Her dog, Peanut – a six-month-old long-haired Miniature Dachshund - comes to work with her three days a week. On Thursdays and Fridays, Alexandra works from home with Peanut at her side.

“He’s a busy boy, and I don’t know how he would cope being alone all day,” says Alexandra.

“Peanut stays in our shared office most of the day, with a bed and various toys. I provide him with enrichment activities to keep him busy. We have a dog gate at the door, so he gets pats from people walking by. When we leave the office, he’s kept on a lead in case there are other dogs around. He’s fine with that.

“We have access to large, fully-fenced play yards, equipment and a Sniffari walk (dog enrichment walk) in the nearby bushland. I try to take him for a walk during my lunch break. If I can't, other staff members often step in. The surrounding bushland and gardens make toilet breaks convenient, just a few metres from the office.”

Being at the office has really helped Peanut with his socialisation, as he interacts with many people and is surrounded by typical dog noises and smells. Occasionally, he meets other dogs, usually other puppies, although this is kept to a minimum.

“I keep a treat pouch on me to reinforce positive behaviours, like calmly observing a dog walking past the office,” says Alexandra.

“As a shelter, the entire place is set up for dogs. We have access to everything we might need, including vets, behaviour trainers, enrichment equipment and a dog retail shop. The staff loves dogs and have built a relationship with Peanut. They enjoy seeing him on the days we’re in, and he often does a morning round to greet everyone and get pats. Peanut often comes along to meetings to soak up some cuddles. The staff get some lovely cuddles and so does he. Win win right?”

Alexandra describes taking Peanut to the office as a ‘lifesaver’.

“I honestly don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t bring him. Leaving him at home wouldn’t be much fun for him, and it would be too much time alone at his age. It would also be incredibly stressful for me, worrying about him being sad and waiting for me. He’s the type of dog that would be like that,” she says.

“It makes me sad to think about dogs left alone at home every day. They're with us for such a short time, and I wish more workplaces were dog-friendly.”

Not every dog enjoys an office environment, but for those that do, “it’s incredibly rewarding to have your best friend with you each day,” says Alexandra. “Sometimes it’s hard to fit in a walk before or after work. Having them at the office means you might manage it during your lunch break or on the way to or from work.”

What do Alexandra’s colleagues think of having Peanut around?

“Peanut is an absolute clown, as Dachshunds are known to be. He’s often dancing around, throwing his toys or trying to steal things (he’s a puppy), which keeps my colleagues and me laughing at his silly antics,” she says.

“Having him around truly makes for a happier and more enjoyable day. We have the pleasure of being surrounded by dogs every day, so we are quite blessed, but even though we have this pleasure, we still get some extra joy when staff dogs come in.”

Alexandra believes in having more pet friendly offices.

“I’ve worked in dog-friendly offices before, even in a corporate setting, and it was such a pleasure!” she says.

“Dogs are so good at reminding us to love life and be joyful. They lift the mood of everyone around them and increase the positive vibe in an office. Sure, you might spend a few minutes in the morning greeting them, but then everyone is in a much better headspace for the rest of the day! I have no doubt that the increased morale makes more happier, more fulfilled and subsequently more efficient/productive staff.”

Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania

Well, fear not! There is a better way – and many offices have adopted this method to keep workers and pets happy!

“Now more than ever, pets are an integral part of our lives,” says Trish Ennis, CEO of Australia CAN. “With many companies continuing to have employees split their working week between home and the office, it’s no surprise people want to bring their pets to the workplace too.”

Research has shown that having pets in the workplace improves productivity and collaboration and alleviates stress. One study shows 90% of employees in pet friendly workplaces feel highly connected to their company’s mission; fully engaged with their work and willing to recommend their employer to others*.

Tips on how to make your office pet-friendly

Education, clear guidelines and fair ground rules can help make pets in the office work well for everyone.

You need to make sure everyone feels safe (including the pets), that you can avoid any chaos by providing strict rules and boundaries, and that there is always supervision for the pets.

Here are 8 tips for creating a harmonious, pet-friendly work environment.

Provide a safe and secure space

Firstly, it is worth providing gated or inaccessible areas to control a pet’s movement and give them a safe and secure place to roam. This will also suit those workers who are either allergic or don’t like pets to have a safe and comfortable animal-free space away from them to work.

Make sure your pet meets the rules of the office

Your pet needs to have all its vaccinations up to date, be house-trained, have good behaviour, and be able to tolerate other pets. It also needs to be free of fleas or ticks and generally clean and not smelly!

Think about the clean-up

Pets should be house-trained before entering the office; however, accidents happen! Create pet-friendly areas with easy-to-clean floors and have cleaning products on hand, such as urine removers, in case there’s a spill. Ensure all employees bringing a pet into the office agree to clean up after their own pet.

Provide a grassy patch outside for toilet breaks or litter boxes for cats

If you don’t have an easily accessible grassy area available for dogs to ‘do their business’, think about investing in a few portable fake grass ‘pet loos’ that collect pet waste and can be emptied. Also, make sure to have eco-friendly poo bags available.

For cats, remember that each cat needs at least one kitty litter tray. These will need to be regularly cleaned, so consider having a roster system between the pet owners for who will clean and replace them!

Consider buddying up with another employee pet parent to supervise your pets

Pets will need to be always supervised for their safety, the safety of the workers and the pets’ well-being. Find another worker with a similar pet to watch your pet when you need a bathroom break or have a meeting, and you can do the same for theirs.

Tidy any electrical cords and check for any other safety issues

Keep your desk tidy, with no cords dangling and no available food sitting out (waiting to be stolen by a hungry hound!). Crawl around the space on your hands and knees to check for anything that may attract or hurt pets at that level.

Supply your pet’s own bedding, food, treats, crates, leads etc

Not only will this provide comfort for the pet, knowing they have their own creature comforts available, but it will also ease pressure on the office, as they will not have to provide anything new for your pet.

Be respectful

Be mindful and respectful of each pet’s feelings and health needs. Some pets may not want to be cuddled during their first meet-and-greet, and others may have dietary restrictions that prevent them from having treats.

Also, be aware and respectful of colleagues who aren’t as comfortable around animals. It is a workplace, after all – not everyone will share in the joy of their new animal inhabitants. Make sure to stick to your workplace’s pet policies, rules of engagement and any prohibited areas.

Making your workplace pet-friendly has multiple benefits for employees. It’s been proven to reduce stress levels, enhance coping skills and lower blood pressure. It even allows non-pet owners to bond with animals they don’t have access to at home!

“As some companies struggle to persuade employees to spend more time working on site, implementing a pet-friendly policy might be the perfect solution for creating happier and more productive workplaces!” says Ms Ennis.

For more information on creating a pet-friendly workplace, download the Companion Animal Network’s Pets in Business Resources or contact us to receive your own personalised pet-friendly workplace kit!

“At JB Hi-Fi, we love animals and celebrate our own pets by sharing photos of them in the office and on a dedicated workplace app. We also welcome pets into the store. It’s always a great day when you’re able to have a pat or cuddle!”

Nicola and her partner Jordan have two rescue pets, Aria and Ted, who bring their life great fun and joy!

“When we met Aria at the rescue, there was no way we were going home without her! She was so happy and just wanted to be loved. She was 10 months old and had a rough start to life. We took her in knowing she would need leg surgery, which ended up being multiple due to mistreatment from her previous owner. Aria has recovered and is loving life! She loves destroying her squeaky toys, going for walks and playing with her doggo friends. Despite everything she has been through, she has the most beautiful nature, crazy eyes and one flopped ear. She loves everyone she comes across no matter what.”

Ted was a Christmas present to Nicola from Jordan in 2020.

“Ted was the craziest kitten, zooming around the room while all his siblings slept, and we felt he matched Aria’s energy. Today, he is the snuggliest, most well-behaved little man and he and Aria are best friends. He goes on adventures through the garden, loves chasing the laser light and doing sneak attacks when you walk down the hallway. Aria and Ted play together all the time, sleep beside each other and are always down for a treat.”

Nicola has always believed in ‘adopt not shop’, so seeing CANA on the Helping Hands donation form made it impossible for her not to contribute.

“I will always adopt animals and encourage others to do so. My house would not be a home without my crazy pair.”

Karri and John began fostering for SAFE (Saving Animals from Euthanasia) Inc in September 2021 when they took in a mother cat with three eight-day old kittens. Less than a week later, they took in the cutest little foster dog!

“We loved pet sitting while we were renting and when we bought our house, it came with a cat named Puss and she just let us live in it!” laughed Karri. “That’s when we decided to foster! I have no idea how many animals we’ve fostered to date! Our pets and the temporary dogs and cats we care for have no boundaries; they are part of our family.”

Karri found fostering to be a great way to create community connections and make a difference in animals’ and people’s lives.

“Fostering has made a positive impact on our lives, being responsible and dedicated to animals that are often unwell and unloved,” she said.

“It’s so rewarding to see that confidence slowly return in the safe, quiet space that we can offer them. They leave us bright and happy after SAFE have seriously considered a suitable adoptive family. I still get photos of some of the pets that I have loved and let go to their new families who give them the best life. It’s these that make my heart sing.”

Karri and John’s door is open to puppies, dogs, cats and kittens; however, they tend to be placed by SAFE with smaller dogs due to Karri’s disability. Karri has hemiplegia, paralysis or weakness that affects only one side of her body, from a brain infection that happened when she was 15 years old.

She spent almost a year in recovery / rehabilitation learning to walk and talk again. Having the hospital resident cat, Smokey, sit on her lap and receive visits from other pets in hospital made a world of difference for Karri’s morale.

“I knew from that moment that animals were crucial for people’s recovery and mental health,” said Karri, who today works with young people with mental health difficulties in a career inspired by the amazing team of medical professionals involved in her recovery.

Karri and John’s own pets Rufus ‘White-Socks Harvey’, Brin ‘Scruff-Tail Harvey’ and Biscuit ‘Kitty Kit Harvey’ are ‘foster fusions’ (foster pets that are adopted by their carer) that are integral members of their family.

Originally born to a backyard breeder, “Rufus was socialised from day one and takes great care of the foster puppies and dogs. It’s like he has an innate sense of protection and love,” said Karri. “He plays tug-o-war with the puppies and always lets them win and I’ve caught them on countless occasions snuggled up sleeping.”

Brin was one of three siblings Karri and John fostered over Christmas 2021 – part of a litter of 11 that were split into different foster homes.  Brin was one of the last to get adopted and was Rufus’s little shadow, so they decided to keep her.

“Brin is our ‘tester dog’ with foster cats and kittens; she lies down and waits patiently for them to come investigate. When the kittens are more confident, Brin has lots of fun with them. We know that she has Cattle Dog in her because she tries to round the kittens up!” laughed Karri.

Biscuit, from foster to family

The latest recruit to the family is a 1-year-old Chihuahua x Terrier named Biscuit, featured in the premier episode of Channel 9’s TV series Take Me Home Season 2 in April 2024.

Karri and John brought Biscuit home from SAFE Inc as a foster pet.

“She slept for the first two days in recovery and was such a good puppy!” said Karri. “SAFE eventually received a beautiful application for Biscuit and it was all set for adoption when filming Take Me Home – Season 2 concluded. But the longer I spent with Biscuit I knew that it was going to be impossible to let her go. When I received news that the family could no longer adopt her, I jumped!

“I fell more and more in love with her little mannerisms, how she talks to us, is super snuggly like a cat – and let’s face it, the size of a cat, also! Biscuit is the boss of Brin and Rufus. She also favours John; they have snuggles every night!

“I call the dogs “the motley crew”. They love the beach and the river.  Our life feels complete with the dogs which we love and could not imagine life without.”

With three dogs at home, Karri and John can’t take in any more foster dogs (unless it’s emergency care), but they can still foster cats and kittens.

What’s Karri’s advice for people thinking of fostering a pet?

“Fostering is like pet sitting and when your foster animal goes, it’s making room for a new one,” she said.

“Don’t let a disability hold you back from making the decision to foster. You will be supported by the agency who saves the lives of animals. It brings immense joy to be part of the animals journey.”

View more episodes of Take Me Home – Season 2 here

To learn more about fostering pets, contact a CANA member near you. https://australiacan.org.au/who-we-are/

Home care package provider Coastal Home Care’s CEO Kylie Magrath has been working in Aged Care for more than seven years, witnessing firsthand the profound impact of in-home care on older individuals.

Ms Magrath is also Managing Director of two other government-approved in-home aged care providers, Hazel Home Care, and Dulcie Home Care, and finds one aspect that stands out is the significance of maintaining companionship with pets, which often becomes increasingly vital as people get older.

“Loneliness is one of the biggest issues in older Australians and pets become the friend/partner/companion that gives them purpose and brings joy to their lives,” she says.

Often Aged Care Homes don’t allow pets and so the beautiful thing about Home Care Packages is that the funding allows them to stay at home where they can enjoy the company of their pets.

“Older people want to remain at home in familiar surroundings with their personal belongings that have memories and history, where they can happily keep their pets and where neighbours and local community are close at hand, and in-home care allows them to do this,” she says.

Home Care Packages are a generous government subsidy that allow older Australians to access up to $60K per year to use on services and supports that allow them to remain safely and happily at home. The funding can be used for cleaning, gardening, social activities, personal care, helping to take your dog for a walk and much more, she adds.

Hazel Home Care is a fully managed Home Care provider, which means that the Care Manager arranges all the supports and services and most of the workers who service the customer will be employed by Hazel Home Care.  It services Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.

“It is a high touch model where the Care Manager checks in with their clients every two weeks,” says Magrath.

Dulcie Home Care, on the other hand, is a Self-Managed Home Care Provider that is available to clients anywhere in Australia.

“Many customers want more control over their Home Care Package funding and self-managing allows them to select the workers, choose when they come and also negotiate the rate that is paid,” she says.

“The client still has a dedicated person to support them called a Support Partner, but all communication is via phone and all the coordination of services is done by the client.”

Positive outcomes in providing pet care services

Pet care services are also offered by Dulcie and Hazel, assisting clients with tasks such as accompanied walking of their pet, transporting them and their pet to the vet, cleaning that may be required due to pet ownership (ie pet hair).

“More than 50 percent of our clients have pets. As long as they can safely care for the pet, we would support them in any way we can!” says Magrath.

There are many positive outcomes in providing pet care services for older people.

Magrath says, "One of our customers has raised over 20 guide dogs over her lifetime and is an avid lover of dogs.  She is now 92, lives alone and in a very large house and was quite lonely until her family gave her a Cavoodle, a smaller dog than she is used to but one that is easy for her to look after and is loyal and great company.

“She has a personal carer who helps out with a number of tasks around the house and while she is there, they take Ricki (her Cavoodle) around the block together.  The client is unable to walk Ricki independently so being able to walk with the carer allows her to give Ricki some exercise but also gets her out of the house.

Through tailored services that support the care of pets and compassion, in-home care providers like Hazel and Dulcie Home Care empower older people to age gracefully in the comfort of their homes alongside their beloved animal companions.

Have you filled in our Pet Friendly Aged Care Survey(s) for older people, in home carers/support, aged care residents and staff?

Pets often serve as beloved companions for older adults, particularly those living alone or experiencing social isolation, and caring for a pet gives them purpose and responsibility.

“By assisting with pet care, in-home aged care providers ensure that older people maintain this vital source of companionship, which can positively impact their mental and emotional well-being, and enhance their clients' quality of life in meaningful ways,” said Kyra Bae Snell, co-founder of CareAbout, Australia’s leading home care placement service.

In operation since 2016, CareAbout has helped to support more than 100,000 families across all states in their search for a quality home care provider or aged care provider. The service is free to people looking for providers.

“The inspiration behind CareAbout came from my personal experience in navigating the aged care system and finding it overwhelming, confusing and frustrating when I was looking for clear information on the best supports for her loved one,” she said.

“It was heart-breaking and the more I talked to others, the more I realised how common my experience was and I wanted to change it for the better for when other families were inevitably faced with the realities of getting older.”

Especially since the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, Snell has witnessed many positive changes aimed at improving the aged care system, such as increased funding, person-centered care and support for in-home care.

“Wellbeing and quality of life doesn’t come down to just quality of care. There are other things that can contribute to a joyous life, such as pets,” she said. “We hear so many stories about the importance of pets in people’s lives and how their pets bring them joy!”

For CareAbout, it’s important to support older pet owners in their homes the way they want to live, and ensure the home is safe for in-home care providers to support the client. Home Care providers offer a variety of care services within the home, so people don’t have to travel anywhere or even get dressed to leave the house!

“Home care is about the whole individual and understanding their needs and preferences, and part of that is to understand their need for a pet,” said Snell.

“With more awareness about the benefits of pets for older people, including the great work Companion Animal Network Australia is doing to support pets in aged care, it’s becoming increasingly common for older people to ask about in-home care providers that cater to their pets.”

CareAbout also helps people find nursing homes that allow live-in pets, with recommendations based on people’s needs and preferences.

“If we can’t recommend a quality aged care facility from our handpicked panel, we won’t make one. But if there are other homes better suited for them that we don’t work with, we suggest they contact, for instance in regional areas,” said Snell.

For more information about CareAbout finding a nursing home that will accept your live-in pet, visit here.

Most older people want to age at home with their pets

Due to increasing demand from older people who wish to age at home with their pets, CareAbout focuses more on searching for in-home care providers people can trust.

In fact, a survey conducted by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety of more than 10,000 Australians reveals that 80% of older people want to remain in their current home and 62% want to receive care services in their own home.

“One of the big reasons to remain living at home is their pets! You can keep your dogs, cats, birds and pet lizards surrounded by your books, photos and all your comforts!” said Snell.

“We work with providers across Australia and overwhelmingly the providers have the needs and heart of the customer in everything they do. They are required to create personalised care plans that recognise their unique preferences and goals and how people live with their pets.”

To learn how CareAbout can help you with your in-home care, visit www.careabout.com.au/home-care

Find out more about Aging with Pets and Pet Friendly Aged Care

Pets and Positive Ageing (PAPA) Inc and ACT Pet Crisis Support marked their significant milestones recently at a special celebratory event in Canberra, reflecting on their achievements, building awareness and planning for a successful and sustainable future supporting older people and their pets.

As a voluntary organisation that supports older pet owners, PAPA celebrated its 10th anniversary alongside ACT Pet Crisis Support, a charity that has been supporting pets of people in ACT who are disadvantaged or have low income for the past five years.

Companion Animal Network Australia CEO Trish Ennis congratulated PAPA and ACT Pet Crisis Support for their many years of dedication and support for older people and their beloved companion animals.

“The anniversaries of both organisations mark significant milestones and symbolise the profound impact they've had on the lives of numerous older adults and their beloved pets,” she said.

The special event was hosted by PAPA’s first President Jan Phillips (also Chair of the Steering Group that preceded PAPA) and welcomed key local supporters along with PAPA’s former patron Minister Tara Cheyne MLA and long-standing current patron Mary Porter AM. PAPA’s newest patron Minister Chris Steel MLA was also announced.

Also ACT Pet Crisis Support showcased their Tiny Vet Clinic initiative, which started running in March 2023 bringing veterinary services to pet owners who may have trouble accessing veterinary care due to lack of funds.

ACT Pet Crisis Support’s founder Dr Eloise Bright said there are many older people who are lonely and are putting off having a pet or can’t afford to care for the pet they have.

Also as Vice President of PAPA, Dr Bright is proud for PAPA to be working on initiatives to support older people, for instance when they go into hospital and need emergency boarding or foster care of their pets.

"I strongly believe that pets are so good for our mental health and for older pet owners in particular, pets are often so important if they are living alone and socially isolated,” she said.

A decade of support and advocacy for older pet owners

PAPA’S journey began in 2012 with the formation of the Pets and Aged Care Steering Group and became incorporated in 2014 to become Pets and Positive Ageing Inc.

“These ten years have been an extraordinary and inspirational journey,” said Di Johnstone AM, President of PAPA. “We have tackled many issues, advocating to governments and others on behalf of older pet owners, with pet welfare always central to all we do.”

A decade ago, most retirement villages were not pet friendly and companion animals were being surrendered and euthanised because older adults couldn’t take their pets into aged care facilities with them.

“It was terrible for the pets and traumatic for owners,” said Ms Johnstone. “Today, large numbers of ACT aged care facilities are pet-friendly and pet owners tell us how grateful they are to be able to continue living with their beloved pets.”

PAPA supports older people with resources to help make important decisions about their pets, such as wills, along with a list of specialised services for older pet owners.

“We are also working with organisations to achieve pet care assistance in the Federal Government’s new Support at Home Program. Thousands of older and vulnerable Australians in aged care and their pets would benefit!” she said.

“PAPA had been proud to partner and collaborate with Companion Animal Network Australia in our joint efforts to gain wider recognition of the critical importance of pet companionship in the lives of older pet owners and specifically to achieve pet care assistance in the new Federal Support at Home Program.

“We have been especially grateful and impressed by the highly dedicated and untiring commitment of CANA CEO Trish Ennis to get the best possible outcome in national aged care arrangements and current consultations for older pet owners and their beloved pets.”

 

PAPA to help revive PAWS program

Looking forward to a future committed to supporting older pet owners and their beloved pets, PAPA’s priorities lie in campaigns for pets on public transport, access for pets to public and commercial places, supporting older pet owners at times of crisis and encouraging older pet owners to plan for their companion animals when they are no longer around or not able to care for them.

“We will also work with others to revive a volunteer-based Pet Support and Wellbeing Service or PAWS, critical for supporting low-income older pet owners needing help to care for their pets,” said Ms Johnstone.

PAWS volunteers walked dogs, groomed cats and took animals to vet appointments, as well as fostered animals if the client went into hospital or respite and found homes for the animals if the client could no longer look after their pet.

Similar services successfully operate elsewhere, such as Animal Care for Seniors at Home (ACSAH) Inc in Cairns.

“A local program had been in place with Northside Community Service for some years but unfortunately is now in hiatus. We will be exploring funding options for their program and reaching out to other local community organisations to consider a similar PAWS program,” she said.

For more information about PAPA and the PAWS program, please email info@petsandpositiveageing.com

“You shouldn’t have to be rich to have a pet,” says veterinarian Dr Eloise Bright from Canberra Behaviour Vet.
This is why Dr Bright started the charity ACT Pet Crisis Support to deliver essential veterinary services to vulnerable animals and their owners and avoid unnecessary suffering and euthanasia of beloved family pets.
Since 2019, ACT Pet Crisis Support has been providing subsidised vet care for disadvantaged, low-income pet owners who have no other options to care for their companion animals.
In March 2023, ACT Pet Crisis Support launched the innovative Tiny Vet Clinic, thought to be the first of its kind in Australia, operating from a converted second-hand caravan to bring veterinary services to pet owners who may have trouble accessing vet care due to lack of funds.
Within 12 months, the Tiny Vet Clinic helped more than 400 pets with essential treatments, vaccinations and surgical interventions.
“We have Medicare for humans so people are generally surprised how much vet care can cost,” said Dr Bright. “We have some regulars that attend for allergy treatment, arthritis injections or chronic ear infections. We get referrals from vet clinics when they see a pet owner who has no money and their pet has a chronic health condition, but also pet owners can just attend on the day or enquire on the website.”

Older pet owners
With the high cost of essential goods, basic necessities and medical care putting a significant strain on budgets, leaving people increasingly vulnerable, it’s no surprise older adults are a big part of the Tiny Vet Clinic demographic.
In fact, 2023 research by the COTA Federation shows almost half (45%) of older Australians believe things are getting worse for them mainly due to financial stress.
“Older pet owners also often have their own health issues that may make caring for a pet even more challenging,” said Dr Bright.
According to Companion Animal Network Australia’s Status of Pets in Aged Care survey, 40% of older adults who receive a Home Care Package have pets, yet only 9% of these pet owners receive pet care support, such as walking their dog (64% need help) and taking their pet to the vet (62% need help).
As Vice President of Pets and Positive Ageing (PAPA), an advocacy group that helps older pet owners, Dr Bright considers the issue of pets and ageing close to her heart.
“I've been involved in PAPA for 4 years and I strongly believe that pets are so good for our mental health and for older pet owners in particular, pets are often so important if they are living alone and socially isolated,” she said.
“There are a lot of old people who are lonely, and they’re putting off having a pet or they can’t afford to care for the pet they have.”
Dr Bright said she aims to expand Tiny Vet Clinic services to be able to do surgeries as well.
“We often see around three pets at each clinic that need something like desexing, lump removal surgery or x rays, which we currently can't perform. We are running a GoFundMe to expand our services.”
ACT Pet Crisis Support is also always on the lookout for volunteers to help disadvantaged pet owners. For more information, visit www.actpetcrisis.com

“Companion Animal Network Australia and its member agencies are keen to ensure owners of companion pets feel welcome in all parts of our community. We applaud Virgin Australia’s move to allow pets in cabin flights,” says Trish Ennis, CEO of Australia CAN.

Subject to regulatory approval, the pet friendly service is expected to launch within 12 months. Almost all major carriers in North America offer a pets onboard service for domestic flights, including United Airlines and Air Canada.

In a social media survey of Virgin Australia’s Facebook followers in 2021, 85 per cent of respondents voted in favour of the airline launching pets in cabin flights. In more recent research conducted by Virgin Australia with Australian pet owners, nearly 70 per cent of respondents advised they would travel with their pet in the cabin, with 57 per cent saying they would fly more regularly if the service was a reality.

There are a few parameters for pets in cabin flights:

• The service will be limited to small cats and dogs on specific domestic routes;
• Pets will be restricted to a limited number of designated rows and will not be allowed to roam freely or sit on laps;
• Pets must also be carried in a Virgin Australia approved pet carrier under the seat in front of the owner for the duration of the flight.

Sue Hedley OAM, founder of CANA’s Western Australia member SAFE Inc, is thrilled about this “significant milestone in Australian aviation” which is going to make a huge difference for pets across the state.

She has been involved in flying animals as freight for 21 years and says, “Currently there is no Virgin freight in Karratha – a place that generates so much wealth to Australia. This would be a breakthrough for some small animals whose owners are flying Virgin.”

Ms Hedley has seen many occasions, especially with kittens and puppies as well as vulnerable adult dogs and cats, that she has wished could fly in the cabin “where the people are and not where the luggage is stored”.

“Virgin’s move to allow companion animals in the cabin supports pets as part of the family where they can fly to holiday accommodation that welcomes pets,” she says.
“Any initiative that supports the human animal bond is valued by all those involved in animal rescue, especially in these dark times when so many pets are surrendered due to the cost of living and the rental crisis.”

Australia needs to “keep up with the rest of the world where animals can fly in the plane,” says Ms Hedley.

“Virgin will need to learn from other airlines so they can go in forearmed to minimise any risks to animals or people. Also, I find it hard to imagine how small the cat or dog would need to be to be able to fit under a seat in a bag or crate. But it’s a start!”

For more information about Virgin Australia’s pet friendly flights, please visit www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/specific-travel/pets/

It’s clear Victorians love their pets! The crucial information gathered as part of the Victorian Pet Census will allow the Labor Government to better support Victorian pets, their owners and the animal welfare sector to access the services and support they need most.

Acting Victorian Minister for Agriculture Harriet Shing recently visited Companion Animal Network Australia member Lort Smith Campbellfield Veterinary Clinic and Adoption Centre to announce the findings on pet ownership – thanks to more than 37,000 responses to the Census on Victorians’ furry, feathered and finned friends.

The survey identified an estimated 4.3 million pets across Victoria, providing a greater understanding of the unique needs of a variety of animal species to help close the current knowledge gap on pet welfare and owner priorities.

Ms Shing said, “The immense love and care Victorians have for our pets is reflected in the numerous responses to our first Pet Census, highlighting the vital role pets play in the lives of Victorians. The Census data will empower us to better cater to a diverse range of pet owners in our community, ensuring quality support and services for every pet, regardless of species.”

Victoria’s most popular pets are dogs, accounting for 41 per cent, followed by cats at 24 per cent. Among the preferred dog breeds were Cavoodle, Labrador, Greyhound, Border Collie and Golden Retriever.

In great news, the majority of cat owners adopted their cats from an animal or rescue shelter. Cat owners were more likely to get their cats from a rehoming organisation (28%) or animal shelter (22%). The main reason cat owners chose cats from a rehoming organisation or shelter was to help save the animal.

In a demonstration of commitment, pet owners have collectively spent an estimated $6.6 billion in the past year alone on pet products and services to ensure the wellbeing of their beloved companions.

The Census also highlighted the positive impact of pets on the lives of Victorians, with an overwhelming 98 per cent attesting to benefits of pet ownership. Companionship and love were ranked highest at 79 per cent, followed by improved mental health and emotional support at 57 per cent.

The data collected reflects the diversity in pets found homes in Victorians households, including 83,000 reptiles and amphibians and 43,000 insects and spiders, chosen for their unique appeal and low-maintenance care.

The Pet Census findings underscore the immense love, health benefits, and deep connection between Victorians and their animal companions, guiding tailored support and improved welfare services for pets of all shapes and sizes across the state.

To explore the results, please visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au/pet-census