Australia’s most pet-loving suburbs revealed: The neighbourhoods going barking mad for their pets

From beachside towns to inner-city apartments, Australians are proving one thing loud and clear: we really love our pets.

New data from award-winning pet insurance provider Petsy has revealed the top suburbs across Australia where dog and cat ownership is thriving — and the results show that whether you live in a shoebox studio or a sprawling backyard estate, Aussies are putting pets at the heart of the home.

Petsy crunched the numbers from its national insurance data to pinpoint the suburbs where furry companions rule the roost. The findings paint a colourful picture of pet ownership trends — from apartment-loving city dwellers to space-seeking suburbanites.

Think you need a yard to have a dog? Think again. In New South Wales and Victoria, apartment living isn’t slowing anyone down.

In NSW, Rosebery in the city’s inner west and beachside Maroubra tie at first place, while inner-city Alexandria and Marrickville follow in third and fourth place, respectively. Some of the most devoted pet parents in Victoria are in Melbourne CBD, South Yarra and St Kilda.

In South Australia and Western Australia, things are a little more traditional with big blocks and green spaces winning the hearts of pet lovers.

Adelaide’s Woodcroft and Mount Barker in the Hills – dotted with backyards and green spaces – take out the State’s top spots. Western Australia’s Scarborough and Waikiki are attractive for dog owners thanks to their beachside locations, while Baldivis is a growing young-family suburb.

Queensland’s love for pets runs deep — especially on the Gold Coast, where Pimpama, Southport and Coomera top the list for pet ownership.

For Petsy Founder Monica Limanto, the results point to a growing trend in responsible pet ownership.

“Our data has given us a fun glimpse into the suburbs where pets are most loved. In the eastern states, it’s clear apartment living isn’t holding back households from embracing pet life,” she said.

“At Petsy, it’s also good news that many households are choosing to protect their pets like family. Pet insurance helps cover vet bills for unexpected incidents, giving owners peace of mind and helping them say ‘yes’ to treatment when their pets need it most.”

Top Pet-Loving Suburbs in Each State:

NSW

• Rosebery & Maroubra (equal first)
• Alexandria
• Macquarie Park
• North Sydney
• Marrickville

Victoria: 

• Melbourne & Berwick (equal first)
• Point Cook
• Preston
• St Kilda & Pakenham
• South Yarra & Glen Iris

Queensland:

• Pimpama
• Southport and Coomera (equal second)
• Upper Coomera and Cleveland (equal third)
• Varsity Lakes, Nerang, Morningside, Moorooka, Riverview, Greenbank, Maudsland (equal fourth)
• Buderim, Redbank Plains, Palm Beach, Nundah (equal fifth)

South Australia: 

• Woodcroft
• Mount Barker
• Prospect
• Aberfoyle Park
• Henley Beach

Western Australia:

• Scarborough
• Baldivis
• Waikiki & Port Kennedy (equal third)
• Mount Lawley & Fremantle (equal fourth)
• Rivervale

Read more: Why owning a pet could keep your mind sharp as you age