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From bearded dragons to frogs: the popularity of alternative pets

Wildlife advocate Ben Dessen holds his book as he writes about reptiles as pets and other unusual pets ahead of the Pet Show in Brisbane

Wildlife advocate Ben Dessen writes about the rising popularity of alternative pets, and the upcoming The Pet Show in Brisbane. There’s no hiding the fact that Australia is a nation of animal lovers. In fact, 69% of Australian households have a pet of some sort, up from 61% before the COVID-19 pandemic*.  While dogs and cats top the list, there has … Read more

Best pets for kids: how to find the perfect family companion

Abby and cat Spade for best pets for kids and the important role of animals in child development

Finding the best first pet for a child involves more than just a cute face. It’s about finding a companion who’s suitable, manageable, and capable of bringing joy to the whole family. This article looks at the best pets for kids, focusing on those known for their manageable care, suitability for children, and potential to … Read more

The search to find the best dogs in Australia!

The nation’s first-ever canine talent show is calling for entries in their search for the best dogs in Australia. The Dog Down Under competition has officially opened its registration. Dog owners across the country can enter to showcase their pets’ exceptional abilities, achievements, and contributions to society. With a substantial prize pool exceeding $28,000, the … Read more

5 common pet rescue myths debunked!

puppy lying head over water bowl for pet adoption myths article on Animal Friendly Life

Like many countries, Australia is in the midst of a stray pet crisis. Cost-of-living pressures, combined with irresponsible pet owners, has left animal shelters nationwide overflowing with unwanted pets. It’s a heartbreaking situation playing out in every state and territory- with many pet rescue and adoption facilities struggling to keep up with the growing demands. … Read more

The Petstock Foundation’s National Pet Adoption Month turns 10

Golden retriever on couch for article on benefits of pet adoption and National Pet Adoption Month for Animal Friendly Life

The PetStock Foundation’s National Pet Adoption Month campaign last month resulted in close to 1000 animals being adopted across the country. March 2024 was the campaign’s best yet result, a great way to mark the 10th anniversary of the foundation’s National Pet Adoption Month. Read on to learn more about the initiative, the results, and … Read more

Selective empathy: Vicki Hutton’s new book on animal emotions

Professor and author Vicki Hutton on a field with sheep in background for her latest book on understanding animal emotions

As a professor and author specialising in animal studies, Vicki Hutton has dedicated both her professional and personal life to researching the complex emotional worlds of animals. Vicki is passionate about animal welfare and has observed and written about them for many years. We spoke with Vicki about her new book ‘Recognising and responding to … Read more