Almost three-quarters of Australian households own a pet, new research shows, with dogs retaining their dominant position as the country’s most popular extended family member.

The triennial Animal Medicines Australia 2025 survey shows owners now regularly give pets presents on special occasions, cook for them, leave the television or radio on for them, take time off work to care for them and bring them on holidays.

Some pets get special outfits. Many co-sleep with their “pet parents”.

The executive director of Animal Medicines, Ben Stapley, said expenditure on pets, such as specialist diets and services, had grown significantly in recent years.

Sign up: AU Breaking News email

“They are being seen as full-on members of the family,” said Stapley.

“What that means is that rather than ha

See Full Page