Celebrate Moon Festival with Your Pup at Sydney’s Moon Paw-ty for Pound Paws

Sydney pet lovers are invited to celebrate Moon Festival with a playful, pet-friendly twist! On Saturday, 5 September, Sydney-based Japanese eatery IIKO Mazesoba is hosting Moon Paw-ty—a special dog-friendly dining event bringing together limited-edition dishes, cold brew teas, Asian-inspired pup treats, live pet portraits, and fundraising for rescue charity Pound Paws.

Inspired by Japan’s traditional Tsukimi (moon-viewing) festival, the event is designed to bring together the local dog community and food lovers for a fun-filled day with a purpose: enjoying great food while helping Sydney rescue pets find their forever homes.

Delicious Menu Highlights & Pup Treats

IIKO Mazesoba’s limited-edition Tsukimi menu set paired with East Forged cold brew tea, Chonkers pup treats, chestnut dessert, and a live pet portrait by Yoki Z Design.

Human guests can enjoy a limited-edition Tsukimi-inspired menu set curated by IIKO Mazesoba, perfectly paired with artisanal cold brew tea from East Forged Tea.

Four-legged attendees won't miss out on the feast, either! Gourmet dog treat brand Chonkers will be serving up handmade, Asian-inspired treats crafted specifically for pups, including:

✔ A pup-friendly Muttcha Latte

✔ A mini Doggy Bento Box

Live Pet Portraits & Goodie Bags

Guests can also capture a special memory from the day with live custom human and pet illustrations by Sydney designer Yoki Zhou of Yoki Z Design (@yokizdesign). Portrait sessions start from $25 per human and pet pair, making for a unique keepsake.

Plus, every guest who books a table in advance will receive an exclusive event goodie bag on arrival!

“Moon Paw-ty brings together good food, good company, and a chance to help more pets find their forever homes.”

Event Details & Bookings

• Event: Moon Paw-ty at IIKO Mazesoba
• Date: Saturday, 5 September 2026, from 11:30am to 2:30pm
• Location: IIKO Mazesoba, Darling Square, Sydney, NSW
• Cause: Raising funds for Pound Paws rescue pet rehoming
• Bookings: Essential (limited seats available). Book directly at mazesoba.com.au

Pups enjoying the famous Chonkers Muttcha Latte at the Moon Paw-ty!

About the Collaborators

Pound Paws: An Australian charity dedicated to raising awareness for pet adoption and connecting rescue pets with loving homes. Follow @poundpaws.

IIKO Mazesoba: Known for its authentic Japanese brothless ramen bowls, bold flavours, and community-driven events. Follow @iikomazesoba.

Chonkers: Creators of handmade, natural, and fun dog treats featuring Asian-inspired flavours. Follow @chonkersau.

East Forged Tea: Award-winning Australian brand crafting cold brew teas made with real tea leaves. Follow @eastforged.

Yoki Z Design: Sydney-based designer and illustrator offering live human and pet portraits. Follow @yokizdesign.

Photo credits: All images courtesy of Pound Paws (Supplied).

50-Year Community Cornerstone Upgrades to State-of-the-Art Fear Free Clinic in Macquarie Park

After nearly 50 years caring for local pets and the families who love them, Macquarie Veterinary Hospital is thrilled to announce its move to a brand-new, purpose-built veterinary clinic located just around the corner from its long-standing home in North Ryde. The new hospital will officially open in September at the Lachlan’s Square site in Macquarie Park.

Led by Dr Matt Buchanan Pascall and Dr Michael Stephen, the team at Macquarie Veterinary Hospital is celebrating this milestone as a major step forward for the beloved community clinic. The move brings expanded space, easier access, and plentiful parking, while keeping the same passionate team and trusted continuity of care that generations of local pet owners have relied on.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome our community into a modern space that truly reflects the standard of care we’ve always strived to deliver,” said Dr Matt Buchanan Pascall.

“After almost 50 years in our current home, this purpose-built hospital gives us the chance to elevate the experience for both pets and their people.” — Dr Matt Buchanan Pascall

Designed With Pets in Mind – A Fully Fear Free Approach

The new facility has been thoughtfully crafted using Fear Free principles, ensuring a calm, low-stress environment from the moment pets walk through the door. This includes:

✔ A layout designed to minimise anxiety and reduce wait times

✔ Quiet, spacious consult rooms

✔ Smooth patient flow and separate areas for different species

✔ Purpose-built spaces that support stress-free handling and care

“Fear Free design is at the heart of the new hospital.” — Dr Michael Stephen

“Every detail has been selected to make visits easier on pets and their families. It’s all about creating a positive, comfortable experience.”

A New Home, the Same Heart

Macquarie Veterinary Hospital remains the same warm, community-focused team that has been a fixture in North Ryde for almost five decades. The new hospital simply provides:

✔ More capacity

✔ Improved technology and equipment

✔ Enhanced comfort for pets

✔ Expanded services

All existing patient records, ongoing treatments, and bookings will seamlessly transfer to the new location.

A Celebration for the Community

As a clinic deeply woven into the North Ryde community, the team is excited to share this next chapter with local families. An open day celebration is planned for September 19th, giving clients a chance to explore the upgraded facility and meet the team in their new space.

Free Community Grand Opening Event:

• When: Saturday, 19 September, from 10:00am to 2:00pm
• Where: Lachlan's Square, Macquarie Park

The family-friendly celebration will have something for everyone, including:

✔ Free five-minute veterinary consultations

✔ Activities and fun for pets

✔ Face painting for kids

✔ Competitions and giveaways

✔ Local market stalls

✔ Family-friendly activities

✔ Plenty of opportunities to meet the Macquarie Veterinary Hospital team

Everyone is welcome, whether you're an existing client, a long-time member of the Macquarie community, or have never visited the hospital before. The event is an opportunity for the team to celebrate the community that has supported Macquarie Veterinary Hospital for almost 50 years and to introduce the new generation of the hospital to local families.

Opening Soon

The new Macquarie Veterinary Hospital will open at 15 Halifax Street, Macquarie Park in September. Until then, the clinic continues operating as usual from its current location.

Pet owners can follow updates and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks at www.macquarievets.com.au and on the hospital’s Facebook and Instagram.

About Macquarie Veterinary Hospital

Macquarie Veterinary Hospital has been a cornerstone of the North Ryde community for nearly 50 years, providing high-quality veterinary care to generations of local pets. Led by Dr Matt Buchanan Pascall and Dr Michael Stephen, the hospital offers a warm, Fear Free approach and a full range of general veterinary services, backed by a team deeply committed to personalised, compassionate care.

Senate Inquiry Calls for Clearer APVMA Rules on Hemp-Based Pet Nutrition

Australian pet wellness pioneer HempPet has welcomed a landmark Senate committee recommendation calling on government regulators to simplify and clarify the regulatory framework surrounding hemp-based pet products.

The Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee recently released its report, Opportunities for the development of a hemp industry in Australia. Among its key findings, the report highlighted widespread industry confusion regarding product classification, pointing out that shifting interpretations from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) have hampered sector growth and created uncertainty for Australian business owners.

A "Quiet Win" for Australian Pets and Business

Recommendation 5 of the Senate report specifically calls on the APVMA to clarify requirements and simplify the process for eligible hemp-based products to be classified as Excluded Nutritional or Digestive (END) products.

END products are animal feed formulations that do not require full APVMA registration as veterinary chemical products—provided they meet strict criteria regarding ingredients, manufacturing standards, labelling, and health claims.

HempPet co-founder Arthur Wajs—who also serves as Treasurer of the Australian Industrial Hemp Alliance and represents the sector on the APVMA’s Veterinary Medicines Working Group—described the Senate report as a vital step forward.

"This is a quiet but important win for Australian pets," said Mr Wajs. "The future of hemp in pet care depends on clarity, not confusion."

Why APVMA Product Classification Matters

The distinction between a general nutritional supplement and a registered veterinary chemical product dictates how hemp formulations are developed, distributed, and marketed across Australia:

✔ For Manufacturers: Clear guidelines outline what ingredients, safety evidence, and labelling are required without forcing low-risk nutritional feeds into costly, lengthy pharmaceutical registration pathways.

✔ For Retailers & Vets: Clear regulatory definitions provide certainty on what products can be legally stocked and recommended to clients.

✔ For Pet Owners: Proper labelling allows consumers to clearly distinguish between daily nutritional feed supplements and clinical veterinary treatments designed to cure or prevent disease.

The Senate report cited evidence presented by HempPet showing that hemp feed supplements had repeatedly been treated as veterinary chemical products by regulators, despite meeting criteria that should qualify them as END products.

What Happens Next?

While Recommendation 5 is a significant milestone, it is not legally binding and does not alter current regulations overnight, nor does it provide a blanket exemption for all hemp products. Any formal change will depend on how the APVMA chooses to implement the committee's guidance in the months ahead.

All eligible products will still be required to meet strict safety, quality, and evidentiary standards before hitting store shelves.

“Pet owners need clear information about what a product is, what it is intended to do, and what claims can legitimately be made about it. This could help them make far better-informed decisions for their pets.” — Arthur Wajs, HempPet

HempPet has confirmed it will continue engaging constructively with government authorities, the APVMA, and industry partners to ensure practical guidance is established while keeping pet safety at the forefront.

About HempPet

HempPet is an Australian-owned pioneer in high-quality, hemp-derived wellness products for companion animals. Working closely with veterinarians, researchers, and pet professionals, HempPet produces a range of premium hemp-based oils, supplements, and treats for dogs and cats. To learn more about their formulations and FAQs, visit hemppet.com.au.

The Natural Dog Health Revolution Returns! Canine Masters 2026 Lands in Melbourne

After an unforgettable, sold-out inaugural event in 2025, Canine Masters is returning to Melbourne on Saturday, 31 October 2026—and it’s taking things to a whole new level.

What began as a powerful gathering of passionate pet parents, veterinarians, and industry advocates has quickly evolved into one of Australia’s most exciting movements in natural dog health.

Hosted once again at the iconic Capitol Theatre—famously dubbed "the most beautiful cinema in the world"—this full-day event is designed to challenge conventional thinking, elevate the standard of care, and explore what is truly possible for the future of canine wellbeing.

World-Class Line-up of Speakers & Hosts

To lead this year's discussions, Canine Masters is bringing together a rare combination of global pioneers, clinical experts, and trusted Australian voices:

• Dr. Judy Morgan (USA): Internationally renowned author and integrative veterinarian bringing over 40 years of experience across food therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and whole-food nutrition to empower pet parents.
• Billy Hoekman (USA): Vice President of Nutrition & Formulation at Green Juju, celebrated for turning complex nutrition science and formulation into clear, actionable, plain-English advice.
• Caroline Ingraham (UK): Legendary founder of Applied Zoopharmacognosy (animal self-medication), sharing four decades of ground-breaking research into how animals instinctively select plants, minerals, and natural compounds to heal.
• Lee Carroll (AUS): Master medical herbalist and medicinal mushroom researcher bridging modern biomedical science with traditional plant medicine for immune health and healthy ageing.
• Phivo Christodoulou (AUS): "The Dog Health Guy" and Director of Augustine Approved, sharing insights on the deep everyday connection we share with our dogs.
• Michelle Cummins (AUS): Co-founder representing Natural Pet Farmacy and Stan Pet Beds, advocating for holistic pet care nationwide.

What to Expect on the Day

Canine Masters is far more than a traditional seminar series—it’s an immersive, interactive experience built around community and learning:

✔ Live Keynote Talks & Interactive Discussions: Hear directly from world-renowned experts pushing the boundaries of proactive health, nutrition, and behaviour.

✔ Curated Natural Health Expo: Explore innovative products and services from leading clean-label brands. Meet exhibitors face-to-face, ask questions, and shop selected items on the day.

✔ Up-Close Connections: Connect directly with presenters during dedicated meet-and-greets, organise book signings, take photos, and network with like-minded dog lovers from across Australia.

Industry Leaders Backing the Movement

Sponsor interest for 2026 has been massive, with leading natural health brands snapping up partnership positions fast. A huge shoutout to the forward-thinking brands already locked in: Bark Botanica, Raw Spirit Canine Nutrition, Lenny’s Kitchen, Muvore, PetWell, Bugsy’s, Augustine Approved, and Natural Pet Farmacy. (A small number of sponsorship positions remain available for aligned brands).

Event Essentials & Early Access

To keep the event as accessible as possible, general admission tickets are being offered at a simple flat rate with no reserved seating. Optional add-ons—including show bags, catering packages, and tickets to the exclusive post-show VIP evening with speakers—will be released closer to the date.

• Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
• Venue: The Capitol Theatre, Melbourne, VIC

Missed Out in 2025? Footage from last year's inaugural gathering is almost ready to drop, giving newcomers a taste of the magic and attendees a chance to relive the talks.

Join the Mailing List Today

Early Bird tickets offer the absolute lowest pricing and are available now. Head over to caninemasters.com.au now to secure first access before they sell out!

Australian-First Roadmap Calls for National Reform to Protect People and Pets from Family Violence

In a major step forward for Australian pet lovers, a pioneering framework is setting out to ensure survivors of domestic and family violence never have to choose between their own safety and the safety of their beloved pets.

Championed by charity Lucy’s Project and backed by a $150,000 investment from the Petstock Foundation, the National Roadmap for Change to Prevent and End Family Violence against People and Animals delivers an Australian-first blueprint to drive systemic, national reform.

An Urgent Need for Systemic Reform

Despite research¹ showing that people often delay leaving—or remain with—a violent partner due to concerns for the safety and wellbeing of their animal companions, Australia has never had a unified, national policy to address family violence used against people and animals at a systemic level.

With 73% of Australian households living with a pet², and 1 in 4 women in Australia reporting experiencing domestic violence³, it has never been more critical to advocate for greater awareness, collaboration, investment and policy action.

"Softness in All the Hardness"

Pets are often silent victims in domestic violence situations, with many owners delaying leaving out of fear for their animal's safety.

For people escaping violence, animals are often a vital lifeline. Survivor advocate Talie Star shared how crucial her pets were during her darkest moments:

“Being in a place where there was not a lot of love, my animals created that love and that safe place. It was like a softness in all the hardness.” — Talie Star, Survivor Advocate

“When you are going through pretty much daily violence, it’s a different and stronger connection.”

Protecting People and Animals Together

Monique Dam, Lucy’s Project CEO, emphasises that human and animal safety are inextricably linked.

“For too long the connection between human and animal safety has been overlooked. We know that if animals are at risk of violence, then the people who love them are at risk too,” — Monique Dam, CEO of Lucy’s Project

“When there is nowhere safe for survivors to go with their animals, many delay leaving and are forced to continue living with a partner and parent using violence. When animals are killed or harmed, or separated from them, women and children grieve this loss for decades afterwards.”

“We are calling on all levels of government to adopt the Roadmap’s recommendations and invest in coordinated reform that protects people and animals together,” says Monique.

Naomi Mancktelow, Petstock Foundation Team Lead, agrees: “Our partnership with Lucy’s Project reflects a shared commitment to creating a future where every person and animal is safe from family violence. Most Australians consider pets as members of their family, and no person should have to choose between their safety and the safety of their pet.”

“By helping to enable national collaboration and drive long-term systemic change, our support reflects our dedication to strengthening the human–animal bond that is often threatened when people and pets are experiencing domestic and family violence,” says Naomi.

Launch Dates & Details

The framework sets out clear recommendations for policy, programs and legislative change to improve the safety and wellbeing of people and animals experiencing family violence across Australia. The Roadmap will be officially launched at:

• Australian Parliament House: 19 August
• NSW Parliament House: 24 September

People and animals experiencing domestic and family violence face additional barriers to safety, including a lack of animal-inclusive crisis accommodation.

To learn more about the National Roadmap for Change or support the cause, contact hello@lucysproject.com.

Want to explore the policy details?

You can download the complete 55-page National Roadmap for Change to Prevent and End Family Violence against People and Animals directly via Lucy's Project here or request a copy by emailing hello@lucysproject.com.

About Lucy’s Project

Lucy’s Project is a charity with a mission to improve the safety and wellbeing of people and animals experiencing domestic and family violence across Australia. As one of the leading expert voices on the intersection of family violence used against people and animals, Lucy’s Project seeks to ensure every person and animal experiencing domestic and family violence can access the support they need to be safe and to heal and recover.

About the Petstock Foundation Alliance

The Petstock Foundation is proud to support Lucy’s Project through a one-year alliance and $150,000 investment to drive meaningful change. The Petstock Foundation supports initiatives that strengthen the human-animal bond and improve animal welfare outcomes. Through this partnership, Lucy’s Project and the Petstock Foundation are helping amplify awareness, advocacy and action on a national scale.

¹ Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2024
² Animal Medicines Australia, 2025
³ Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023

Related Articles & Further Reading:

• Pet Custody in Family Law: Key Changes Introduced in 2025
• Petstock Foundation Hometown Heroes Initiative Supporting Local Communities
• How Safe Pets Safe Families Helps Domestic Violence Survivors & Their Pets in SA

Celebrate International Dog Day 2026 at Norman Lindsay Gallery's Dogs Day Out

A Paw-sitively Perfect Day in the Blue Mountains: Dogs Day Out 2026

On Saturday, August 29th, 2026, the historic Norman Lindsay Gallery in Faulconbridge, NSW, will host its highly anticipated Dogs Day Out, continuing the National Trust (NSW) International Dog Day celebrations.

Set in the lush surrounds of the Blue Mountains, this special event invites you and your four-legged companion to enjoy a relaxed, dog-friendly day filled with creativity, education, entertainment, and tail-wagging fun.

The festivities will take place from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM within the spectacular, heritage-listed grounds of the home-turned-gallery of iconic Australian artist Norman Lindsay.

Norman Lindsay with his dogs at his Blue Mountains property c.1919. Photo by Harold Cazneaux.

Norman Lindsay was famous for his deep affection for his dogs, often featuring them in his personal life and artistic surroundings. This vintage photograph by Harold Cazneaux (c. 1919) captures Lindsay at his home surrounded by his beloved dogs, reflecting the long tradition of pet appreciation at the Faulconbridge estate.

Tail-Wagging Event Highlights

Here's the lineup to keep both two- and four-legged visitors entertained throughout the day:

• ✔ Koala Detection Dog Demonstration: Meet Groot, the incredible koala detection dog from Science for Wildlife. Watch Groot in action as he uses his nose to locate koala scat, helping researchers protect wild koala populations.
  
• ✔ The Doggy Pod with Dr. Rob Zammit: Enjoy special talks and live appearances by one of Australia’s leading veterinary surgeons, sharing expert health advice, training insights, and frontline vet stories.
• ✔ Dog Paw Painting & Artist Photo Booth: Let your pooch channel their inner artist to create a custom paw-print masterpiece, then strike a pose for a family and pet portrait keepsake captured by Heartstory.
  
• ✔ Dogs Day Out Talent Competition: Enter your pup into friendly competitions featuring categories like Best Dressed / Fancy Dress, Dog & Owner Lookalikes, and Best Hairdo (Grooming).
• ✔ Springwood Dog Training Club: Watch impressive dog training displays showing off agility, obedience, and canine skills.
  
• ✔ Meet Rescue Greyhounds: Greyhounds As Pets returns to the event with gorgeous greyhounds looking for loving forever homes.
• 
  ✔ Nepean Therapy Dogs: Meet these gentle community hero dogs and learn how therapy animals support local wellbeing.
• ✔ Stick & Ball Library: Let your pooch pick their favourite play stick or ball while exploring the expansive grassed grounds.
• ✔ Stalls & Refreshments: Pack a picnic for the gardens or treat yourself to delicious snacks from onsite food stalls. Plus, grab special discounted ceramic dog and cat bowls featuring printed drawings by Norman Lindsay (from $35).

Guidelines for Dog Owners

To ensure a safe, fun, and comfortable atmosphere for all families and pets, visitors are asked to observe the following entry conditions:

• Leash Requirement: Dogs must remain on a lead at all times on the grounds. (Note: Retractable leads are strictly prohibited).
• Effective Control: Owners are responsible for their dog's behaviour. Aggressive, excessively barking, or behaviourally challenged animals will not be permitted.
• Health & Vaccinations: Dogs must be fully vaccinated, socialised, and free of any contagious illness or parasites.
• Wildlife & Bush Safety: The grounds border native bushland—please keep dogs strictly on grassed areas to protect local wildlife and avoid tick hazards.
• Pet Etiquette: Always ask permission from owners before approaching or petting another dog, and clean up after your pet using the provided waste bags and bins.
• Child Supervision: Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and supervised near animals at all times.

Ticketing & Location Details

Event Date: Saturday, 29 August 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Norman Lindsay Gallery, 14 Norman Lindsay Crescent, Faulconbridge NSW 2776

Admission Costs:

• Grounds / Event Admission: Gold coin donation gratefully accepted
• Gallery Entry (Optional): $10 per person

Parking is available on-site, along with picnic areas, a gift shop, and guided gallery tours.

For more information and booking updates, visit www.nationaltrust.org.au.

Photo credit: All images supplied by National Trust (NSW).

Related Stories:

• Retford Park International Dog Day 2026 – August 23