn Centennial Park into a vibrant, tail-wagging paradise.

This incredible event is dedicated to raising crucial funds for animal rescue charities across NSW. 

Hosted by non-profit Ozzie Tails of Hope Ltd and founded by local real estate agent Kiki Bermudez, Santa Paws last year raised nearly $70,000—and this year, the goal is even higher!

Paw-ty Time: When & Where

• Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025

• Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

• Location: Centennial Park Dog Park – Federation Valley (Corner Grand Drive and Loch Avenue)

• Entry: Free! (Activity spots can be pre-booked from $40.)

• Bookings: Visit santapaws.net.au/tickets to secure your spots for photos, workshops, and competitions.

Want to see the pure chaos and fun of the day? Get a sneak peek at the incredible action, cuddles, and crowd-pleasing Dachshund Dash from last year’s event in the video below!

Competitions and Fun for the Whole Family

The event is packed with activities for dogs, cats, and their human companions. Make sure to bring your best behaviour (and treats!) for these highlights:

A rescue dog celebrating
the festive season

• Santa Photos: Get your festive portraits taken with the big man himself.

• The Dachshund Dash: Come cheer on or race in the chaotic, crowd-favourite event.

• Strike-A-Paws: Dress up your pup for the ultimate dog fashion show.

• Waggiest Tail & Best Dog Tricks (with treats): Time to show off your dog’s finest talents.

• Shop & Eat: Browse the retail stalls, adoption services, and local food trucks. Don't forget the Raffle & Silent Auction for amazing prizes!

Expert Pet Wellness Consultations

Looking to level up your pet care? 

This is your chance to access top-tier pet professionals without the usual hassle. Activity spots, including these consultations, start from $40 and book out fast.

• Holistic Health: Dr. Caroline Kim will demonstrate the benefits of Kinesiology as a complementary treatment.

• Eye Care: Specialist veterinary ophthalmologists from Eye Clinic for Animals will provide comprehensive eye examinations.

• Pet Communication: Join Animal Talk for an intuitive communication session to explore your pet’s thoughts and needs.

• Rehab & Fitness: Blue Mountains Animal Rehabilitation Centre will lead small-group canine rehabilitation workshops.

• Health & Nutrition: Book a one-on-one session with a vet from Vet HQ for a dental check-up and personalised advice.

• Behaviour: Bark Busters will host small-group puppy workshops.

• Q&A & First Aid: An open session with SASH Vets covering animal first aid and answering your questions.

Find Your Forever Friend

A group of Santa Paws volunteers holding one of the puppies available for adoption

If you’re looking to add a new furry face to your family, you’re in the right place! 

Denise at Paws and Pound Rescue will have puppies and pooches for adoption, and for kittens galore you can visit our Kitten Wonderland by Kittie Kat Rescue.

Every dollar raised goes directly to supporting animal rescue efforts, ensuring every pet receives the chance it deserves to be adopted. We can’t wait to see you there for this wag-tastic day!

About Ozzie Tails of Hope:

Santa Paws is a community fundraising event held in Sydney’s Centennial Park, created to raise awareness about the plight of homeless animals to a large audience and provide our community the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of rescue animals in need.

By advocating for stronger protections for animals, our ultimate goal is to create a world where all animals are treated with compassion, respect, and dignity.

All funds raised will go to providing support to animal rescue which focuses on making a difference and ensuring every pet gets the chance it deserves to be adopted.

Get Ready to Howl! Australia's Biggest Dog Halloween Party is Back in Port Melbourne

Port Melbourne, get ready to unleash the fun! Australia's original and biggest dog HOWL-O-WEEN party is returning to the bayside suburb on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The streets of Port Melbourne will be absolutely alight with furry friends and their owners for a day of spooky surprises and family fun.

Dog lovers across Australia are invited to dress their beloved pooches in the most scariest, wackiest, and paws-itively adorable costumes they can imagine for the annual celebration.

The Spooktacular Day's Agenda

The festivities kick off at 10 am and run until 3 pm along Bay Street, Port Melbourne.

The main event is the hugely popular, spooktacular Annual Doggie Parade which steps off at 11 am down Bay Street. 

If the revamped event in 2024 is anything to go by, this year is set to be bigger than ever! 

Last year’s HOWL-O-WEEN Paw Parade attracted more than 500 costumed pooches and their owners as they took part in Australia’s biggest Doggie Trick or Treat.

Beyond the parade, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family, including:

• FREE Face Painting

• Kids Activities

• Trick or Treat Trail

It’s an awesome op-paw-tunity to bond with your best mate and make some new lifetime pals in the process!

Why Port Melbourne is the Paw-fect Location

"It's fitting that Port Melbourne hosts the annual Howl-o-ween Day," says Mike Stevens, President of the Port Melbourne Business Association. "Melbourne is known as the most pet-friendly city in Australia, and the country itself has one of the highest rates of pet ownership worldwide, with 29 million domestic pets in Australian homes."

Port Melbourne is an ideal spot for dog owners, boasting eight off-lead dog parks and two dog-friendly beaches. Dogs are allowed on the sand at Port Melbourne Beach:

• All Year: Along the Bay Trail, and in neighbouring Albert Park.

• 1 April to 31 October: On the whole sand area.

• 1 November to 31 March (Peak Summer): Between Port Melbourne Yacht Club and Lagoon Pier.

The suburb is also home to one of Melbourne’s leading facilities, The Pets Hotel, which is custom-designed for pet health, safety, and comfort.

Key Event Details

• Festival Start: 10:00 am, Bay Street, Port Melbourne.
• Doggie Parade: 11:00 am, Bay Street, Port Melbourne.
• Face Painting, Kids Activities, Trick or Treat: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, Bay Street, Port Melbourne.

Sources:

*  https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/how-many-pets-are-there-in-australia/

** https://www.thesenior.com.au/story/5412997/melbourne-most-pet-friendly-city/

Hot to Handle, Too Good to Miss — The 2026 Australian Firefighters Calendar Has Arrived!

The moment dog lovers across Australia look forward to has landed: the official launch of the 2026 Australian Firefighters Calendar! This year, the firefighters are once again paired with adorable rescue dogs, making the iconic calendar an absolute must-have for the new year.

For 33 years, this annual tradition has combined striking photography with a clear, charitable mission: to support animal welfare, disaster recovery, and first-responder wellbeing across Australia. The 2026 edition continues this powerful legacy.

Your Favourite Edition is Back!

Dog lovers will be thrilled to know the much-loved Dog Edition is back, featuring Australia’s bravest heroes posing with rescued dogs of all shapes and sizes. It’s the perfect way to bring some heat to your home while supporting crucial causes.

This year's release comes in five distinct editions, so you can pick your favourite (or collect them all!):

• Dog Edition: Firefighters paired with rescued dogs.

• Cat Edition: Candid and charming moments with playful felines.

• Horse Edition: A tribute to rural resilience and the human–equine bond.

• Mixed Animal Edition: Koalas, farm animals, birds and more.

• Hero Edition: Powerful solo portraits of Australia’s bravest.

A Tradition of Giving Back to Animals

The calendar is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for causes that matter deeply to the dog-loving community. The 2026 calendar celebrates Australia’s firefighting community while raising funds for five essential organisations, including a vital animal rescue service:

• Safe Haven Animal Rescue: Specifically for our dog-loving readers, Safe Haven Animal Rescue receives funding for shelter operations, foster placement, veterinary care, and adoption programs that help homeless animals find permanent, loving homes.

The calendar also supports four other critical organisations: the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, South Australian Native Animal Rescue, Kids With Cancer Foundation, and CAVFA.

Making a Real Difference

The impact of the calendar's donations is profound. For example, the support for organisations like the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital directly enables rapid response to wildlife emergencies and extended recovery services for injured and orphaned native animals.

Dr. Stephen Van Mil, Founder and CEO of the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, praised the continued support, noting that the calendar's efforts have been vital in opening and running state-of-the-art facilities like the Byron Bay Raptor Recovery Centre.

Similarly, the calendar provides crucial funding to groups like Wildcare Incorporated in the NT, which helps them continue their work rehabilitating and releasing native animals.

Get Your Copy!

Don’t miss out on this stunning calendar that makes a real difference to animal welfare across the country.

Where to Purchase: You can find the Dog Edition and all other calendars online now!

Website: www.australianfirefighterscalendar.com

You can follow on Facebook: @AustralianFirefightersCalendar (988k) and on
Instagram (584k) @australianfirefighterscalendar

The Face of Second Chances: Sydney Rescue Dog Cast as New National Spokesdog

The spotlight is shining on Sydney’s newest star – with four paws, a wagging tail, and a story that’s captured hearts.

Following a nationwide search that attracted more than 80 entries, the RSPCA has today announced Sydney rescue pup Vivid as the new face of the RSPCA Lottery.

Once too frightened to move, Vivid will now step into the national spotlight as Spotto, the RSPCA Lottery’s new furry ambassador, helping raise awareness and vital funds for animals just like her.

Vivid’s beginnings were far from easy. Rescued from an overwhelmed breeder along with 60 other dogs, the then five-month-old Mini American Shepherd arrived in the arms of her foster carer, Emma Malik (now her forever family), wrapped in a towel and trembling.

“I wasn’t even looking for another dog, having recently said goodbye to my senior rescue, but somehow we found each other, and she’s been the best addition to our family ever since,” Emma’s winning entry read. “Those first weeks were tough. She hid under the bed, growled in fear, and lunged at anything unfamiliar.”

With patience, training, and a lot of love, Vivid has blossomed into a confident, clever companion – now mastering agility courses, herding sheep, and mentoring other anxious foster dogs.

“Vivid’s story perfectly embodies what the RSPCA Lottery stands for – giving second chances,” said Kirsty Moore, RSPCA National Lottery Manager. 

“From a frightened pup to the face of our national Lottery campaign, Vivid is the living proof of every second chance made possible by our supporters.”

As the winning ambassador, Vivid receives a $1,000 Pet Prize Pack and, more importantly, the opportunity to represent the RSPCA Lottery in future Lottery campaigns across Australia. Every ticket sold helps animals like Vivid receive the food, shelter and medical care they need for a second chance at life.

Last year alone, more than 81,000 animals received care through the RSPCA – support made possible in part thanks to the Lottery, which has quickly become one of the organisation’s most impactful fundraising programs since launching in 2024.

To view Vivid’s debut as Spotto, or to support the RSPCA Lottery, visit rspcalottery.com.au.

RSPCA Lottery

The RSPCA Lottery is a national initiative led by RSPCA Queensland, with funds supporting RSPCA operations in every state and territory across Australia. Importantly, funds raised in each region stay local – helping animals in that area get the care they need. Launched to fund life-changing support for animals in need, the refreshed program now includes six major draws each year, plus 64 bonus draws exclusively for Pet Supporters Club members. Every $10 ticket helps provide essentials like food, shelter, and medical treatment for animals waiting for a second chance. To learn more or buy tickets, visit rspcalottery.com.au.

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Casting Call: Does Your Rescue Dog Have the Star Power the RSPCA Needs?

Aussie Pet Travel Boom: Top Destinations and Toughest Borders Revealed

For Australian dog lovers, the pet-travel landscape has never been more exciting. With Virgin Australia’s new 'Pets in Cabin' service recently taking to the skies, it’s a clear sign that travelling with our beloved companions is finally becoming easier at home.

However, the dream of international migration remains a complex journey. A new study by leading international pet airline, SKYE PETS, reveals a fascinating global paradox: Australia and New Zealand are the hardest countries for pet entry, yet they are the world's most desired pet relocation destinations.

The study, which created a Pet Entry Complexity Score (0–20) based on quarantine, testing, and documentation, ranked Australia and New Zealand tied as the 4th and 5th hardest countries to enter, respectively. Yet, globally, more people are searching for ways to migrate their pet to Australia than anywhere else.

Where Aussie Pet Owners Are Moving to in 2025

While Australia remains a pet destination magnet for the world, Aussie pet owners themselves are looking across the Pacific for their new homes. Based on Aussies searching the web for more information on pet migration, the following destinations have been revealed to be top on the pet-expat list for 2025:

Global research finds Australia to be the No. 1 pet expat hotspot overall.

New Zealand leads the way, with 230 individual Aussies searching for ways to move a pet there each month. This strong demand suggests neighbouring countries are the preferred choice, followed by:

• Canada: A popular commonwealth choice that offers a smoother transition than other destinations.

• Japan: An interesting inclusion, as it represents a highly desired cultural change despite its incredibly strict entry rules.

European and South Asian destinations take the centre stage further down the list, with Singapore, Germany, and Ireland also piquing the interest of Aussies planning a move with their pets.

The Global Pet Travel Index: Easiest vs. Hardest Entry

The SKYE PETS study analysed veterinary, travel, and import requirements—including medical tests, quarantine periods, and breed bans—across dozens of popular countries, rating them based on an overall complexity score system (0–20). This reveals exactly what Aussies are facing when they choose their dream destination:

Global Pet Travel Index
Easiest For Pet Migration				Hardest For Pet Migration
Rank	Country	Complexity Score		Rank	Country	Complexity Score
1	Argentina	4		1	Iceland	18
2	Canada	4		2	Japan	18
3	Albania	7		3	Mauritius	17
4	Greece	7		4	Australia	15
5	Italy	7		5	New Zealand	15
6	Mongolia	7		6	Malaysia	14
7	Slovakia	7		7	Qatar	14
8	Vietnam	7		8	Taiwan	14
9	Austria	8		9	Oman	13
10	Belgium	8		10	Bhutan	13

With a low complexity score of four, Argentina ranks as the world’s easiest destination for relocating pets, thanks to no quarantine, no mandatory microchip, and only a standard rabies vaccination waiting period. Crucially for many Aussie travellers, Canada follows closely with an equal score of four, offering straightforward entry with no quarantine and no titre testing (blood tests).

The Struggle for the 'Aussie Expat' Pet

The data shows a clear conflict for many Australians:

• Japan, a top-three destination for Aussie searches, ties with Iceland as the hardest country to migrate a pet to (Score 18). Both demand mandatory ISO microchips, titre testing, multiple vaccines, and quarantine periods stretching up to six months.

• Australia (Score 15) and New Zealand (Score 15) also rank in the top five most difficult countries to enter. This means a pet leaving Australian shores will face an arduous, complex, and lengthy process if the family ever decides to bring them back home.

Joanna Maddison, founder of SKYE PETS, understands the challenge: "Moving abroad with a pet can feel overwhelming, especially when you see destinations like Japan with such demanding requirements, or the complexity of returning home to Australia. 

Our job is not just to offer Australia’s only international in-cabin chartered service, but to empower pet owners with reliable information and support them through the whole travel process. This ensures that comfort and ease are at the centre of the journey, wherever life takes them."

Plan Your Pet's Next Journey

Inspired to plan your own pet-expat adventure to Canada, New Zealand, or beyond? Learn more about the in-cabin pet charter service and discover available flight routes and dates by visiting the SKYEPETS website or following their journey on social media.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skyepettravel

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyepettravel/

Data Source: This study by SKYEPETS assessed global pet relocation rules and demand. A Pet Entry Complexity Score (0–20) was created using seven weighted factors: microchip requirements, rabies vaccination and wait times, titre tests, quarantine length, import permits, breed restrictions, and extra treatments. Search demand was measured using Google Keyword Planner.

Your 2026 Calendar Purchase Helps the People Who Care for Your Pet

The moment is finally here for pet lovers across Australia: the 2026 Paws for Sophie calendar is now available for pre-order! 

This isn't just a beautiful collection of heart-warming pet portraits; it's a critical lifeline for the people who care for our own furry family members. Every purchase directly supports Sophie’s Legacy, a recognised charity dedicated to tackling the mental health crisis within the veterinary industry.

The calendar grew out of a fantastic community photo contest, spearheaded by Allira Fontana Photography, which invited pet owners to enter their beloved companions for a spot in the calendar. 

The public then voted on their favourites, turning a fun, local initiative into a major fundraiser. The effort has already raised over $3,700 for the cause! Now, with a goal of $5,000, pre-ordering your copy is the final step to help them reach that target.

The Silent Crisis Facing Our Vets

The Paws for Sophie initiative is dedicated to the legacy of Dr. Sophie Putland, a brilliant young veterinarian who tragically lost her life while working in the profession she loved. Her story highlights the immense and often unbearable pressures, long hours, compassion fatigue, and stress that veterinarians and vet staff endure daily.

Sophie’s Legacy works tirelessly to create safer, more supportive workplaces. They raise essential awareness about mental health challenges and advocate for lasting, positive change across the industry. When you flip through the calendar's gorgeous photos of happy, healthy pets, you’re directly helping the professionals who make those precious moments possible.

Get Your Copy and Spread the Love

The finished 2026 Paws for Sophie calendar features 13 winning pets from the community, each captured in stunning professional photo sessions by Allira Fontana Photography. It’s a joyful, year-long celebration of the pet-owner bond.

Ready to fill your home with beautiful pets while making a genuine difference?

Calendars are available for just $20 each (plus $5 shipping), and all proceeds go straight to Sophie’s Legacy.

Pre-order your Paws for Sophie calendar today and support a vet hero:
https://allirafontana.com/fundraising-calendar/

To learn more about the vital work of Sophie’s Legacy, you can visit their website at
https://sophieslegacy.com/

Time to get out! Your Dog Lover's Guide to Sydney's Pub Life for the perfect "pub pooch summer."

The promise of warm weather means finally enjoying that perfect "pub pooch summer"! But before you and your best friend take on the beer garden, you need a plan.

We checked in with Juan Pablo Vanegas, founder of Sydney doggy experts, Oh My Woof! (a top-notch doggy day care and walking company), for his ultimate guide. He’s compiled for us the essential tips and the must-visit spots so you and your pup can be the most relaxed (and best-behaved) duo at the pub.

Is Your Pup "Pub-Ready"? Juan Pablo’s 5 Rules for a Smooth Trip

Let’s be honest—a stressed-out or misbehaving dog ruins the fun for everyone. Juan Pablo stresses that success starts before you leave the house. Follow these five golden rules for a guaranteed good time:

1. Tired Dog = Good Pub Dog: This is the golden rule. Take your dog for a solid walk or run before you head out. A well-exercised pup is far more likely to chill out peacefully at your feet than an energetic one.

2. Bring the Comfort Kit: Help them feel settled! Pack the water, a travel bowl, and some treats, but also consider bringing a mat or a familiar blanket. Having something to lie on helps them feel secure and makes settling down much easier.

3. Keep it Contained: Those free-roaming pups are adorable until they’re tripping a waiter or sniffing someone's dinner. Use a short leash or train them to stay securely under your table. Keep them close!

A calm, older black dog with a grey muzzle is settled and tied securely to a chair leg at The Henson Park Hotel, illustrating how to keep your pet relaxed and contained while dining out.

4. Avoid the Oops Moment: No one wants a "pub puddle." Make sure your dog goes to the toilet before you leave home. And obviously, always have those poop bags ready, just in case.

5. Know Their Limits (It’s OK to Say No!): Be honest about your dog's tolerance. If they haven’t been around crowds, loud music, or constant stranger-pats, start slow—try quieter hours or stick to outdoor areas. If your wingman isn't trained or confident enough yet for a social setting, it's perfectly fine to leave them home. If you're out for ages, just make sure to organise a dog walker or book them into doggy daycare.

The Number One Mistake Owners Make

What's the most common problem Juan Pablo sees? It all comes down to underestimating a pub's stimulation level and overestimating your dog's comfort in that environment.

The number one mistake Juan Pablo sees owners make is simple: "Many owners assume their dog will be fine in a busy and noisy environment filled with people, food, and other dogs," he says. "But most of the time, pubs can be overwhelming. Dogs can quickly become anxious, reactive, or disruptive if they aren’t well-socialised to that level of stimulation."

He stresses that owners often miss the subtle signals and only react when the dog starts barking or lunging. The subtle signs you must watch out for are lip licking, yawning, or turning away.

"Once your dog is truly pub-ready," says Juan Pablo, "you’re ready for the fun part!"

The Ultimate Dog-Friendly Tour: Sydney’s Best Hangouts

Oh My Woof! has sniffed out Sydney's absolute best spots to suit every dog's personality—from the posh sipper to the community socialite.

• Bar DEMO (Newtown) — For the Posh Pooch 

This new venue is a dream come true: your dog can finally be your official drinking buddy! You get the fantastic cocktails (it's a wine bar created by bartenders, so the drinks are top-notch), and your pampered pal gets a ‘puptini!’ They play tunes on vinyl and have a welcoming vibe—you’ll feel like the coolest duo in town.

85 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042 - @bardemosyd

• Vic on The Park (Inner West) — For the Confident Pooch

This Inner West institution is family-friendly, dog-friendly, and has a huge yard (complete with a basketball court!). It’s got great food and good vibes, making it totally paw-some. 

Just be mindful: it gets busy on weekends, so only bring your dog if they can handle a lot of stimulation.

2 Addison Rd, Enmore NSW 2204 - @theviconthepark 

• The Henson Park Hotel (Marrickville) — For the Community-Minded Pooch 

If your dog loves being part of the action, this is the spot. This pub has a whole roster of events—trivia, footy tipping, pool—that foster a genuine sense of community.

Even during the excitement of the Swans vs Giants footy game at The Henson Park Hotel,
keeping your dog tucked close and secure is the key to a calm visit. (Credit: The Henson)

91 Illawarra Road, Marrickville NSW 2204 - @the_henson

• Callejero (Wolli Creek) — For the International Dog

Looking for something different? This spot offers an authentic taste of Medellin with bursting Colombian flavours and a friendly atmosphere. While it won't serve you booze, it warmly welcomes dogs—and based on the fun (as seen in our feature image), they clearly love their canine customers! It's a great family-friendly option.

1 Levey Street, Wolli Creek NSW 2205 - @callejero.au

Juan Pablo’s Starter Pub Recommendation

If you and your dog are just beginning your pub journey, where should you go first? Juan Pablo suggests seeking out a quiet, open, dog-friendly spot with plenty of outdoor space, lots of shade, and a relaxed, family-and-locals crowd (instead of a party atmosphere).

With this in mind, Juan Pablo recommends Callejero as the best starter venue to take your dog. Its chilled vibe and focus on community and food make it the ideal, least overwhelming spot for a successful first trip.