Editor

Australia’s animal care and training industry is at a pivotal crossroads. As demand for companion animal services continues to grow—spanning pet care, training, breeding, grooming, boarding, and assistance animals—the absence of consistent, enforceable national regulation is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. While many dedicated professionals operate with integrity, skill, and a genuine commitment to animal … Read more

For many reptile keepers, there comes a time when we start to wonder: How can I safely keep my reptile outside? A visit to the zoo often sparks the idea. Seeing reptiles thriving in open, naturalistic outdoor enclosures makes us consider how we might replicate something similar at home—while still maintaining the highest standards of … Read more

Have you ever wondered why there are far more male ginger cats than females or the genetic story behind tortoiseshells and calicos? After more than a century of curiosity, scientists in the USA and Japan have finally uncovered the genetic secrets behind these classic feline coat colours. They have confirmed that the vibrant orange coat … Read more

I recently attended a popular online horse fair. Its set up as 2 days of videos by instructors and horse trainers from around the world that you can watch in your own time. The topics vary from rider fitness, solving horse behaviour issues, fitness training your horse and training techniques. The thing I have found … Read more

Across Australia, shelters and pounds are reporting record intake numbers, longer lengths of stay, and increasing euthanasia rates—particularly for adolescent and adult dogs with behavioural challenges. This trend should concern everyone involved in animal care, welfare, breeding, training and policy. At the same time, the industry has seen a strong and often uncompromising shift toward … Read more

Many Victorian bird keepers will have noticed recent government statements about cracking down on “intensive” wildlife breeding and restricting the size of wildlife collections. These proposals are being framed as animal welfare reforms — something no responsible aviculturist would ever oppose. But scratch the surface and a more troubling issue appears: these proposals seem to … Read more

I recently adopted a large breed pup (Great Dane cross) from a NSW approved and registered rescue. Her name is Rain, and I fostered her mum and 8 other siblings from when they were <1 day old. Having been involved with a few rescues as a foster carer over the past 20+ years, I’m a … Read more

Originally published in the Sydney Morning Herald – 1st February 2026 Australia has welcomed about 1.5 million extra pet cats since COVID. They were perfect isolation companions: independent, affectionate, low-maintenance. While those additions to households may sound heart warming, a few years later, looking a little closer – as a veterinarian, lifelong cat carer, and … Read more

Well, it is 2026 already! 2025 was yet another huge year for Animal Care Australia as we continued to respond across the multiple reviews and amendments to animal-based legislation across the country. In addition to the countless attempts by local councils to limit how your pets can be kept, including restricting numbers with unrealistic and … Read more

The Victorian Government responds to Wildlife Act Review with recommendations that will affect native wildlife keepers. It has only taken the Government four years, but they have finally released their response to the Report into the Review of the Wildlife Act. While it was good to see the more ‘ideological’ wishes not supported by the … Read more

Christmas in Australia, but it is a period when veterinary clinics see an increase in injuries due to decorations, holiday plants, and other festive hazards. Common risks include ingesting tinsel or ornaments, which can cause intestinal blockages, and getting injured by breakable decorations or electrical wires from lights. 🧵 1. Tinsel & Ribbon Why it’s dangerous: … Read more

Australia is famous for its unique wildlife, and our insects and arachnids are no exception. From vibrant butterflies, to secretive trapdoor spiders, these small creatures play big roles in keeping our ecosystems healthy. Why They MatterInsects and arachnids are essential workers in nature. They pollinate native plants, break down organic matter, control pest populations, and … Read more

A knock at the front door, exactly two hours later and on time from when he said he would arrive. Our beloved Boof looks up from his snuggled position in his blanket on his bed as the man’s shoes draw closer.“So little mate it’s time! It’s been a great run.” The man prepares Boof’s little … Read more

Import of domestic Bengal cat for non-commercial household pet purposes.Note: This refers to a hybrid animal of a domestic cat (Felis catus) and an Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), On 14 December 2024, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) quietly announced a ban on the importation of Bengals into Australia. … Read more

From a young age I had a natural fascination for bugs! I was ‘that’ kid who chased grass hoppers through the tall grass, saved spiders from impending doom of the rolled up newspaper or thong, and sent my dad up Willow trees to catch cicadas in the summer. I thought they were absolutely marvellous creations … Read more

Many of us have an image from our childhood of a cat happily lapping at a saucer of milk. But the science is out— milk isn’t good for cats! Most cats are lactose intolerant Kittens start life drinking their mother’s milk, but after weaning (around 6–12 weeks), they stop producing enough of the enzyme (lactase) needed … Read more

As both a practising Veterinarian and the Veterinary Representative for Animal Care Australia, I see firsthand the complex reality of cat management in this country. I also see the toll it takes not only on cats and wildlife, but on the people working tirelessly to manage an issue that too often becomes politicised, emotional and … Read more

Across Australia, animal welfare has always been a core community value — one shared by responsible owners, breeders, trainers, producers, veterinarians, and industry groups alike. However, over the past two decades, a notable shift has occurred: legislation once informed by evidence, science, and welfare-centric practice is increasingly shaped by animal-rights ideology rather than genuine animal-care … Read more

Perception 1: It’s all cuddling animals all day Reality: Most roles involve cleaning, feeding, health checks, record-keeping, and maintaining environments. Direct “cuddles” are rare and, in many cases, not safe or appropriate. The focus is on animal welfare, not human enjoyment. Perception 2: The work is glamorous and exciting Reality: It can be physically demanding, … Read more

With the arrival of spring, warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours trigger increased insect activity in the native environment. Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and beetles become more active, playing essential roles in plant reproduction and ecosystem balance. In Australia, spring is the perfect time to plant native, bee-friendly plants that support local pollinators. Gardeners can … Read more