With so many cool cafes, bars and restaurant offerings across Queensland, Sydney, and Melbourne, it’s important to find the best local hot spot where your four-legged friend is just as welcome. So, we’ve rounded up the best dog-friendly cafes and best dog-friendly restaurants to make sure your furry bestie’s never left out of your hunt for a great Eggs Benedict or cool beer.

Here’s 10 of the best dog-friendly cafes, bars and restaurants on the east coast of Australia

Sunshine Coast

Endless beaches and sunshine for days – the Sunshine Coast is a dog (and human) paradise.

Notable dog-friendly cafes on the Sunshine Coast worth your visit include:

New Earth Cafe, Coolum Beach

This vegan and vegetarian hotspot isn’t just dishing up plant-based goods, it’s welcoming your four-legged friend in at the same time. With a dog-friendly outdoor courtyard, this is the perfect spot to settle in for a protein pancake stack or a stack of raw nachos.

Check out their Facebook page to find details on opening hours and location.

The Velo Project, Maroochydore

The Velo Project is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most beloved cafes – and for good reason. Dishing up beautiful local produce across a packed menu, this is an excellent spot for a pre-beach breakfast, or a post-swim lunch. For dog owners, the doggy menu means no family member is left behind. 

If you’re not sure what your dog can eat from the normal menu, here are our thoughts on baked beans, Vegemite, and avocado.

Keen for a visit? Find out more about The Velo Project and make sure to stop by the next time you’re in Maroochydore.

Brisbane

Queensland’s capital city isn’t holding back when it comes to dog-friendly food options. With a suite of new openings seeing this river city delivering all kinds of experiences to locals and visitors alike, you can enjoy a new dog-friendly venue every day of the month.

Our top picks for cool cafes & bars in Brisbane are:

Felons Brewing Co., Brisbane City

Situated right on the Brisbane River, Felons Brewing Co. is a beloved hotspot for locals and tourists alike. There’s no shortage of options here: with a brewery, fish ’n’ chips, beer garden, and river deck, you can pull up a chair and enjoy the Brisbane sunshine any time of the week. Their drinks menu is well worth a thorough investigation, and we can guarantee your dog’s going to love the people-watching on offer as you make your way through it.

Plan your trip to Felons Brewing Co.

Hope and Anchor, Paddington

This gastropub’s got it all: a bustling beer garden, comfortable sidewalk tables, and a food menu that’s just as impressive as the beer options on tap. Perched up on the top of a Paddington hill, this little pub is one of the local area’s best-kept secrets. You and your furry friend will be back for more before you know it!

Head over to their website to scope out their menu.

Gold Coast

There’s no better way to start the day on the Gold Coast than grabbing a coffee with your pup in tow. Our must-do list includes:

Social Brew, Burleigh Heads

Enjoy an avo smash and a wellness shot at this nutritionally rich Gold Coast cafe. Your dog’s welcome to sit at your feet as you do so, giving you both the fuel you need for another day of adventuring in south-east Queensland. 

Drool over Social Brew’s scrumptious menu.

Sydney

NSW, represent – it’s time to spill the beans on what your capital city has to offer our four-legged friends! 

With the beauty of the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach, Sydney’s rich in adventures you can go on with you doggo. When it’s time for a break, we recommend:

Lil Miss Collins, Parramatta

This cafe’s beautiful courtyard seating isn’t even the best bit of this Sydney dog-friendly cafe – it’s their incredible brunch menu. Find breakfast burgers, Mediterranean platters and mojito towers at the ready. Time to book your next dog-friendly brunch date? We think so.

Check out Lil Miss Collins here.

COOH, Alexandria

This roomy, light-filled cafe offers a pup-friendly verandah that’ll seat the whole family. With healthy, delicious meals and fresh salads made daily, this is a great spot to refuel before a big day of exploring everything Sydney has to offer. 

Drool over everything COOH has to over, on their Instagram.

Melbourne

While many other hotspots are giving Melbourne a run for its foodie-capital money, there’s no denying Melbourne’s got the goods. No matter your craving, there’s a smorgasbord of cafe and restaurant options for you in Victoria’s capital city. When it comes to taking your dog along for the ride, we recommend…

The Terrace Cafe, South Yarra

This cafe comes to life in an iconic Melbourne location: lakeside in the Royal Botanic Gardens. With lush greenery in all directions, you’ll have plenty of options for a post-meal stroll with your dog in tow. Enjoy the sunshine in the alfresco outdoor seating and dig into a produce-led menu.

Find everything you need to know for a visit to The Terrace Cafe.

Edinburgh Castle Hotel, Brunswick 

Looking for a dog-friendly pub? The Edinburgh Castle Hotel is calling your name. This Brunswick institution has a turfed beer garden that’s as welcoming of your pup as it is of you. Pull up a chair, order a drink, and settle in for some live music in this year-round winner of a venue. 

Check out their website for upcoming events and specials.

Studley Park Boathouse, Kew

Having just completed a major transformation, this place is a serious hot spots for all Melbournites. With four different spaces to choose from, as well as boat hire so you can take your brunch experience down the river, you and your pup will create a mammoth amount of memories here!

Other notable features: Guided tours for kids, gardening and pizza-making workshops, and live music from Friday to Sunday.

Discover the beauty of the oldest public boathouse on Melbourne’s Yarra River. Visit the Studley Park Boathouse website to find out more.

Conclusion

With so many incredible cafes and restaurants embracing a dog-friendly culture, there’s no reason your dog can’t enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner by your side.

If you’re heading off for an adventure further afield, or need a cosy date night that’s pooch-free, the Mad Paws Pet Sitter community can give you even more options. With trusted Pet Sitters who’ll shower your dog in love, you have the perfect solution at your fingertips the next time you’re heading off for a dog-free date. 

Your pup will have such a good time, they’ll be hard-pressed to decide between joining you next time for a puppuccino or another Mad Paws Sitter hang! 

The post The best dog-friendly cafes, bars and restaurants on the East Coast in 2023 appeared first on Mad Paws.

Consider a dog car bed for your pet

Did you know that there are specific car safety laws for pets? Or that there are a number of different dog booster car seats available? A dog car bed will help keep your dog safe and provide them with a comfortable and familiar place to enjoy the drive.

That’s why SASH has released a premium dog car bed to keep you and your pup safe during car journeys. With several built-in features you and your pup will love, this dog car carrier is the perfect accompaniment for a road trip with your precious pet. 

What’s best – a dog booster car seat, dog car carrier, or dog car harness?

No doubt your pup loves riding shotgun alongside you, feeling the breeze on their face as you drive through the beautiful sights of the countryside, but having a loose dog in the car can be dangerous for both them and you.

If you lack a dog car harness, your pup is more susceptible to minor or major incidents if you have an accident or are forced to make a sudden stop. Additionally, when you’re on the road, you should focus on driving, not worrying about what your dog is getting up to in the back seat. Loose dogs can be a danger to themselves and cause drivers to lose focus, which is why a dog car bed is the perfect solution for safety and comfort.

When you buy a SASH car bed, you have peace of mind that your dog is safe while making the trip extra cosy for them. And what’s best is that it’s actually an all-in-one solution!

Why should you choose a SASH Bed?

Our pets are part of the family – priceless cargo on our road trips – so it’s no surprise that there are many dog car seats and beds on the market. Still, some are better than others. 

When you purchase a SASH bed, you can rest assured that quality is guaranteed for the safety and comfort of your pup. The company values extensive research and testing on all of its products to ensure the highest quality for your pet.

Allow your pup to experience the comfort of the SASH Calming Bed while you’re on the road; plus, the 2-in-1 design means the product also doubles as a home-away-from-home bed, where your dog can rest their head for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Features of the SASH Dog Car Bed

Your dog will love curling up in their very own car bed for a relaxed trip. The setup is simple; once your pup is on the bed, use the attachable clip to tether them and prevent unwanted roaming. Transport the bed easily using the handles on either side; then secure your dog into the front or back seat using the adjustable straps.

This calming bed is well-padded for maximum comfort, and the safety features help ensure a smooth ride for your beloved pet.

Key features of the 2-in-1 Dog Car Bed:

• Safety. This product is designed with safety in mind and features adjustable buckles and a non-skid base.
• Calm. Help your dog relax with the weighted design of this premium bed. Plus, generous padding helps protect your dog from any bumps in the road.
• Travel. Doubling as a portable travel bed, this two-in-one design is perfect for holidays and extended road trips.
• Comfort. The breathable design of this premium dog bed prevents it from trapping heat, making it suitable for all seasons.
• Range. With various sizes available, we have the perfect car bed to fit any dog.
• Ease. The product is suitable for front and back seats; plus, it comes with carry handles for ease of transfer.

Your pet will love…

The familiarity of a calming space to rest during long trips. A feeling of security and protection in their cocoon as you drive along the road. The luxury fabrics offer optimum comfort during travel and overnight stays.

You will love…

The machine washable cover, plus ease of use of the product. The dog car bed helps to protect your vehicle from dirt, fur, and scratches. Peace of mind that you and your dog are safe. And, above all, you will love how happy it makes your pup!

Our planet will love…

The product’s sustainability and SASH’s pledge to offset carbon emissions. The durability of a product that can be used time and again.

And, because it’s a portable bed and car seat, it’s perfect when a Mad Paws Pet Sitter looks after your furry friend when you’re away. All their creature comforts (and quality) along for the ride!

The post Product Highlight: SASH Dog Car Bed appeared first on Mad Paws.

While cost-effectiveness is often a top priority for dog owners when it comes to buying pet products and dog beds, it’s crucial to make sure the safety, comfort and wellbeing of your pooch is front of mind. Much like how we need to find the best mattresses and beds for ourselves, giving your dog a pet bed designed right here in Australia for their comfort and happiness can make a world of difference.

In recent years, Kmart dog beds have emerged as a popular option, largely due to their affordability. While these Kmart beds might score highly on the affordability scale, they may not provide the necessary support that’s all about protecting your dog’s health on an everyday basis.

Investing in a high-quality dog bed isn’t just about looks. By providing your pet with a safe, comfortable place to snuggle in for a sleep, you’re making sure they’re happier, healthier and equipped to bring their best energy to each trip to the dog park.

What should you look for in a great dog bed?

When it comes to shopping for pet beds, there’s a number of criteria you need to make sure the bed fulfils. Unfortunately, it’s going to be difficult for Kmart pet beds to hit the mark on each of these!

Firstly, you’ll need to make sure you’re buying the right size for your pooch. The dog bed should be large enough for your dog to stretch out with space to spare, but not so big that they’re not able to feel snug and secure in it. Great dog beds will come with size guides that make it easy to know exactly which bed is the right fit for your pup. 

Next, you’ll want to consider the material the dog bed is made from. Beds that are made of high-quality materials are going to be durable, breathable and much more comfortable for your dog. Beds that are made of cheap materials, like Kmart dog bedding often is, are likely to fall apart quickly, providing less value for money when they need to be replaced just a couple of months after your initial purchase. Kmart dog beds may also be less comfortable for your dog, particularly if you live in a climate where your dog could be at risk of overheating in less breathable material. 

SASH Beds resolve these challenges by using materials that are built to last. Even if you’ve got the most excited pup in the world, our beds will stand up to the challenge, every inch of these beds are designed to stand up to the test of time. With generous padding and thick, durable and stylish machine-washable covers, you’ll find the highest quality of materials has been put to use for the comfort of your pet.

Alongside the size and materials, the next consideration when you’re hunting for a pet bed is support. Is your dog going to have the support they need for not only a great night’s sleep, but for the ongoing protection of their joints if they’re sleeping in a Kmart dog bed? By looking for beds that are made of memory foam or other supportive materials, your dog will benefit from pressure point relief, as well as reducing the risk of developing future joint problems. 

With each SASH Bed designed to give your dog maximum support, you’ll never have to worry about your pooch’s joints or comfort in their pet bed. By investing in a dog bed that’ll last the test of time, you’ll be able to give your dog the highest level of health support each time they settle in for a nap.

The benefits of easy cleaning

Let’s be honest: while we may be able to get our partner or our kids to make their own bed, there’s no chance of the dog doing the same. When you’re looking for a great dog bed, it’s crucial to look for something that’s easy to clean, giving you the same fresh feeling in a year as it had the day you bought it.

With machine-washable covers, every SASH Bed’s designed for longevity. It’s simple and straightforward to keep your dog’s bed fresh and hygienic while also increasing the lifetime of your SASH Bed. Changed your mind about the colour that suits your home palette? Simply order a new cover, and you’ve got a whole new bed in an instant!

By contrast, the majority of Kmart dog beds are much more cheaply designed, making it difficult to adequately wash and clean them. This can reduce their longevity, as they’re at risk of becoming dirty and smelly through constant use. If you’re unable to clean them properly, you face throwing them out and buying them again, adding more expense over time for a lower quality of everyday use.

Mental health benefits for pets

It’s not just humans who need safe, secure spaces to regulate ourselves. Our pets also need spaces that feel like they’re just theirs, giving them options for places to rest, recuperate and find some quiet away from the hubbub of family activities. Kmart dog beds can make it difficult for them to truly snuggle in and find that privacy.

SASH beds have been designed to provide comfort not only for your dog’s physical needs, but also for their mental and emotional needs. Our calming dog beds are uniquely shaped to provide additional security and comfort for your dog. With each bed featuring soft, cosy textures that provide a calming effect, you can provide your pet with a safe space that’s attuned to their emotional needs.

Conclusion

While a cheap dog bed from Kmart might look like the better solution in the short term, investing in a high-quality dog bed is the only way to protect your dog’s health and wellbeing, as well as securing a bed that’ll last for the long term. SASH beds are designed to provide the perfect solution for pet owners of all shapes and sizes. With a range of beds designed to give your pets the best sleep they’ve ever experienced, you’ll discover just what a difference quality makes to their health and happiness.

The post How do Kmart dog beds stack up to other brands? appeared first on Mad Paws.

Maybe it’s a ticket to that concert you’ve been waiting for. Perhaps you’re planning on updating your wardrobe or purchasing that new couch. Whatever you’ve got your heart set on, we’re sure you’ll spend some time researching the best product for your needs before finally pressing that ‘add to cart’ button and making it your own.

Well, since your pet can’t quite click ‘Buy Now’, we’re here to remind you what’s on their must-have list!

Luxury dog beds are beloved by dogs and cats alike all over Australia – and for good reason. Not only can a luxury dog bed provide your pet with much-needed comfort and support through each night, but they’ve also come a long way in a range of beautiful designs and material options. In fact, the Sash dog bed was born out of a desire to make a luxury dog bed that wasn’t only premium in nature and comfort, but also in how it complemented modern Australian homes.

Crafted from stylish and luxurious fabric, Sash beds aren’t designed to be hidden away in the laundry: they’re right at home in beautiful living spaces and bedroom environments. But it’s not just about aesthetics. Having a sash bed in your home’s living areas has such a significant bearing on your pet’s health & wellbeing.

If you’re yet to give your pet the gift of a Sash bed, or are on the hunt for the best luxury dog bed for their needs, it’s time to pay close attention to why this is the must-have item for your pet.

A bed you won’t want to hide away in the laundry!

If your dog is anything like all of ours, there’s one place they constantly prefer to be: with you!

Dogs are social creatures, receiving much of their peace and enjoyment from their sense of connection to the family unit. When their beds are placed in areas outside of common spaces, they’re less likely to actually use them, opting to sleep on the ground instead.

By embracing design aesthetics of modern Australian homes, Sash luxury dog beds fit right into living and entertaining areas, bringing beautiful design features along with their practical qualities. As each bed is made out of stylish and luxurious fabric (including a range of boucle dog beds, durable faux fur pet beds and ‘Teddy’ material dog beds), you can find a pet bed that looks right at home in your favourite room of the house. 

Sash’s luxury dog beds are also incredibly easy to maintain. There’s no need to worry about mess or smell with one of these pet beds – simply wash the removable cover and your pets will get to enjoy that fresh sheet feeling we love so much ourselves!

Luxury dog bed, high-quality construction

Not only can a luxury Sash dog bed provide superior comfort for your pet, but they can also support the health of your dog or cat each and every day. 

The high-quality materials we use to make our Sash beds are designed to support your four-legged family member with deep, comforting slumber. As each Sash bed is guaranteed never to flatten or sink, you can trust the quality of materials to continue to deliver excellent rest day in and day out for your pet.

For example, the Sash Ultra-Calming Dog Bed is shaped with high-rimmed edging and a deep bucket centre. This intentional design replicates your dog’s mother’s warmth and security, allowing them to snuggle in and feel right at home as they drift off to sleep.

With three layers of filling for maximum plush, these beds are designed to last the distance. High-quality breathable material allows heat to move through, creating a sleeping environment that’s suitable for every season.

Improves their health & well-being

Not only are Sash’s luxury pet beds designed for physical support, but they also provide our pets with much-needed emotional and mental support.

Sash Bed’s founder, Nejra, brought Sash to life after speaking to a close friend about her dog’s severe anxiety. Her friend described the anxiety as so intense, she was unable to leave him at home alone. 

Nejra was so moved by the knowledge that her friend’s pup was in discomfort that she decided to design a luxury dog bed with a difference. Now, Sash beds are the result of more than 12 months of extensive research, product development and testing, with further sashbeds only continuing to build on the strength of this foundational work. 

Each Sash dog bed is designed to provide a uniquely safe haven for your pet to find calm and relaxation. The weighted design, along with the sash beds’ deep rimmed walls, simulates the feeling of being hugged. If you know just how much your dog or cat loves a good snuggle, you’ll know how they’ll feel when they climb into one of our luxury pet beds for a great night’s sleep! 

With so many Sashbeds now out in the world, customers are constantly commenting about how their pets seem more relaxed and able to enjoy deeper sleep when they’re in their luxury Sash bed. Since the quality of our sleep is so connected to the quality of our wellbeing, you can rest easy knowing your pet’s emotional and mental health is also supported every time they snooze in a Sash dog bed.

Prioritise your pet’s health and happiness this year

If you’re looking to invest in your own health and wellbeing this year, it’s important to do the same for your beloved pets. With dogs and cats alike loving the range of Sash luxury dog beds, you can find the perfect bed to support their physical, mental and emotional health across the year to come. 

So as we like to say: out with the old and in with the snooze! 

Enjoy the new standard in dog beds and give your pets a gift they’ll thank you for every day of the year.

The post Your pet’s must-have? A SASH Bed. Here’s why… appeared first on Mad Paws.

Of course, bouclé started trending in products for humans, not for pups, to begin with. With this durable fabric making a huge resurgence in 2020 that’s showing no signs of disappearing, the combination of texture and detail immediately adds warmth to all kinds of interior spaces. 

The magic of boucle dog beds

Bouclé gets its name from French phrases for ‘curl’ or ‘loop’. With an almost fleecy appearance that’s the result of small loops in the yarn, bouclé not only looks super stylish, but it’s also a fantastic choice of fabric for many practical reasons.

After seeing the love boucle was rightly receiving in lounge rooms, bedrooms, offices and dining rooms across the country, the team at sash beds knew there was magic to be found in bringing this luxurious, cosy texture to the creatures that deserve the best: our beloved pups.

Sash’s luxury boucle dog bed is a stylish, timeless solution to unattractive dog beds or uncomfortable dog cushions. Not only do they look completely at home next to the most luxe of interior designs, but our beds provide the very best of sophisticated snooze times to your pup.

If you’re yet to bring this beauty home, here’s five reasons why you need to invest in a boucle pet bed.

1. The perfect combination of comfort and practicality 

You don’t have to sacrifice comfort for the sake of practicality. The Sash boucle dog beds are designed to cradle your dog with ideal neck and spine support, complemented by a supportive foundation of extra padding that gives your dog a sense of weightlessness and ease as they snooze. 

Our beds pass the ultimate test when it comes to how happy the dogs are with your purchase: some customers report that their dog’s so comfortable, they won’t get out of bed, even for dinner!

Forget about trying to hose out smelly dog beds or wrestling with impractical covers. With hidden zippers and a low liquid absorption cover, the Luxe Bouclé Bed makes keeping things clean a breeze. Washable covers mean you can keep your dog’s favourite nap spot pristine by throwing them on a quick cycle – they can be fresh and back on by bedtime.

2. Designed with attention to detail

Is your pup the kind to turn in circles every night as they settle down for sleep? We can’t blame them for having a nightly routine that’s all about getting cosy. 

You’re not alone – and it’s just one of the reasons why our Luxe Bouclé Bed is complete with a non-skid base. Every inch of our bouclé pet beds are designed with great care and attention to detail. 

With a focus on making sure your dog’s as comfortable as possible, we deliver beds that help them feel comfortable, settled and safe, each and every night.

3. Complementary decor = better bonding time 

Let’s face it: nobody wants an ugly dog cushion in the middle of their lounge room. 

If your dog’s current bed or cushion is in a forgotten corner, far away from family activities, there’s a good chance your dog would prefer to lie on the floor close to their humans, rather than settling into bed on their own. Science has proven that dogs exhibit varying degrees of separation anxiety when they’re not with their humans, which is all the more reason to give our furry friends a safe, comfortable space that’s all theirs, right in the heart of the family action.

By designing a bed that’s beautiful and complementary to a wide range of interior design styles,  it brings dogs and their families closer together, making sure everyone is comfortable as they enjoy quality time together. This is also a great solution for owners who are looking to keep their dogs comfortable, while also restricting their access to the family lounge – or their own beds!

Put your dog at ease with a sophisticated, elegant Luxe Bouclé Bed that looks so good, it’ll become the centrepiece of your entertaining area!

4. Scratch-resistant durability

We’re here for the pups that like to work hard and play even harder. All sash beds are made with durable materials that are built to last, even for the most excited and active of pups. 

Combined with the machine washable cover, every inch of this bed has been brought to life with a focus on sustainability. 

No matter whether your dog’s a digger, a scratcher, a lounger or a snuggler, the Luxe Bouclé Bed’s built out of materials that will see your pup through thick and thin for years to come. 

Forget the rigmarole of bringing home uncomfortable beds, only for them to sit unused, or padded beds that are quickly destroyed. With the Luxe Boucle Bed, your pup will find themselves right at home.

5. The best bed for the best pup

We’re all a little biased when it comes to believing that our dog’s the best in the world, right? The best dogs deserve the best rest, ensuring they can run, play, explore and snuggle to their heart’s content. 

By investing in a Luxe Boucle Bed that’s designed to support your pup’s health, rest and well-being, you can bring the best of comfort and cosiness into your home. 

Support your dog’s healthy, happy daily routines with a boucle bed that’s all about them, and enjoy the beautiful tie-in with your own interior design choices at the same time!

The SASH difference

With each dog beds born out of a genuine passion for pets, the team at Sash are driven to make sure that dogs across Australia feel safe, snug and secure. It’s why SASH beds are durable, soft and welcoming, designed to make sure your pup has a safe and supportive space to rest. The Luxe Bouclé Bed is another step forward in giving our dogs the very best of care – it’s the least we can do in recognition of how much they love us! Find the right forever bed for your beloved pup today, with a Sash boucle dog bed for your home. 

The post The benefits of a Boucle Dog Bed appeared first on Mad Paws.