Yes, Australia is generally considered pet-friendly due to high ownership rates and abundant parks/beaches, but it's not as permissive as some places, with strict quarantine laws for importing pets and restrictions on pets in indoor venues, public transport, and some outdoor dining areas, though many cafes welcome dogs in outdoor seating.
Explore These Pet-Friendly Countries for Your Next Trip
While there's no single "most" dog-friendly state, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales consistently rank high due to abundant pet-friendly beaches, parks, eateries, and relaxed travel rules, with South Australia often cited for its stunning, deserted dog beaches, Victoria for public transport access (with muzzle/leash), and NSW/QLD for overall lifestyle and coastal options, though National Parks often restrict dogs.
Australia's reputation as a dog‐friendly country rests on a combination of legal frameworks, urban design trends, cultural attitudes, and visible everyday practices that make dog ownership common and dogs widely accommodated.
The 3-3-3 rule is a roadmap for the first three days, three weeks, and three months after pet adoption. It emphasizes patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement to help pets acclimate to their new environment.
Aussies are friendly but protective, and have a natural tendency to herd. Fido may even try to herd you!
No, pet dogs are generally not allowed in Woolworths stores due to food safety regulations, but registered assistance animals (like guide dogs or disability support animals) are permitted if clearly identified. Woolworths welcomes assistance animals but prohibits everyday pets, a policy consistent with Australian food safety laws that restrict live animals in food handling areas.
The calmest dog breeds often include large, gentle giants like the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Dane, along with smaller, easygoing companions such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Basset Hound, Pug, and English Bulldog, all known for their relaxed, affectionate, and laid-back temperaments, though individual dogs vary. Sighthounds like the Greyhound are also surprisingly calm indoors, needing short bursts of energy but otherwise content to lounge.
Factors such as affordable living and progressive pet laws like tenant protections and the one-off registration fee influenced NSW to dominate the top-ranking positions. In second place is Queensland's Sunshine Coast that scored consistently high across all four categories.
Animal welfare laws vary depending on where you plan to visit but some of the most highly rated countries for animal welfare include Austria, Switzerland, Kenya, India and Tanzania. Keep reading to find out more about animal rights and regulations laws in each country and how the animals are protected.
WHAT IS THE FRIENDLIEST ANIMAL IN THE WORLD? Determining the friendliest animal is subjective and depends on individual experiences. However, some contenders for the title include dolphins, manatees, and capybaras. These animals are known for their gentle nature and positive interactions with humans.
Where do dogs like to be stroked?
In Australia, assistance dogs are allowed inside McDonald's dining areas, but pet dogs are generally not allowed inside due to food safety laws; however, some locations with unenclosed outdoor seating might permit pet dogs, though it's up to the specific restaurant's discretion and local council rules. You must always check with your local McDonald's for their specific policy, as even if allowed outdoors, they must be well-behaved and cleaned up after.
An introduced predator, feral cats have contributed to the extinction of at least 28 mammal species, wreak havoc on threatened animals and plants on the brink of extinction, kill over 1.5 billion native mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs and 1.1 billion invertebrates in Australia each year, and are a recognised threat ...
Australia is largely "empty" due to its harsh, arid interior (the Outback) dominated by deserts and extreme heat, making it difficult to farm and sustain large populations, leading most people to settle in the fertile, temperate coastal regions where colonization began and resources are more accessible, with over 85% of the population living along the east and southwest coasts.
While there's no single "number one," the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever consistently rank as top friendly dogs due to their gentle, outgoing, and loyal temperaments, making them excellent family pets good with kids and other animals, though they need plenty of exercise. Other top contenders for friendliness include Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Pugs, known for their playful, affectionate, and people-loving natures.
If you are considering a dog to do therapy work with — for example, in long–term care facilities, schools, or hospitals — you'll want to look for a dog that has high trainability but a calm disposition, such as a Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever.
Yes, dogs are generally allowed in Bunnings stores in Australia if they are well-behaved, on a lead, and under control, with owners responsible for cleaning up after them; however, they must be secured in a trolley, carried, or wear a muzzle if not in a trolley. Assistance animals are always welcome. The policy allows for flexibility, but staff can ask for a pet to be removed if it's not well-behaved or causes issues, with the policy being a source of occasional debate among customers.
No, generally pet dogs are not allowed in Kmart stores, but assistance animals (like guide dogs) are welcome; some specific shopping centers might have different rules for the Kmart location within them, and staff discretion plays a role, though official policy focuses on service animals. While some shoppers bring pets in, especially small ones in trolleys, it goes against store policy for general pets, and staff can ask them to leave, as seen in various community discussions in Australia where Kmart operates.
Pet-friendly malls welcome dogs, usually requiring leashes and cleanup, with some allowing access to common areas and outdoor spaces while restricting entry to certain stores or indoor food courts, like Australia's East Village, Harbour Town (Adelaide/Gold Coast), and Burwood Brickworks. In the US, Otay Ranch Town Center offers a large dog park and pet-friendly stores. Always check specific mall policies and look for paw print signs, as rules vary by location and center.
1. Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds around, and part of the reason for this is the affectionate personality common to the breed. They're known for being loving and loyal, but they're also very smart dogs, making them quite easy to train.
Dogs remain the most popular pet, with half of Australian households having at least one dog¹ (49%, up from 40% in 2019 and in line with 48% in 2022) equating to an estimated 7.4 million dogs nationwide.
How often should grooming be performed on an Australian Shepherd? Brushing 2-3 times a week minimum, daily during spring and fall shedding seasons. Baths every 6-8 weeks unless they've discovered something gross to roll in.