Your Pet is Part of the Plan: Bushfire Safety Call from CFA and RSPCA

With a dangerous summer fire season looming, especially in drought-affected parts of Australia, the message from fire and animal welfare experts is crystal clear for pet owners: Your pet needs a bushfire survival plan, and it needs to be ready now.

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) and RSPCA Victoria are urging all pet owners—from those with a pampered pooch to those with horses and livestock—to include their animals in their essential "Fire Ready" preparations. Planning ahead isn't just a good idea; it could be the difference between life and death for your beloved companion.

The Emergency Pet Kit: Your Grab-and-Go Lifeline

In an emergency, every second counts. Having an emergency kit ready for your pets will save invaluable time. RSPCA Victoria Head of Prevention, Rebecca Cook, stressed that planning is a crucial part of life, particularly during the summer.

"We’re urging everyone to make sure their pets are included in their Fire Ready plans," Ms Cook said.

What should be in your pet's emergency kit?

• Essentials: Bedding, food, and water ready to go.

• Identification & Documents: Updated contact details on microchips and collars are non-negotiable for a fast reunion. Also, pack or take photos/scans on your phone of important documents like vaccination certificates and any vet records.

• Medication: Any necessary medications your pet is currently taking.

"Including your pets in your Fire Ready plans increases the chances of you and your pet making it to safety in an emergency situation," Ms Cook added.

The Finer Details Matter

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan acknowledged that your safety is always the priority, but emphasised that a bushfire plan is "not fully complete" unless it accounts for your pets.

Heffernan advises owners to think through the logistics:

• Sustenance: What will your pets eat and drink?

• Transport: How will you transport them, and where will you take them?

• Protection on the Go: Keep your kit in an accessible place, and have towels and woollen blankets on hand. These can be used to protect pets during the journey and help keep them as cool as possible.

He also reiterated the importance of ID: "Microchipping your pets for easy identification and ensuring your phone number is visible on their collar will help you get reunited sooner in case you get separated."

A Separate Plan for Livestock

For those with larger animals like horses and other livestock, a separate, specific plan is required.

"A late evacuation will put you and your animals at risk; Make sure you’re prepared," CFA Chief Officer Heffernan warned.

If evacuation is not possible, the safest option is to move livestock to a:

• Large, well-grazed, and fenced area

• Away from roads

• Where they can move freely with access to water

Don't wait until the smoke is in the air. Take the time now to prepare your entire family—four-legged members included.

For detailed guidance and help creating your own emergency plan, visit the RSPCA Victoria emergency planning page or the CFA's pets and bushfires information.

Photo: Members of the Lexton Fire Brigade and their pets

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Pet Insurance Australia Unveils "Select & Protect": The Flexible Policy Built by Dog Owners, For Dog Owners

Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) knows that no two dogs—or their vet bills—are the same. Today, we're tearing up the complexity and unveiling Select & Protect, a ground-breaking pet insurance policy that finally puts flexibility, simplicity, and your dog's best life first.

Built from passionate feedback from Australian pet parents, this single, streamlined policy is designed to eliminate bill-shock and endless paperwork, giving you more time for walkies, snuggles, and everything else that matters.

"Pet owners told us they wanted choice, transparency, and ease. We listened," says Ali Osmani, Founder and Owner of Pet Insurance Australia. "Select & Protect is flexible and fuss-free, allowing families to focus more on their pets and less on paperwork. Crucially, we've removed those pesky sub-limits."

Why Select & Protect is Different: Freedom, Not Fine Print

We've thrown out the confusing tiers and complex caps. Select & Protect is built on three core pillars of freedom, allowing you to tailor your cover to your dog and your budget:

1. True Flexibility: The Choice is Yours

Stop paying for a policy that's almost right. You can now build your ideal cover by choosing your perfect combination of:

• Annual Benefit Limit: Up to a massive $35,000—one of the highest limits on the market—to cover the most unexpected of emergencies ($15,000, $25,000, or $35,000).

• Benefit Percentage: Choose how much PIA covers: 70%, 80%, or 90%.

• Excess: Set your annual excess ($0, $100, $300, or $600) to keep your premium manageable.

2. No Sub-Limits. Period.

Our design is clear and straightforward, meaning no hidden caps or surprises on specific conditions or treatments. If it’s covered by your annual limit, it's covered. Now you can get the best care for your dog without worrying about hidden fine print.

3. Custom Care Add-Ons for a Full, Happy Life

Your policy can grow with your dog's needs, from puppy check-ups to senior care:

• Booster Care (Optional Add-on): Covers eligible vet expenses for a wider range of services, including specified dental conditions, physical therapies, and behavioural treatments.

• Routine Care (Optional Non-Insurance Benefit): Assists with everyday wellness expenses like annual vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, and more.

Peace of Mind Features

• Seamless GapOnly® Claims: Say goodbye to upfront bill-shock. At over 1,000 participating vets, eligible claims can be processed in under 10 minutes, so you only pay the gap at the time of discharge.

• MyPetPass® Access: Receive complimentary 24/7 Live Vet consultations and access exclusive discounts at pet retailers.

"This policy empowers pet owners to choose the cover that truly fits their needs," Osmani adds. "As a family-owned Australian business, we understand the important role pets play in everyday life. We’re proud to offer one of the market’s most clear and comprehensive policies, helping families get the most out of their pet insurance.”

Important Feature Details

• GapOnly® Claims: Available at participating vets. The GapOnly® service processes eligible claims on the spot so customers pay only the difference (the gap) between the vet's invoice and the eligible policy benefit. Find participating vets at gaponly.com.au.

• Live Vet Support: A complimentary service providing 24/7 access to general veterinary telehealth advice via online video or chat for your insured pet(s).

• MyPetPass®: A complimentary rewards programme for active policyholders, subject to terms and conditions, offering discounts and benefits. Full details available at mypetpass.com.au/terms.

Policy Administration and Legal Disclosures

Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) policies entered into for the first time on or after 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals are issued by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s Authorised Representative (AR), Pet Insurance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 85 113 507 850, AR 326233 (PIA).

Any advice provided in this release is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination available at petinsuranceaustralia.com.au to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing or renewing your policy.

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From Escapee to Expert: Runaway Dachshund Valerie Appointed Chief Escape Officer as Life360 Unleashes Pet GPS Tracker

Valerie, the viral sausage dog who survived 500+ days on the run, will use her expertise to help keep Australia's 'houndinis' safe.

After pulling off 'mission im-paw-sible'—surviving more than 500 days on the run on Kangaroo Island—and capturing the hearts of a nation, Australia’s most famous sausage dog, Valerie, is back in the headlines with a fancy new job and a crucial mission: helping Life360 launch its new Pet GPS tracker.

The need for this new tech is clear. New research* from family connection and safety app Life360 reveals Australia is home to countless 'houndinis' and 'meowtlaws'—with almost half (42%) of cats and dogs having gone missing and 14% being repeat offenders. To combat this, Life360 has appointed Valerie as its first-ever Chief Escape Officer (CEO).

With a special interest in the one in ten (11%) escapes that remain a complete mystery, Valerie's first call of business is to champion the new Life360 Pet GPS tracker and its recovery tools.

The Great Escapes

The research highlights the constant worry for pet owners. More than a quarter (27%) say their biggest fear is their pets going missing, but many still pull it off, whether it’s darting through doors left ajar (38%), squeezing through gaps (26%), or navigating over and under fences (18%).

Fortunately, most furry fugitives don’t wander too far. Almost two thirds (63%) are found within 1km of home, and over a third (37%) are found within the hour. While 33% of owners also suspect their pets have slipped out and back again undetected.

But some escapees have bigger adventures in mind. One in twenty (5%) have travelled more than 5km, while a determined few managed journeys of up to 30km over the course of two weeks. But the wiener takes it all - with Valerie the runaway snag remaining in a league of her own.

Lauren Antonoff, Chief Executive Officer at Life360, commented: “We knew we needed an expert to help us launch our Pet GPS tracker, and Valerie’s résumé speaks for itself. Pets are a huge part of our families, and we know how devastating it can be when they go missing.”

“Our new tech ensures members can stay connected to their people, pets, and things all on one map, finally bringing our beloved pets to the Life360 Circle where they belong.”

Valerie, Chief Escape Officer at Life360, added: "Woof."

Valerie, Life360's Chief Escape Officer, with her humans - Georgia Gardener and Josh Fishlock

Valerie’s humans, Georgia Gardner and Joshua Fishlock, are the first in Australia to trial the product: “After more than 500 days apart, having Valerie home again is the biggest relief. She’s slotted straight back into her life, and is still the same cheeky, curious little dog. These days, it’s about keeping our family together and feeling reassured. Being the first family in Australia to try out Life360’s Pet GPS tracker and app features has given us the peace of mind of knowing where everyone is and having a helping hand in our pockets in case our escape artist goes wandering again.”

Lost and Found

With most pet parents currently relying on family and friends (42%), microchips (24%), and frantic social media callouts (23%) to track down a pet, Life360 has unleashed the ulti-mutt Pet GPS tracker to offer a better, faster solution.

With integrated cellular, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth capabilities, the tracker keeps Aussies connected to their furrier halves by sharing their real-time location in the Life360 app, alongside other family members and Tile-tagged valuables.

Features include geofencing, escape alerts, and soon, access to a Pet Finder Network allowing users to send Lost Pet Alerts to nearby Life360 members for help rounding up pets on the run.

Coming with a universal collar attachment, built-in safety LED light, water resistance up to one metre - perfect for pups who love a pond - it can last up to 14 days on a single charge, extendable to six months in Reserve Mode.

Starting today, Life360 Pet GPS is available in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand at Life360.com. 

It is available in Pink Punch, Navy Blaze and Black.

While it will retail for AUD $89.99, for a limited time, Life360 Pet GPS will be priced at AUD $3.60 as an introductory offer (plus the price of a Gold or Platinum membership).

*Research conducted by PureProfile on behalf of Life360 in August and September 2025, surveying a nationally representative sample of over 2,000 Australian pet owners.

About Life360

Life360 is a family connection and safety company that helps members stay connected to the people, pets, and things they care about most. The mobile app and Tile tracking devices offer a range of services including location-sharing, safe driver reports, and crash detection with emergency dispatch. Life360 serves approximately 88 million monthly active users (MAU) across more than 180 countries, with 3.1 million MAU in Australia. For more information, please visit life360.com. Life360 is publicly traded on the Australian Securities Exchange under ASX:360.

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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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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.