Pawesome — Pet News & Stories

News

Pet news around Australia

Winter-proof your dog's skin ✔ Vet-reviewed

Cold, dry air can leave your pup itchy and flaky. A vet shares simple routines — from omega oils to humidifiers — that keep coats healthy through winter. See our grooming essentials and omega-rich dog food.

By Emma Riley · Reviewed by Dr Sarah Nguyen, BVSc · Updated 12 Sep 2026

New vet-approved weight loss guides for dogs & cats ✔ Vet-reviewed

Is your pet carrying extra kilos? Our new dog weight loss guide and cat weight loss guide cover body condition checks, breed-by-breed risks and safe week-by-week plans — also available in 中文.

By Jack Thompson & Priya Sharma · Updated 27 Sep 2026

How much does a cat cost in Australia? (2026 breakdown) ✔ Vet-reviewed

Kitten prices, setup, food, litter, vet bills and insurance — the honest maths, including the hidden costs nobody mentions. Plus: two brand-new breed guides for the Australian Mist and the Abyssinian.

By Emma Riley · Reviewed by Dr Sarah Nguyen, BVSc · Updated 27 Sep 2026

Australia's most popular dog breeds 2026: the top 10

From Cavoodle mania to Kelpie pride — the definitive countdown of the breeds stealing Aussie hearts this year, with what each costs to keep and insure.

By Priya Sharma · Updated 21 Sep 2026

New dog-friendly beaches open this summer

More councils are trialling off-leash hours at local beaches. Here's how to check the rules near you before you pack the tennis ball. Planning a trip? Read our guide to Sydney's best dog-friendly beaches and our Sydney dog walks guide.

By Jack Thompson · Updated 8 Sep 2026

Backyard birds and your cat: keeping everyone safe

Simple steps — bells, catios and dusk curfews — that protect native wildlife while keeping your cat happy.

By Priya Sharma · Reviewed by Dr Sarah Nguyen, BVSc · Updated 2 Sep 2026

Interviews

Chats with pet people

Meet the vet who makes house calls

We chat with a mobile vet about stress-free check-ups and why some pets do better on their own turf.

Interview by Emma Riley · Updated 25 Aug 2026

Inside the world of agility champions

A trainer and her border collie share what it really takes to compete — and how to start in your own backyard.

Interview by Jack Thompson · Updated 18 Aug 2026

Funnies

A laugh for pet people

Ten things only cat owners understand

The box over the bed. The 3am zoomies. The slow blink of approval. A loving tribute to life with cats.

By Priya Sharma · Updated 10 Sep 2026

Dogs vs. the postie: an ongoing saga

Why does the mail person remain public enemy number one? A tongue-in-cheek investigation.

By Jack Thompson · Updated 30 Aug 2026

Pet life

Everyday life with pets

Why every business should have an office dog

Better morale, lower stress and more lunchtime walks — the case for four-legged coworkers is strong. Keep office pups busy with enrichment toys.

By Jack Thompson · Updated 22 Aug 2026

Apartment living with a dog or cat: what you must know ✔ Vet-reviewed

Small space, big love. Our ultimate guide to apartment living with pets covers strata rules, toilet training and maximising comfort — including the best beds & cat trees for small spaces.

By Emma Riley · Reviewed by Dr Michael O'Brien, BVSc · Updated 5 Sep 2026

Pawesome's editorial standards 🔬

Pawesome is Zookie's magazine for Australian pet people. Every article is written by a named author, dated, and — where it touches animal health — reviewed by a registered Australian veterinarian. News items are sourced from primary Australian data such as the PetSure Pet Health Monitor and the Pets in Australia national survey, never copied from press releases.

Zookie is reader-supported: we may earn a commission from partner links, but partners cannot pay for coverage or kinder write-ups. Read our full editorial policy.

✅ Re-reviewed quarterly · Spot an error? Tell us and we'll fix it fast.

Sources we trust 📚

PetSure — Australian Pet Health Monitor: Australia's largest pet health claims database.
Animal Medicines Australia — Pets in Australia: the national pet ownership survey.
RSPCA Knowledgebase: evidence-based pet care and welfare guidance.

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