Most Popular Pets in Australia
Quick answer
Australia has one of the highest pet-ownership rates in the world. Dogs lead, followed by cats and fish. The native budgerigar is among the world's favourite pet birds, and many councils restrict roaming cats to protect wildlife.
Pet culture in Australia
Animal Medicines Australia national surveys consistently find pets in a majority of Australian households, with dogs the most common. Cats and fish follow closely. Australia is the wild home of the budgerigar. Because free-roaming cats threaten unique native wildlife, many councils require cat containment or night curfews.
The most popular pets in Australia
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Dogs
Australia's most popular pet in national surveys, found in a large share of households.
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Cats
Very popular, but increasingly subject to curfews or containment rules that protect wildlife.
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Fish
Aquarium fish are among the most widely kept pets in Australian homes.
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Birds
The budgerigar, native to Australia's interior, is one of the world's most popular pet birds.
Interesting facts about pets in Australia
- Animal Medicines Australia surveys place Australia among the world's highest pet-ownership nations.
- The budgerigar — the world's most popular pet parrot — is native to Australia's dry interior.
- Many Australian councils set cat curfews or 24-hour containment rules to protect native wildlife.
How we ranked pets in Australia
Ownership rates and dog/cat leadership follow Animal Medicines Australia 'Pets in Australia' national surveys. Cat-containment notes summarise common local-government rules, which vary by council.
Frequently asked questions about pets in Australia
What is the most popular pet in Australia?
Dogs are the most popular pet in Australia, followed by cats and fish. Australia has one of the highest pet-ownership rates in the world.
Where do pet budgerigars come from?
Budgerigars are native to the dry interior of Australia and became global pet birds after captive breeding produced many colour varieties.
Why are there cat curfews in Australia?
Many councils impose cat curfews or containment because free-roaming pet cats can harm Australia's unique and vulnerable native wildlife.