This report confirms significant growth in companion animal ownership recorded through 2022-2025. Australia's pet population has increased to 31.6 million pets across 73% of households.
As Australia continues to navigate rising living costs, housing pressures and ongoing economic uncertainty, the need for a nationally consistent and strategic approach to companion animal policy has never been clearer. The 2025 Pets in Australia report confirms sustained growth in pet ownership, with 31.6 million pets now calling 73% of Australian households home. Despite the cost-of-living crisis, pets remain a constant source of comfort and wellbeing for Australians—86 per cent of owners say their pet has positively impacted their lives.
However, pet owners continue to face barriers when it comes to responsible pet ownership. Challenges such as securing pet-friendly accommodation, accessing veterinary care—particularly in regional and remote areas—navigating complex and inconsistent regulations, and meeting ongoing care costs all contribute to uncertainty for current and prospective owners. For many, the cost of care plays a significant role in deciding whether to bring a pet into the household.
Develop a nationally consistent companion animal policy
Animal Medicines Australia is calling for a nationally consistent approach to companion animal policy as a key government priority.
Currently, companion animal policy is managed across a fragmented landscape of portfolios, agencies, and jurisdictions. Depending on the issue, responsibility may rest with departments of agriculture, primary industries, environment, health, consumer affairs, or even planning and infrastructure. This disjointed approach leads to inconsistent regulations and outcomes across the country.
These inconsistencies create avoidable challenges for pet owners, breeders, veterinarians, and companion animal industries – impacting animal welfare, responsible ownership, and even access to pets for Australians.
Animal Medicines Australia is advocating for a coordinated, national framework that brings together governments, industry, and key stakeholders. A unified approach would deliver better welfare outcomes for animals, support responsible pet ownership, and reflect the important role pets play in Australian households and communities. By elevating companion animal policy as a national priority, we can ensure all Australians benefit from clear, consistent standards that support the health and wellbeing of pets and people alike.
Greater support for pet owners and vets
The veterinary profession remains highly trusted, with 87 per cent of owners rating their satisfaction with their most recent veterinary visit 7 out of 10 or higher. Yet access to veterinary services, especially in rural and remote regions, is under increasing strain. Workforce shortages are contributing to burnout and limited availability of care in areas where it’s needed most. However, pet owners continue to face barriers when it comes to responsible pet ownership. Challenges such as securing pet-friendly accommodation, accessing veterinary care—particularly in regional and remote areas—navigating complex and inconsistent regulations, and meeting ongoing care costs all contribute to uncertainty for current and prospective owners. For many, the cost of care plays a significant role in deciding whether to bring a pet into the household. This report confirms significant growth in companion animal ownership recorded through 2022-2025. Australia’s pet population has increased to 31.6 million pets across 73 per cent of households.
Compounding these challenges, many veterinary practices and charities provide support and assistance to people in crisis situations, often in the form of “inkind” labour. Pets can provide significant emotional and social support and can even provide short-term health benefits – but, due to a lack of available support, pets can also act as a barrier to seeking assistance.
Veterinary social workers are trained in engaging with vulnerable people in highly stressful or emotional scenarios and can take responsibility for the human health aspects of veterinary care, thereby enhancing patient outcomes, improving mental health and social connection and providing critical support for veterinarians and other animal health providers.
Policy reform is needed to address the growing pressures on Australia’s veterinary workforce. Veterinarians play a critical role in safeguarding animal health and welfare, public health, and biosecurity. However, the sector is facing significant workforce shortages, particularly in regional and remote areas, where access to veterinary services is becoming increasingly limited. Without targeted action, these shortages risk undermining animal care, agricultural productivity, and emergency response capability in the face of emerging diseases or natural disasters.
To ensure sustainable access to veterinary care across the country, the development of coordinated strategies that attract, support, and retain veterinary professionals, especially in underserved areas, are required. This includes expanding rural placement programs, providing targeted financial incentives such as HECS-HELP relief, improving workplace conditions, recognising veterinary professionals in government workforce planning and migration settings, and providing support for vulnerable people and their pets. A national approach to veterinary workforce planning will help secure the future of Australia’s animal health system and ensure regional communities and their pets are not left behind.
