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!

You know it’s officially time to publish our annual winter warmers edition when you’re typing under a wool throw and the house feels like an absolute icebox. One look over my shoulder confirms our gorgeous senior girl, Aramis, is already nesting deep into her doona to escape the frosty weather. As our canine companions grow older, they feel this seasonal drop acutely—those biting winter mornings can quickly exacerbate stiff joints, aggravate arthritis, and disrupt overnight sleep.

With our senior veteran leading the charge, we’ve curated our most purposeful winter line-up yet, focusing heavily on comforting older bones alongside options for every routine, adventure, and budget. From therapeutic warming mats to trending new PJs and indoor traction slippers, we have tracked down the absolute best in local design. Whether braving a rainy morning walk or lounging on the rug, these 16 spectacular picks will keep your beloved dog snug and toasty warm from breakfast to bedtime.

1. BOIS The Label Matching Crewneck Sets

Brighten up those gloomy winter walks with the ultimate statement in pet-and-parent styling.

Handcrafted in Melbourne using premium, locally sourced fabrics, BOIS The Label Matching Crewneck Sets bring a vibrant burst of colour to the coldest season.

Specifically engineered to provide an exceptional fit for all shapes—including deep-chested rescue pups, mixed breeds, and larger dogs who often miss out on stylish fits—these everyday basics are built to last for years.

The sleek, hoodless crewneck silhouette offers comfortable warmth without bulk, making it incredibly easy to layer on frosty mornings.

Designed for twinning with your loyal companion, this cosy, cheery loungewear ensures you both turn heads wherever you roam while supporting ethical, high-quality Australian manufacturing.

RRP: From $89.00 (Dog Crewneck) | Sets from $198.00.

Shop now: BOIS The Label Matching Crewneck Sets

2. Snoot Style Beat the Elements Winter Raincoat (Berry Print)

Don’t let frosty morning drizzles cut your walk short. The Snoot Style Beat the Elements Winter Raincoat is thoughtfully engineered for active pups who refuse to stay indoors.

Featuring high-performance, double-layer waterproofing, this lightweight jacket offers full coverage to eliminate the dreaded wet-dog smell. It is cleverly crafted from 100% recycled polyester, making it gentle on the planet while remaining tough against the elements.

Available in this vibrant Berry Print or a fresh Green Print, the coat comes in 8 sizes to comfortably suit any dog breed.

An integrated harness hole ensures seamless lead attachment, while secure leg straps and adjustable press-stud bands keep the coat perfectly in place.

RRP: $89.00.

Shop now: Snoot Style Beat the Elements Winter Raincoat

3. Huskimo Snow Parka Waterproof Dog Coat

Engineered to withstand the wildest winter adventures, the Huskimo Snow Parka is high-performance alpine gear for your adventurous pup.

This bright, colour-blocked jacket features a highly durable, waterproof, and windproof outer shell paired with an ultra-warm Sub-Zero fleece lining for maximum insulation.

It comes with a protective hood—perfect for shielding sensitive ears during frosty sudden downpours (even if it naturally functions as a cosy snood most of the time!).

Thoughtfully designed with a hidden harness hatch for seamless leash attachment, reflective piping for dark winter nights, and elastic leg straps, it ensures a secure, draft-free fit.

Available in striking Hot Pink, vibrant Orange, and an incredible array of sizes, it keeps your dog snug, dry, and highly visible.

RRP: From $44.95 - $82.95.

Shop now: Huskimo Snow Parka

4. Pointer & Hound Highland Dog Coat

Bring a touch of timeless, old-fashioned British country style to your dog’s winter wardrobe.

Exclusively designed in New Zealand by Pointer & Hound, the exquisite Highland Dog Coat is a masterclass in heritage fashion and premium insulation.

Perfect for extra-frosty mornings and crisp evening strolls, this heavy, thick jacket features a luxurious 20% wool-blend outer fabric, beautifully paired with a super-cosy, cream sherpa-style fleece lining.

Available in timeless Heritage Brown and classic Grey, the coat comes in 8 tailored sizes to comfortably suit a wide array of breeds. It is thoughtfully engineered with a built-in bungee cord at the neck to seal in warmth, a cinchable tail cord to stop freezing drafts, and an easy-access zipper along the spine for effortless harness attachment.

It is pure, cosy luxury for the sophisticated new world pup.

RRP: From $90.00 AUD.

Shop now: Highland Coat

5. Your Pup Quick-Dry Dog Drying Coat 

Don't let a sudden winter downpour turn your living room into a soggy, mud-splattered zone. Thoughtfully designed in the picturesque Southern Highlands of NSW, Your Pup's Quick-Dry Dog Drying Coat is the ultimate post-walk recovery essential for rainy days.

This luxurious robe features a high-performance, double-layered absorbent fabric designed to rapidly wick freezing moisture away from your dog's undercoat, expertly paired with a cosy polar fleece lining to trap critical body heat. 

Packed with clever features, it boasts a zippered harness opening for hassle-free travel, a secure Velcro neck hood to dry soggy ears (complete with a back button to clip the hood neatly out of the way when not in use), and a wide stomach strap that applies gentle, calming pressure to anxious pups post-bath.

It is the most effortless way to keep your companion warm, dry, and smelling fresh after a wet trek.

RRP: from $53.00.

Shop now: Your Pup Blueberry Dog Drying Coat

6. Tinka & Co. Long-Ear Dog Snoods

Winter brings an influx of hearty, warm stews and hydrating bone broths to our dogs' bowls—which often means a messy clean-up for floppy-eared breeds!

Handmade in Australia, Tinka & Co. Snoods offer a brilliant, ultra-cute solution to keep long ears cleanly out of the way during mealtimes, grooming, and play.

Tailored for Spaniels, Poodles, and Hounds, these lightweight, breathable snoods provide a snug yet incredibly gentle fit. While the Dapper tartan fabric (featured) is a testament to their fast-selling, small-batch collections, their online store features dozens of rotating, vibrant prints to choose from.

The range includes everyday fabric styles alongside specialised, water-resistant Bathtime Snoods—ideal for protecting ears during warm winter baths or indoor hydrotherapy sessions.

Crafted with love and fully machine washable, it’s the ultimate practical accessory to keep your pup tidy and looking fab this season.

RRP: From $15.00. Shop now: Tinka & Co. Snoods

7. CloudPaws Comfort Stairs

Cold weather can severely stiffen a pup's joints, making high leaps onto the bed or sofa painful and risky.

CloudPaws Comfort Stairs offer a beautifully designed solution, providing a much gentler way for dogs to reach their favourite snuggle spots.

Perfect for senior companions, injury recovery, or small breeds, these high-density foam steps feature a gentle, curved incline that minimises spinal impact and protects fragile joints.

The ultra-soft, scalloped plush cover provides incredible sensory traction and confidence underfoot, while the stable, non-slip base prevents sliding on floorboards.

Available in stylish neutral tones like Cream, Slate (featured), and Charcoal, they seamlessly elevate your home décor while ensuring your dog stays cosy, independent, and safe all winter long.

RRP: from $130.00 (2-step), $140.00 (3-step), $160.00 (4-step).

Shop now: Use code ADLWINTER15 for an exclusive 15% discount at CloudPaws

8. Hunnyboots Slippers3 Indoor Dog Boots

Give your companion total grip and zero slip across the great, slippery indoors.

Designed and engineered right here in Australia, the innovative Hunnyboots Slippers3 are explicitly shaped to fit the unique "hare foot" anatomy of sighthounds, including Greyhounds, Whippets, and Italian Greyhounds.

Sold in a complete pack of four, these ultra-lightweight slippers are an absolute lifesaver for aging veterans or injured pups who struggle to find traction on freezing timber floorboards, stone, or tiled floors in winter.

Crafted from soft, breathable polyester mesh with faux leather reinforced toes and a secure wrap-around Velcro strap, they gently stretch over knuckly feet to keep digits warm while preventing painful slips.

They are padded internally to provide instant relief for sensitive paws or corns, ensuring your dog can walk with confidence all winter long.

RRP: $49.95 (Pack of 4).

Shop now: Hunnyboots Slippers3

9. Waverley Mills Recycled Wool Pet Blanket

Crafted in Tasmania, the Waverley Mills Recycled Wool Pet Blanket is the ultimate eco-friendly luxury for your chilly canine.

Woven from a premium blend of 70% recycled merino wool and 30% recycled wool, it naturally regulates your dog’s body temperature, offering exceptional breathable warmth during freezing winter nights.

Wool’s natural odour resistance and durability mean it easily withstands everyday nestling and burrowing, while the classic blanket-stitch edge adds timeless heritage charm. Perfect for safeguarding your couch, elevating their bedding, or keeping them snug in the car, this sustainable throw combines premium comfort with a planet-friendly footprint.

Give your loyal companion the warmth they deserve while supporting ethical Australian manufacturing.

On Sale now: $103.00 - $135.00 from Waverley Mills Recycled Pet Blankets

10. DOGUE Fur Baby Dog Jumper

Elevate your pup’s cold-weather wardrobe with a luxurious twist on the classic winter knit.

Designed with love in Australia, the DOGUE Fur Baby Dog Jumper is the ultimate blend of cosy sophistication and playful style. Moving away from standard cable knits, this unique piece is crafted from premium, ultra-soft faux fur that provides exceptional insulation while remaining thoroughly breathable.

Available in stunning Powder Pink (featured) and warm Brandy Tan, it is tailored specifically for smaller breeds with sizes ranging from 25cm to 45cm in length.

The thoughtful design features a snug turtleneck and plush sleeves to seal in body heat, ensuring your companion stays perfectly warm whether strutting on morning walks or lounging on the lounge.

RRP: From $44.95. Shop now: DOGUE Fur Baby Dog Jumper

11. Kurgo Pup Sack Convertible Sleeping Bag

Whether sleeping in the backcountry or relaxing at the park, the trail-tested Kurgo Pup Sack ensures your outdoor explorer always has a clean, warm sanctuary.

This innovative 2-in-1 design functions as a traditional burrowing sleeping bag or unzips completely flat into a padded travel mat. Engineered for chilly weather, it features a durable, water-resistant nylon shell packed with 300g recycled polyfill and a high-tech, heat-retaining thermal foil lining.

Four built-in ground loops let you stake it down on rugged terrain, and the entire compressible bed packs away neatly into an integrated bottom pocket mesh sack.

Available in Small (for Chihuahuas and Jack Russells) and Medium/Large (perfect for Border Collies and Labradors), this machine-washable bag is the ultimate adventure companion.

RRP: On sale for $94.61 (Down from $111.30!)

Shop now: Kurgo Pup Sack Convertible Sleeping Bag

12. Pet-Mat Original Pet Warming Pad

Give your pet the gift of therapeutic, cosy warmth with the legendary Pet-Mat.

Proudly Aussie-designed and trusted by vets and breeders nationwide, this original heating pad is the ultimate winter essential for your furry family members. It is a game-changer for senior, sick, or arthritic pets who suffer from stiff joints in the cold, as well as puppies and hairless breeds that struggle to regulate their own body temperature.

Featuring high-tech heat dispersion, the ultra-slim mat distributes a safe, soothing warmth that can never overheat.

It runs on low voltage, making it incredibly energy-efficient to leave on overnight, and boasts an easy-to-clean surface for stress-free maintenance. 

Available in Medium and Large, it keeps your companion dog or cat toastier than ever.

RRP: From $109.50.

Shop now: Use code ADLMay26 for 10% off (expires 31st May) at Pet-Mat

🔥 LAST CHANCE TO WIN: We are giving away 4 Pet-Mat Heated Pads! Enter our Winter Giveaway here to score one before entries close!

13. MiniJumbuk Dog Bedding Collection

Renowned for pioneering world-class wool bedding for humans, South Australia’s iconic MiniJumbuk is bringing their sleep expertise to our furry friends.

Their highly anticipated new Dog Bedding Collection leverages advanced temperature-regulating technology to provide ultimate winter restoration.

Crafted in Naracoorte, the range features five tailored sleep solutions—including the nested Sleep Calm Oasis and orthopaedic Ortho Sanctuary.

Each bed utilises a proprietary Australian wool-blend fleece that naturally wicks moisture, repels stubborn odours, and ensures optimal thermal comfort on freezing nights. Built sustainably using wool offcuts, mattresses foam remnants, and washable, heavy-duty covers, these beds are engineered to work with your pup's natural nesting instincts while standing the test of time.

RRP: From $149.99. Shop now: MiniJumbuk Dog Bedding Collection

14. Kangaroo Orthopaedic Memory Foam Dog Bed

Treat your dog to the ultimate sleep sanctuary with the world's first true all-season mattress.

The Kangaroo Orthopaedic Memory Foam Dog Bed now available in Azure Blue is engineered with premium, high-density CertiPUR-US certified memory foam to cradle aching joints, alleviate pressure points, and prevent sagging over time.

Best of all, every bed purchase automatically includes their high-value All Season Package: a FREE Winter Cover featuring a self-heating mat insert to reflect body heat on freezing nights, alongside a Summer Self Cooling Mat to absorb excess heat when the weather warms up.

Wrapped in a durable, scratch-resistant microfibre outer cover with a fully waterproof inner liner to guard against accidents, it is the only bed your dog will ever need.

RRP: From $259.00 (Don't miss their big Birthday Sale with 15% to 25% off storewide!)

Shop now: Kangaroo Orthopaedic Memory Foam Dog Bed

15. Wriggley Diggley Slumber Jack Dog Jumper 

Give your hound the ultimate thermal upgrade with a layer designed for serious main character energy.

Originally famous for insulating sleek whippets and greyhounds, Aussie brand Wriggley Diggley created their innovative 'Longbody' range after realising how many slender breeds need specialised sizing.

This gorgeous patchwork jacket infuses your pup's wardrobe with effortless cabin-core chic, featuring an ultra-thick, baby-blue plush snood collar to seal in neck warmth on freezing nights.

Specially tailored to fit lean, elongated frames—from Dachshunds and Kelpies to Groodles and Sighthounds—it provides full-coverage protection without restriction. Available in Small, Medium, and Large, this vibrant fleece is a striking winter essential that delivers a perfect, draft-free fit.

RRP: From $59.92 – $74.92 (Available exclusively at PETSTOCK in stores or online)

Shop now: Wriggley Diggley Slumber Jack (Dusty Dreams) Dog Jumper

16. FuzzYard Dog Pyjamas (Breakfast Blitz)

Give your dog the ultimate overnight warmth without turning your central heating into a luxury expense. Fresh off a stylish brand refresh, Australia’s iconic FuzzYard has dropped a spectacular winter collection featuring 33 distinct, head-turning patterns.

Led by the highly trending, retro-inspired Breakfast Blitz print—packed with smiling coffee mugs, waffles, and cereal bowls—the range also features perennial customer favourites like Dinosaur Land and Candy Hearts.

These lightweight, velvety-soft pyjamas are a lifesaver for short-coated or single-coated breeds who shiver through freezing nights. Thoughtfully engineered from super-stretchy, breathable material, they feature elasticised leg cuffs and a dedicated underside cut-out for fuss-free midnight toilet breaks.

Available in 7 precise sizes, they offer an impeccably snug, draft-free fit that ensures your companion sleeps soundly from dusk till dawn and beyond!

RRP: from $34.95. Shop now: FuzzYard Dog Pyjamas

❄️ ESSENTIAL WINTER READING

• Winter Health Risks for Senior Pets: Recognising Arthritis Pain & CCD
• Is Your Winter Comfort Food Toxic to Your Dog? Hidden Roast & Casserole Dangers

We’re thrilled to announce that one of our most popular winter giveaways is BACK! Thanks to our wonderful friends at Pet-Mat™, we have four fantastic Pet-Mat™ Heated Pads to give away to our community this season: two in size Large and two in size Medium.

As the cooler winter weather settles across Australia, our pets are already on the hunt for the warmest spots in the house.  Our cat Arya is a certified expert at claiming the absolute cosiest corners of the couch and bed!

During these chilly mornings and frosty evenings, it can feel like you can never have enough blankets to keep them truly comfortable. If you’re looking for a safe, smart, and energy-efficient way to keep your furry family members warm, Pet-Mat™ is the ultimate solution. Designed to provide on-demand warmth, these mats are perfect for dogs and cats of all shapes and sizes.

One of last year's winners, Little Winnie, alongside a very cosy kitty showing how Pet-Mat™ fits perfectly into standard cuddler beds.

Why Pet-Mat™ is a Winter Essential for Dogs and Cats

What makes the Pet-Mat™ standout is its unique touch-activated technology. The mat begins to gently warm up within five minutes of your pet lying down on it, and automatically cools down once they step off. This ensures your companions always have a warm, welcoming sanctuary to return to whenever they feel the chill.

Keeping your pets warm during winter isn't just about comfort—it’s vital for their health. Pet-Mat™ is highly recommended for:

• Senior pets suffering from osteoarthritis, stiff joints, or chronic illness.

• Puppies and kittens who struggle to regulate their own body temperature.

• Whelping boxes to keep newborn pups safe and warm.

• Pets recovering from surgery or recent injuries.

Safe, Energy-Efficient Heating for Australian Homes

With the rising cost of electricity in Australia, running household heaters all day long isn't always practical. Pet-Mat™ offers an incredibly cost-effective heating alternative. It features remarkably low energy consumption, allowing you to safely leave it plugged in day and night—using roughly the same amount of power as a desktop computer sitting in screensaver mode.

You can also enjoy total peace of mind regarding safety. Pet-Mat™ is specifically engineered to warm to a cosy 20–30°C in total—roughly 10–15°C above the ambient room temperature. It features a built-in maximum threshold to ensure it never overheats, delivering a perfectly regulated, gentle warmth that mimics cuddling next to another animal.

Heading away for a winter road trip? 

You can easily take comfort on the road by utilising their portable car adaptor, which plugs directly into your vehicle’s lighter socket. Best of all, it’s entirely waterproof, scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and built to provide reliable warmth year after year.

🛒 Can't wait to keep your pet cosy? If you don’t want to leave it to chance, our friends at Pet-Mat are offering an exclusive 10% OFF discount for our readers this month! Use the code ADLMay26 at checkout to grab the best price before winter officially kicks off. Hurry, this special offer expires on May 31, 2026!

Win 1 of 4 Pet-Mat™ Heated Animal Pads

(2 Large size & 2 Medium size; Total Prize Pool: $478.00)

HOW TO ENTER:

1. LIKE our giveaway post on Facebook or Instagram AND follow our page.

2. LIKE the Pet-Mat Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PetMatAu/ or @petmat_au on Instagram AND

3. COMMENT on our post telling us: "Why does your dog (or cat!) need some #PetMat extra warmth over winter?"

📸 Bonus Points: Photo or video entries showing your adorable pets are highly encouraged! Share them on our Facebook thread or post to your public Instagram account and tag @australiandoglover

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. This Competition opens on Monday 25th May 2026 (7:00pm) and closes on Wednesday 3rd June, 2026 (11:59pm, A.E.S.T.). Winners will be announced on our social media channels and updated on this page. Please allow 2 weeks for prize delivery directly from the supplier.

2. To enter, participants must complete all entry steps outlined above before the closing deadline.

3. This promotion is a game of skill and chance plays no part in determining the winner. Entries will be judged by the Australian Dog Lover team based on creativity, originality, and insight.

4. Entrants must be following both Australian Dog Lover and Pet-Mat social profiles at the time of judging to be eligible to win.

5. Entrants may only enter once. Prizes not claimed within 48 hours of notification will be redrawn.

6. Entry into the competition is deemed acceptance of all terms and conditions. Open to Australian residents only.