Oscar & Friends launches a new pet accessories collection at Big W

Drawing from a four-decade legacy within the fashion industry, Oscar & Friends, the fun and functional pet accessories brand, is excited to announce the launch of its new Value collection into Big W this May 2024.

Designer of Oscar & Friends, Julia Hemingway explains, "We are thrilled Big W has taken this Value collection nationwide, instore and online, including high quality and extremely affordable Grooming brushes, plus the cutest matching sets of Collars, Leads, Harnesses & Waste bags dispensers, which come in a Pink, Khaki and Beige.

“The best part about this Value collection is everything matches back and the prices are so accessible, you don’t need to think twice about buying a few items or the whole set. Let's be honest, matching matters for our furry friends.”

The new pet care value range is available in three sizes and three different colourways, catering to dogs from the smallest Dachshunds to the largest Golden Retrievers. This stylish range features matching sets of collars, leads, harnesses, and dog waste dispensers, available in The Khaki Set, The Beige Set and The Pink Set.

Oscar & Friends also offers a variety of high-quality grooming products, including a 2-in-1 groomer brush, de-shedder brush, self-cleaning everyday brush, slicker brush, nail clippers, and grooming gloves.

"We take our quality very seriously, with every product undergoing thorough testing for durability and functionality to ensure our four-legged friends receive the best and most comfortable products. The namesake, Oscar, a cherished puppy within the organisation, served as the inspiration behind the brand name. 

We now offer a wide range of products for your dogs and cats, including tethering, toys, grooming and home, with plans to expand into a comprehensive range of pet categories for all species big and small,” says Designer Julia Hemingway.

Oscar & Friends was born from a notable gap in the market for affordable yet fun pet accessories. The brand emerged as a natural evolution for the Accessory Company Group, with a dedicated Pet team focusing its expertise now on our four-legged friends, keeping up with the latest seasonal trends and unwavering attention to detail, especially in functionality and finishes.

Designed in Melbourne, the range is available to shop at the Australian department store Big W online and in stores throughout Australia.

MEDIA RELEASE, 23rd May 2024

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The idea behind Canberra pet brand Mila Meets Koda came to dog mum Maigan when she started taking her pup Mila to puppy school. 

She would arrive with her mat, water, phone, keys and Mila in tow (or rather Mila was towing her!) and she found she never had enough hands!

Unimpressed by the silicone bum bags, keyring pouches and snap lock bags filled with treats sported by dog trainers and other pet parents, she set out to create a solution, a little less ordinary…

A bag you would be proud to take and wear everywhere: not just on active walks or runs, but to the cute coffee club down the road or to the pet-friendly outdoor bar.

Her brand Mila Meets Koda was born in 2020 to combine fashion and function and in Maigan’s own words, these bags are “the perfect way to meet and treat!”

Now releasing the Tennis Ball Holder you need, uniquely designed by Canberra pet brand, Mila Meets Koda.

If your dog is obsessed with fetch and you’re sick of holding slobbery tennis balls, Australian Business - Mila Meets Koda are about to release their first uniquely designed Tennis Ball Holder.

This product is nothing short of genius, allowing you to attach a tennis ball to your dog's lead, a belt or even to Mila Meets Koda’s matching Vegan Leather Treat Bags.

When asked what inspired their design, owner Maigan described her Staffy Koda as “completely ball obsessed” and that she “wanted to find solution to carrying a wet tennis ball in her pocket!”

Launching in their signature Tan colour on Wednesday 8th June at 7pm (AEST), you can get your paws on one at www.milameetskoda.com.au

You can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/milameetskoda
and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/milameetskoda/

Price & Where to Buy:

RRP: $32.95 (MOLLY Tennis Ball Holder) from milameetskoda.com.au

The Mila Meets Koda range is also available from a growing number of stockists nationally.

For more details, visit milameetskoda.com.au/pages/stockists-page

MEDIA RELEASE, 8th June 2022

Valentine’s Day is a great time to shower our four-legged friends with some extra love. After all, for many of us our dogs are not only our furkids but also our "plus-one" on all social occasions.

To spoil your dogs on V-Day - and any other day - here are our top picks of gift ideas from Australian pet companies that are sure to delight your pooch.

Watch the others stand back as your dog makes a bold statement on your date in this wide-padded leather collar studded with a breathtaking combination of stunning pink crystals.

The Tough Luxe Crystal Leather Collar (Pink) is designed in Australia by Style Hound Australia and handcrafted in Poland.

Each crystal is set within its own bezel and secured right through the outer layer of 100% genuine leather, making it both striking and hard wearing.

Featuring smooth black leather with a super soft padded hot pink leather lining and trim, contrast pink stitching and tapered ends for comfort and a streamlined look. Also available in Red, Blue, Chocolate & Natural. 

Available in 5 lengths and your choice of width (4cm-5cm).

RRP: $125.00 from stylehound.com.au

Humans aren’t the only ones who love to love... Your dog will look adorable on Valentine’s Day wearing one of Swanky Paws’ heart-covered bowties or dog bandanas!

All dog bowties (White with Red Hearts or Red with White Hearts) have been designed to be versatile so your dog can look great not just for Valentine’ Day but for any special occasion with minimal effort.

The “Little Flirt” Dog Bandanas in pale pink or blue are reversible and can be personalised with your pooch’s name! To zhuzh them up, why not add some bling in the form of Svarowski Crystals?

 
Another option is the stunning red “Happy Pawrentines” dog bandana designed to maximise the fun on your date with your four-legged plus-one!

RRP: from $20.95 (Collar Bowties) or $24.95 (Sailor Bowties); from $22.95 (Bandanas) at swankypaws.com.au

Celebrate your love for your best fur-riend this year with Collar & Ruff's Limited Edition Valentine's Day designs.

Their innovative in-house Custom Printed Biothane model is super strong, weatherproof and comes in six different Valentine's Day designs and colourways.

These are available in 5 sizes and a stunning array of collar base colours, ready for you to customise your perfect collar. 

Designs include Hearts (Red / Pink), Arrow Hearts (Red / Rainbow) or Balloon Love (Red / Blue).

RRP: $52.00-$61.00 from collarandruff.com.au 

Australian business Gummi Pet Products relaunched its brand in 2020 with a colourful range. 

To celebrate your dog’s love on Valentine’s Day and every day, why not select some affordable fun accessories in dusty pink or fiery red to help your dogs do what they do best - Eat, Play & Walk?

From dog bowls, collars & leashes to soft toys, tennis balls and frisbees, you’re bound to find something to spoil your pooch!

RRP: starting from $14.95 (accessories); $7.95-$14.95 (toys) at www.gummipets.com

Having a Pet ID Tag with up-to-date contact information dramatically increases the chances of your lost dog or cat being returned to you as quickly as possible.

Red Dingo created the world’s first enamel and stainless steel Pet ID Tags and they come with a lifetime guarantee (except for plastic)!

A perennial favourite are their Heart Glitter Pet Tags. But all that glitters is not gold with 7 other colours to choose from! Another great choice for Valentine’s day is the Heart Enamel Pet Tag but there thousands of options.

RRP: $19.50 (all 3 sizes) which includes free engraving and free shipping at store.reddingo.com.au

Handmade in Melbourne, these Hearts dog accessories by LovePup make the pawfect gift for your special furry someone this Valentine’s Day.

They can even include a secret love note with your order for that special touch!

The Hearts Dog Bandana is the perfect accessory to say ‘I Wuff You!' or to wear on that romantic puppy date...

LovePup dog bandanas have been sewn into a triangle shape to ensure the perfect look every time. Simply roll the top over until you get the right length and tie the ends in a knot around your dogs neck.

Made from lightweight cotton fabric with a signature vegan leather label. Available in 5 sizes.

RRP: from $14.00 (bandanas); from $10.00 (bowties) at www.lovepup.com.au

Part of their just launched Valentine’s Day Collection, the Sucker for Love adjustable harness by Big & Little Dogs features a webbing neck and chest strap which can be both adjusted for the perfect fit.

This harness now features a front leash clip so it can be used as a front leading harness however it is not recommended for extreme pullers or extremely strong dogs.

Designed for comfort and style, it is made using custom printed neoprene with the cutest heart lollipop print!

It comes with the Big & Little Dogs branded buckle and sturdy branded D-ring for attaching your leash or restraint clip.

A matching dog leash, bandana, scrunchie and poop bag holder are also available.

RRP: from: $30.95 (Dog Harness); $9.95 (Scrunchie) at bigandlittledogs.com

It’s more than just puppy love. It’s forever-ever! Say “aww!” to superstar groomer Melanie Newman’s new Puppy Grooming Collection. It’s just landed at Habitat Pet Supplies, and the Habitat team are already obsessed.

Made in Australia from all-natural ingredients like organic rose, chamomile and calendula essential oils, the range includes shampoo, conditioner, grooming cologne and more - in other words, there’s absolutely everything you’ll need to keep your puppy looking (and smelling!) their most adorable.

A quick lather, rinse and spray is all it takes to leave your puppy’s coat softer and shinier than ever…and totally ready for big Valentine’s Day cuddles!

RRP: from $27.99. Available from Habitat Pet Supplies

Mimi & Munch was borne out of pure love for man's best friend.

Each and every treat is pressed out by hand, made with so much love using human-grade ingredients selected for their absolute freshness and uniqueness. 

Delight your best friend on Valentine’s Day some Woofbutter Bakes heart-shaped treats made with fresh Pumpkin and creamy Peanut Butter. A combination made in doggy wonderland!

Depending on your dog’s size, you can choose from Mini Hearts, Small Hearts & Medium Hearts! Or spoil your pooch with some Personalised Doggie Biscuits, available in a heart shape or bone shape!

RRP: from $14.95 (180g) at mimiandmunch.com.au

There is no more loyal love than pooch love!

What better way to surprise your love than with a gorgeous I woof U gift box by Golden BARKery? Their Honey & Vanilla homemade dog biscuits are grain-free and decorated with dog friendly icing with colours derived from fruits and vegetables.

Originally designed as a Valentine's Day puppy gift, this range is now available all year round! Beautifully presented in a 11cm x 15cm gift box, these dog biscuits are both delicious and nutritious.

To save 10% on any item in the Valentine's range, use code DogLover10 at the checkout. Offer valid until 14/02/2021.

RRP: $14.00 from goldenbarkery.com.au

You don’t have to break the piggy bank to make any day special for your dog! Plush dog toys usually don’t last long with our tough chewers but squeaker fun is the best fun, until it dies…

Meet Patrick the Dog! This cuddly fella (check out his many 'frens': Flat Bat Cat, The Watch Dog, Fatty Lamb...), perfect for small dogs or puppies that love a bit of company. This is a squeaker toy for dogs and they'll spend hours playing with it.

PetPat Pet Toys are offering a special “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” plus free shipping within Australia.

RRP: $12.95 from petpat.com.au

Roses are red, violets are blue, how did I get so lucky with you!

Give the furry love of your life this single red rose stem for Valentine's Day or just to say "I love you". 

This sweet red rose has a fabric rosette and leaves with a cotton rope stem (approximately 30cm long, making playtime enticing.

RRP: $12.95 from www.doggytopia.com.au

After all the excitement of a big day of celebrations, it’s time for your pooch to rest their weary head!

For those with small to medium size pooches (or a cat), this stylish Ruby Swirl Dog Teepee Tent by Pebblina provides a safe den to sleep in!

Measuring only 60cm x 60cm x 75cm, this adorable dog tent will easily find its rightful place in any family home. 

The dog cushion (included) is made out of a durable cotton material, ensuring long-lasting use. 

RRP: $129.00 from pebblina.com.au

Sometimes, you just have to get your own Valentine's Day present...

Peter Alexander is the undisputed king of Australian sleepwear and a big dog lover.

You'll love this pretty pink Snoopy Heart Shortie PJ Set as much as Snoopy loves Woodstock, in a comfy cotton jersey and all over Peanuts print.
Available in five sizes from XS to XL.

It comes in a cute matching bag. You can complete the look with the Dream Big Snoopy Eye Mask for a fun present!

RRP: $109.00 at www.peteralexander.com.au

From our pack to yours, we wish you a wooftastic Valentine's Day 2021!

Personalised Doggie Biscuits kindly provided by Mimi & Munch AU 

 

We all have our own unique way of celebrating Australia Day with our dogs. Decking the house in green and gold, flying the national flag, throwing a barbie for family and friends, relaxing at the beach or our local park, attending local events... No doubt you will have your own long-held traditions!

Our dogs are an integral part of the family so they are always included in all our celebrations. Whether at home or away this year, we hope these ideas will help you plan some unforgettable Australia Day festivities!

Swanky Paws – Bowties & ID Tag

Celebrate Australia Day in style with one of these classic Australia Green & Gold Swanky Paws accessories.

Show your pup is a True Blue Aussie on Australia Day with a dog bow made specially for them. 

These soft yellow velvet bowties come in cute Tartan Print or Flag Print design (with two styles: classic bowtie or sailor bowtie).
To wear, simply pull the dog collar through the 2 elastic loops at the back and the bow will sit up for the world to see.

The collection also includes a Green & Gold Tartan Print Pet ID Tag. Totally customisable, it features your pet’s name at the front and allows for 4 lines to be digitally printed on the back.

RRP: from $20.95-$24.95 (Bows); $25.00 (Pet ID Tag) at swankypaws.com.au

Wiggle Wags n Kaz - Straya Shirt    

The Straya Muscle Shirt is a quintessentially Australian T-shirt for dogs, handmade by Wiggle Wagz n Kaz.

If you're proud to be living in this sunburnt country... now your fur baby can celebrate too! 

It comes in ten sizes; for the best fit, simply ensure you measure your dog’s neck, chest and back length carefully before ordering. 

There's also a Straya Day Bandana and a Straya Day Bow Tie.

RRP: from $23.95 at www.etsy.com/au 

AniPal – Australiana Collection

Your dog can look fashionable on Australia Day whilst supporting our local environment, wearing the AniPal Australiana collection.

Created by local Veterinarian Steph Stubbe, this collection of unique Australiana themed dog collars and leads is made from recycled plastic bottles and finished with brass hardware. Collars come in 3 sizes whilst leashes are 130cm in length.

Choose from Billie the Bilby, Kylo the Koala, Piper the Platypus or Clancy the Black Cockatoo. 

RRP: $35.95-$45.95 from www.anipal.com.au

Fuzzyard – Dream Time Koalas Onesie 

The Fuzzyard Dreamtime Koala Onesie features the cutest little koalas having a snooze after a hectic day munching on eucalyptus leaves. 

Made of super soft fleece material with contrasting collar and cuffs, these dog pyjamas are so comfortable that your bestie may decide to strut and snuggle in them all day long. 

Easy to get on and off with a button up front and the rear of the underneath is left open for necessary toilet breaks. 

Available in 7 sizes to fit all dogs from Chihuahuas to German Shepherds. 

RRP: $46.71 at www.petcircle.com.au 

Outback Tails – Aboriginal Art Dog Accessories 

The Outback Tails range of dog beds, ceramic dog bowls, leather collars & leads and dog coats feature modern Aboriginal artwork. 

The designs showcase the unique artworks and Jukurrpa (Dreaming) stories of talented indigenous artists Pauline Napangardi Gallagher and Ursula Napangardi Hudson from the Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation in the Central Desert. 

RRP: from $114.95 (rectangular beds) & $120.00 (round beds), from $29.95 (collars) at outbacktails.com 

Vegemite sangas, juicy snags, lamingtons and pavlovas may be your foods of choice on Australia Day but none of these should ever pass your dogs' lips! The salt and sugar content in these foods will not sit well in their stomachs. Worse, acute pancreatitis can occur after a dog eats a fatty food such as barbeque beef, pork, leftover fatty offcuts or cheese.

Some human foods like onions and chocolate can be deadly. 

So why not organise some Aussie specialties created for your dogs instead?

All Barks – Aussie Nibbles 

All Barks dog treats gives your dog a real taste of Australia: they’re made from 100% Australian ingredients and responsibly sourced. 

Aussie Nibbles is a natural blend of lean protein using Australian wild Kangaroo (80%) & Venison (15%) plus natural herbs and amino acids. 

Each little nibble is bite sized, making them suitable for all life stages and they're perfect for training or as treats. 

The 5-pack bundle features the entire Taste of Australia range: Outback Snacks, Booster Bites, Aussie Nibbles, Bush Burgers and Bush Sticks.

RRP: $11.99 (Aussie Nibbles); $55.00 (5-pack bundle includes free shipping) at allbarks.com.au 

Jojo & Lola’s Jerky Chompers - Vegemite Chompers 

Part of the Gourmet Jerky Chomper Dog Treats range, the Vegemite Chompers contain 100% human grade chicken mince, parmesan cheese, garden fresh basil and are topped with salt reduced Vegemite. 

There are no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives, and no added sugar or salt. 

** Please note: Vegemite is high in salt content so please take this into account if your dog has any dietary salt issues. 
There are lots of other great flavours for dogs to sample like Beef & Bacon, Beef & Barramundi, Chick & Chook etc. 

RRP: $7.00 (pack of 5) at www.jojoandlolasjerkychompers.com.au 

Vegemite - Dog Bandana

Australia Day is the perfect time for your pooch to strut out their Vegemite Dog Bandana - they also make prefect pressies for your overseas four-legged friends! 

These dog bandanas are 100% cotton and printed with an iconic Vegemite design on one side. 

The bandanas are suitable for other pets or even humans. This bandana is designed to be folded in half (triangular then rolled to ensure you can tie it perfectly). 

Available in Small, Medium and Large. 

RRP: $21.95-$23.95 exclusively from vegemite.com.au 

Bones & Whiskers – Doggy Grazing Boxes & Lamingtons

Planning to host a party with multiple dog guests? 

The Bones & Whiskers Ultimate Doggy Grazing Box is filled to the brim with pawlicious gourmet dog treats and dehydrated snacks to please everyone! 

Also available for One, they come complete in gift box with ribbon. 

Why not finish off your dogs' feast with some Doggy Lamingtons, part of the Bones & Whiskers new gourmet range of biscuits, all handcrafted to perfection in Melbourne. 

These Lamingtons treats are filled with delicious gluten-free ingredients: Organic Carob dusted in Organic toasted Coconut, Peanut butter, eggs, rice flour. 

Your dog will enjoy each piece with all their senses for the ultimate chocolate (carob) pleasure.

RRP: $16.00 (Lamingtons) or $35.00-$64.99 (Doggy Grazing Boxes) at www.bonesandwhiskers.com.au

Huds & Toke – Aussie Dog Mixed Cookies

Your dogs can celebrate Australia Day right with a mixed box of these popular Aussie Dog Cookies made by Huds & Toke.

These colourful dog treats are low in fat, have no added sugar and are guaranteed to have a no melt frosting.
These are also 100% Aussie made!

RRP: $7.95 at hudsandtoke.com.au 

Print Pack Send – Australian Icon Coaster Set

Don't forget to dress up your table by bringing Australia's most loved and recognised icons straight into your home! These quality metal coasters are the perfect gift and will complement any setting.

Made in Australia by Print Pack Send, these Coasters (104mm x 104mm x 3mm) are made from Aluminium Composite Panel.

Other themed selections are the Australian Flag Set, the Australian Animal Set: Kangaroo, Tasmanian Devil, Cassowary, Yellow-crested Cockatoo, Platypus and Koala or the Australian Wildlife Set: Turtle, Kangaroo, Koala, Crocodile, Emu. 

RRP: $30.00 (set of 6) at www.printpacksend.com.au

It will be a busy day just about anywhere so there are a few precautions to take:

✔️ Make sure you take enough poo bags for the whole day. Not only is it horrible for other people and gives all of us dog owners a bad reputation, but leaving behind piles on the beach can get you an on-the-spot fine!

✔️ You may dutifully slip, slop, slap, seek and slide but what about our dogs? If you don’t supply them with fresh water, some dogs will try and drink from stagnant puddles or the ocean, which is very unhealthy for them! 

Read these simple tips to keep pets hydrated plus find other great ideas for summer fun in our Top 16 Summer Dog Products.

Gummi Pets – Dog Accessories & Dog Toys

Gummi Pets recently launched a new range of vibrantly coloured, high-quality products cleverly designed to help your dog do what it does best – eat, exercise and play. 

Made from high-quality BPA-free melamine, Gummi Pets’ feeding bowls will add a splash of bold colour to your home. Each features a cheeky sentiment that reflects the playful personality of dogs.

Dog toys (Tennis Balls, Tennis Bones & Frisbees) come in an array of bright colours so you’ll always be able to find them at the park.

RRP: from $14.95 (bowls); $7.95-$14.95 (toys) at www.gummipets.com

Doggy Eco - Eco Ball

Planning a big day out at the beach or at the park with your active dogs?

The Doggy Eco Eco Ball has been designed to change the way we think about play. Made from 100% hand compounded New Zealand sheep wool, the Eco Ball is 100% biodegradable, non toxic and gentle on teeth. 

Due to its unique compounded composition, your new Eco Ball - under supervised play - will outlast any tennis ball allowing your dog to deep chew without damaging the ball, or their teeth, offering your dog a unique experience while playing fetch. 

Suitable for all dog sizes, they also float on the water! 

RRP: $13.95 - $29.95 from doggyeco.com

Australian Dingo Foundation - Derek Dingo Plush Toy

Melbourne-based Fair Dinkum Gifts offers a large range of native Australian plush toys (for kids not dogs!) with gift tags included. 

The super soft and cuddly Derek Dingo measures approximately 23cm.

The sale of this item supports the Dingo Discovery Sanctuary and Research Centre which aims to preserve and conserve the gene pool of our original dingoes.

RRP: $25.00 from the Australian Dingo Foundation online shop. 

Whether our usual Australia Day fireworks will proceed this year is unknown but whilst some of us find them enjoyable, they are stressful and frightening for many dogs who suffer from noise phobia.

✔️ Whether at home or out and about, ensure your dog is wearing a current Pet ID Tag with his name and your mobile number, in case they run away in fright.

Red Dingo - Australian Flag Pet ID Tag

Get into the Aussie spirit with this Red Dingo's Australian Flag Pet ID tag, which comes in a range of sizes.

Red Dingo Pet Tags are the highest quality tags available on the market. Constructed of solid stainless steel, with a durable enamel design, these tags will never rust or corrode.

All Red Dingo tags have a Lifetime Guarantee and are supplied with a strong, rustproof stainless steel Split Ring for attaching to your pet's collar. 

To save 10% on the entire range of Pet ID Tags, use promo code AUSDAY21 at checkout until 31st January 2021! 

RRP: from $19.50 at store.reddingo.com.au 

✔️ Try and take your dog for some vigorous exercise earlier in the day! Go for a long walk or a game of fetch or chase at your local off leash park. After a good romp in the park, they are more likely to react calmly during the fireworks...

✔️ Keep your dogs safe indoors with access to fresh water and why not keep the radio or TV on to drown out all the loud noises?

From our pack to yours, we wish you all a safe and happy Australia Day 2021!