Get the appRSPCA ACT has highlighted Junior, a 4.5-year-old Mastiff who weighs 45 kg and has a calm temperament. He suits a home with older children and no other dogs on site, though he is selective with other dogs. Stella, a 2.5-year-old cat, is shy after arriving at the shelter but has grown more comfortable with time and patience. She may suit a home with another confident cat. The shelter's animal viewing hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm.
Landscape designer Charlie Albone, who lives with two dogs, a cat, a lizard and fish, offers advice on keeping plants and pets together. He recommends choosing plants based on each pet's behaviour, such as spider plants and calathea for homes with cats. He suggests closing off tempting plants with shelves, hanging baskets or closed-off rooms. Albone also advises checking soil before watering and using layered planting to keep some plants out of reach.
A Queensland tribunal has ruled that a body corporate acted unreasonably when it repeatedly refused an owner permission to keep her dog. The adjudicator found the Portlinks body corporate in Craiglie, near Port Douglas, failed to consider the request on its merits. Owner Tanya Melville may keep her seven-year-old miniature Schnauzer, Polly, in her apartment, subject to conditions. The conditions include leashing the dog on common property and not allowing it to roam or cause a nuisance. The adjudicator said refusing approval because no pets are allowed is unreasonable under the law.
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Get the appTwo Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Daisy and Poppy, have become familiar visitors to the Canungra office and now feature in the paper. The pair are described as sweet and gentle dogs who look forward to their daily walks through the Canungra township. Their owner, Jo Blair, says the dogs enjoy greeting new people, the occasional swim and being given treats.
Melbourne woman Nicole Wade says her cat Honeybelle's social media pages have earned her $70,000 in a year. The page began during the pandemic lockdown, when Wade was out of work, and quickly gained thousands of followers. Brand deals followed, and Wade left her retail job to make cat content full time. Honeybelle now has nearly 1 million followers across several platforms. Wade and her husband Peter are also working on a cookbook.
Thousands of sea hares have washed up at Aslings Beach in Eden on the NSW far south coast, prompting a warning to pet owners. Marine biologist Culum Brown said the arrival coincided with a natural algal bloom. The sea slugs can hold toxins from the algae they eat, which can pose a serious risk to dogs that lick, mouth or ingest them. Bega Valley Shire Council crews removed many of the animals, and high tides returned others to the water.
Dipsy, a six-month-old kitten, seeks a home where her playful and mischievous personality can flourish. She enjoys exploring, chasing toys, and engaging in light-hearted antics. The energetic feline, identified by microchip number 956000019056979, is available for adoption at the Mornington Animal Adoption Welfare (MAAW) shelter. The initiative is supported by Daylesford’s petstock and honours the memory of Rosie and Curly, previously adopted from the Peninsula RSPCA. Interested parties can contact MAAW at 5472 5277 or [email protected].
RSPCA Illawarra is promoting three pets looking for forever homes. Chop and Mopsey are two collie and American Staffordshire terrier cross dogs who want to be adopted together by a patient family. The pair are gentle and grow in confidence when handled with a soft voice and routine. Ebony is a five-year-old black cat who takes time to trust people but shows affection once settled. The shelter is at Industrial Road, Unanderra, and is open Tuesday to Sunday.
Dedicated pet zones can help contain the mess that pets bring into a home. A washable mat by the door, a feeding mat and storage for leads, toys and food can make everyday routines easier to manage. Absorbent entryway mats help catch wet paws, while feeding mats protect floors from splashes and crumbs. Hooks, lidded containers and washable pet beds also help keep gear and fur in one place. The guide suggests a range of products from retailers including Bunnings, IKEA and Kmart.
Guinea pigs are popular pets in Australia, with around 3% of households owning small mammals, and 43% of those preferring guinea pigs. They are affordable, easy-going, and require minimal space, making them ideal for small apartments. Timothy Hay is recommended as a key part of their diet, providing essential fibre and promoting digestive health. It is widely available in pet supply stores, both online and offline.
Mosman Council is searching for the suburb's most loveable dog. Residents can enter their pooch to compete at the Encore Street Party on Middle Head Rd on October 24. The winner will be announced at the event.
Molong Express journalist Michelle Peters has shared the story of her three pet donkeys, Cleo, Franky and Rudi, who live on the outskirts of Molong. Peters says the donkeys are each distinct. Cleo is arrogant, Franky has grown into the most affectionate of the three, and Rudi prefers his own company. The donkeys have learnt to open a gate latch and duck under an electric fence to reach the garden. Peters says they are particularly gentle around her young daughters. The donkeys have also won over a neighbour who often visits them.
Two cats in care with Wollongong Pet Connection are looking for forever homes. Felix is a playful, affectionate cat who enjoys attention and is motivated by food. Biskit is a young cat who is shy at first but becomes playful and social once she feels comfortable. Both cats are microchipped, desexed, vaccinated, flea and worm checked, and lifetime registered. Interested adopters can apply through the Wollongong City Council website, and a council officer will arrange a meet and greet.
Alicia Evans from Canowindra has raised a goat named Ripley as a family pet, who behaves remarkably like a dog. Rescued as an abandoned kid, Ripley was hand-reared alongside Evans' two dogs and now plays enthusiastically with them. Her love for carrots and citrus fruits often leads to mischief, including leaping fences to reach treats. Despite her antics, Ripley is described as a sweet and loving companion. Evans' clients even recall hearing Ripley's bleats during work calls, showcasing her unique presence in the household.
RSPCA ACT is promoting two animals for adoption. Lottie is a 15-month-old American staffy weighing 23 kg, who is food-motivated, fun to train and has passed 100 days in the shelter. The shelter wants her to go to a home with experience with staffies that can continue her training. Freddy has been in the shelter since February and has been settling in with help from foster carers. The 18-month-old cat gets along well with other cats and shows affection by headbutting people before walking on.
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Get the appA petition advocating for a two-year trial of pet-friendly carriages on NSW trains and metro services has garnered over 6,500 signatures. The proposal aims to allow dogs on leads or in carriers in designated carriages, addressing concerns from pet owners who struggle with current restrictions. While assistance animals are already permitted, the campaign highlights disparities for non-car owners and those with mobility issues. Organiser Rosemary Lee cites Victoria's successful implementation as a model, though Transport for NSW has not yet committed to the trial. The petition remains open until November 4, requiring 20,000 signatures for parliamentary debate.
Halloween pet costumes have surged in popularity, with Google Trends data revealing a consistent annual spike in searches during October. Canungra photographer Katie O’Brien dresses her dogs, Daenerys and Gigi, for seasonal photoshoots, favouring simple outfits like ghost costumes. While interest in pet attire peaks around Halloween and Christmas, experts advise against taking pets trick or treating due to potential stress from noise and unfamiliar situations. In Canungra, Picnic Place and Canungra Rise are popular trick or treating spots, though pet owners should consider their animal's comfort and behaviour before participating.
Many dogs experience anxiety during car rides due to unfamiliar environments and sensory overload, according to veterinarian Dr Will Maginness. Symptoms range from panting and drooling to vomiting and withdrawal. To alleviate stress, gradual exposure to car travel, comfortable surroundings, and regular breaks are recommended. Proper restraint using crash-tested harnesses or crates is essential for safety. Persistent anxiety may require veterinary intervention, including pheromone sprays or behaviour modification programs.