At Mad Paws, our mission is to be there when you need some help. Whether it’s finding a trustworthy Sitter while you’re away, ensuring your doggo gets their daily walk, or keeping your furry friend healthy and well-groomed, pet care can sometimes feel overwhelming. 

We strive to connect pet parents with the products, services & support they need to raise healthy, happy pets. 

And, to press pause (or ‘paws’) on the chaos.

That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our new brand campaign, ‘Press Paws,’ designed to show you how we can take the stress out of pet ownership.

Launching on August 25th, for the first time in Mad Paws history, we’ll be reaching TV screens across Australia! 

About the brand campaign name, ‘Press Paws’

The ‘Press Paws’ campaign is all about showcasing how Mad Paws can help manage the everyday responsibilities that come with being a Pet Owner. The heart of this campaign lies in its message: With Mad Paws, you can finally press pause on the chaotic parts of pet care and enjoy more quality time with your pets.

As legitimate members of the family, our pets deserve the best. We also believe that every pet parent deserves peace of mind, knowing that their furry family members are in safe hands. Whether you’re planning a holiday, juggling a busy schedule, need pet medication & healthcare essentials, or simply need a helping hand, Mad Paws is your go-to solution for all things pet care.

What to expect from the brand campaign launch

Backed by an investment from Seven West Media, our new TV commercials will be the first of many ways we’re bringing the ‘Press Paws’ message to life. You’ll also see our campaign across social media and digital platforms. 

Stay tuned as we continue to roll out this exciting campaign. And remember, when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of pet care, Mad Paws is here to help you ‘Press Paws.’

The creative execution

The “Press Paws” brand campaign has been thoughtfully crafted to resonate with a diverse range of Pet Owners, addressing their unique needs and concerns. 

Which of these scenarios resonates most with you?

1. The pet parent with travel plans:

The excitement of an upcoming holiday comes with a considerable amount of planning. Attempting to lock in a ‘cheap and easy’ solution for her pet while she’s away, she enlists the help of her work colleague.

What Carol didn’t anticipate was that this wouldn’t give her pet, Mr Stinky, the best care. Distracted by his own interests and lifestyle, Mr Stinky has been left to fend for himself. Out of routine and missing his fur mum, Mr Stinky is becoming a little destructive – leaving clear signs that he’s not happy with the arrangement.

Enter Mad Paws who provide personalised pet care delivered by trusted, reliable Pet Sitters.

2. The time-poor parent:

Featuring everyone’s bestie, Yvie Jones (well-known from her spot on the couch on Gogglebox Australia), this TVC is unfortunately a little too familiar to pet parents!

After a long day of work (and three meetings that could have just been emails), Sarah comes home to the ever-present smell of a surprise that Pooky has left…somewhere in the house. This comes after having asked the family to walk Pooky. Clearly that didn’t happen!

Juggling multiple responsibilities and feeling overwhelmed by the demands of family life, Sarah can press paws on unreliable family members!

Mad Paws offers a convenient and caring solution, providing pet sitting services such as dog walking.

3. Owners of pets with health issues:

Juggling our pets’ health needs is a lot like our own. A necessity to keep in the best shape, but can also be the last thing on our mind after busy days/weeks/months.

With demanding schedules, we’re all guilty of forgetting to pick up their supplements, parasite treatment, as well as their vet-prescribed medication. Take Willy, for example, who’s currently preparing dinner for date night with Monique.

Although not part of the date night plans, Willy’s dog Goose is incessantly scratching because of a skin condition. Willy’s now in the dog-house, having forgotten to order his pet’s medication. A bit of a mood killer… With Mad Paws, however, you can ‘press paws’ on date night interruptions!

Whether they’re incessantly scratching, letting out some pungent pops because of a digestive issue, or something else unpleasant for them (and you), you can ‘press paws’ on forgetting their pet medication & healthcare, with Mad Paws Pet Store in your pocket!

Watch all the commercials >

Broadcast on the Seven West Media network, including Channel 7’s free-to-air TV and BVOD (Broadcast Video on Demand) services, let us know what you think!

And, join in the call-out for “Australia’s Biggest Little Sh*t”

In conjunction with the “Press Paws” campaign, we’re launching a social media-led competition. A search to find Australia’s biggest little sh*t!

From 25 August – 22 September 2024, we’re asking the public to share photos, videos, and stories of their pets at their most mischievous moments. 

All for the chance to win a loot of prizes to the value of $31,500! And, the major prize winner and their naughty pet gets to star in our next ad campaign!

Got a story you think will rival all others? Enter now > 

For those with perfect pets who could never be naughty, feel free to follow the fun on our socials. We’ll be posting the entrants and it’ll be up to the public to vote for the winner.

Find out more on the Mad Paws official Instagram.

The post Mad Paws’ first major brand campaign, “Press Paws” appeared first on Mad Paws.

From opening ceremonies to athletic events, archery competitions and sailing tournaments, we have a wealth of ideas to get you and your four-legged friends active and excited.

Follow this guide to hosting a Pet Olympics

Before you begin:

As a pet parent, safety is always at the forefront of your mind. When selecting materials for your Pet Olympic games, ensure they are pet-friendly, undamaged and have no sharp edges. Ensure your pet has full supervision for each event and avoid trying to force them to do things they don’t want to do. This is all about creating a safe and fun environment for your pet!

Starting with an opening ceremony…

Every significant event needs a grand ceremony to begin proceedings. Get into the spirit of the games by playing your pet’s favourite songs while they parade around the room, getting excited about the games to come. They could carry a flag or toy torch and wear bandanas with the Australian flag.

Gymnastics

Create a low balance beam from a sturdy plank of wood. Guide your pet to walk along the beam, stand on their hind legs, and engage in other poses such as sitting or bowing. Use a sturdy box and cushions to create a “pet vault.” Encourage your pet to jump onto the box and land on the soft cushion.

Lay out yoga mats or foam squares and get your pet to have fun with a floor routine. This could include spins, rolls, and jumps; you could even include props such as rings for them to jump through or ribbons to interact with.

Or, like Olympic gymnasts combined with world-class runners, see if your pet can beat the world record that this dog holds:
Check out Sweet Pea, a Border Collie/Australian Shepherd cross who ran 100 meters in 2 minutes and 55 seconds while balancing a can on her head!

Hurdles

Purchase a set of agility hurdles, or get creative and make your own. You could use crates or boxes with poles threaded through or make mini hurdles from PVC pipes or pool noodles. For small dogs and cats, start around 6 inches so that the jump is manageable for your pet. For larger dogs, try hurdles around 12 inches; you can always adjust the height based on your pet’s size and agility.

Set out a course; this could be a straight line, a “track” (circle), or a zigzag pattern. Ensure that there is enough space between each hurdle. Start easy to build your pet’s confidence, and you can increase the height as they gain confidence.

You can also continue your hurdles into an obstacle course with simple household items such as cones, cardboard boxes, blankets, and collapsible tunnels. Create zigzag courses, jumps, and tunnel runs. You can change the course around to make it fun and engaging for your pet and get creative with your own ideas!

High jump

Create a high jump with a pole or broomstick and encourage your pet to leap over it. Gradually increase the height to see how high your pet can reach. You can also stack toilet rolls across a corridor, increasing the height one toilet roll at a time until your pet knocks them over.

For those who want their pet to be the next Olympic superstar, Amazon have a range of various agility courses and fitness equipment for dogs!

Pentathlon

Host your own pet pentathlon, or ‘Doglympics’ by completing five tricks across five categories: hoops, balls, balance beam, fetch, and torch relay, and maybe walk away with the gold medal.

Still, it’s not only dogs who get to compete in the pentathlon – you can create your own event for cats and smaller pets. There are plenty of activities that smaller pets will be able to try, including:

• Come when called
• Jump through a hoop
• Give you a high-five
• Shake hands/paws with you
• Give you a kiss
• Stand on hind legs
• Speak on command
• Stay
• Roll over
• Spin or complete a figure of eight by following your guidance
• Walk on a leash
• Climb something safe and size-appropriate like a cat or rabbit climbing tower
• Ring a bell
• Guess the cup or hand (that’s holding something)

Shot Put

Think of shot put like a reverse game of fetch where the aim is for your pet to place an item – like a ball, toy, or frisbee  – onto a chosen target. You could incorporate this with an archery-style event and create a large target with more points awarded as they get closer to the centre.

Boxing

Hang a ball or soft toy and encourage your pet to “box” it by hitting it with their paw. It’s easy to create a mini boxing gym for your pet using PVC pipes or a cutout cardboard box, string, and toys. Include a variety of toys in different colours and textures, plus some that make noises when you bat them. This will add enrichment and keep your pet motivated to explore the toys.

You can also swing the toys to create moving obstacles, which helps your pet develop hand-eye coordination.

Football

See how many goals your pet can score in the Pet Olympics. Don’t worry if you haven’t got a goal; use a large box or two posts or craft your own using wood or PVC pipes. Take it in turns to let your pet be the striker and the goalkeeper and see which position they are best suited to!

If you have a garden or outdoor area, encourage your pet to dribble the ball before aiming at the target. This is a great way to get fresh air and bond with your pet while keeping them active and healthy.

Table tennis

Set up a game of paw pong with a lightweight ball that you bat backwards and forwards with your pet.

If you have a larger dog, they may be able to hold the paddle in their mouth and hit the ball back to you. But this will be far too tricky for cats and smaller dogs; instead, sit opposite your pet and bounce a ping pong ball across the floor to them. Encourage them to hit the ball with their paws – extra points if they hit it back to you!

Sailing

Place a small boat into a shallow tray of water and train your pet to use their paw to push it from one end to the other. You could also include other water sports in your event with toys to retrieve (such as plastic fish), items to catch (like moving boats or other wind-up toys) or even swimming (probably not one for the cats!)

And finally, the closing ceremony of your pet olympics

Reward your pet(s) for completing the 2024 Pet Olympics with a closing ceremony. Play a slideshow with any videos and highlights you have captured while praising them for being a good boy or girl.

Create a podium out of cardboard boxes and award each pet with a medal, certificate or treat. You could even have a special (pet-friendly) buffet of their favourite food to round out the tournament.

And most importantly, post pics of your pet olympics and tag @madpawsau so we can see too!

The post How to host your own Pet Olympics appeared first on Mad Paws.

We’re excited to share the winners of this year’s Comedy Pet Photo Awards. Established in 2020, the Comedy Pet Photo Awards celebrate the special moments we share with our pets and engage the broader population in the feel-good vibes of these adorable animals to promote better welfare.

Comedy Pet Photo Award Winners for 2024

Overall pet photo award winner & dog category winner:

Submitted by Sarah Haskell, the photo titled ‘Not just for cats’ captured the hearts of the world.

“Hector saw the cat do it… so thought he would give it a try… and this is about as far as he got before reversing out the way he came. But the cat made it look so easy.”

If there was ever a time to consider adopting a pet, these photos might just encourage you to take action. There are so many reasons to adopt a pet and give them the same unconditional love they’re so ready and willing to offer you. And, maybe next year you might be a finalist or award winner in this heart-warming photo competition.

Cat category winner

Check out this comedic photo snapped of this feline. The photo was captioned “Cat in a trap it looks like video game Super Mario world.” by the photographer, Kenichi Morinaga.

Online, some likened this photo to a Tom & Jerry cartoon bit!

Luckily, because cats have floating collar bones, squeezing out of this tight spot would have been achievable. The good news – we can confirm the cat made it through to the other side safely, in true ninja feline style. 

For more interesting info about the feline kind, take a read of our 9 cat facts that will blow your mind. 

All other creatures category winner

We’re thrilled to see this majestic creature make the top spot in the Comedy Pet Photo Awards for 2024…Debby Thomas submitted this photo of their horse, with a clever caption: I think I saw a mouse!

Debby says, “This beautiful and athletic gelding loves to try to fly off the ground! This is one of the series of leaps he performs.”

We understand the importance of equal care for all animal companions, which is why Mad Paws pet sitter services offer care for not only cats and dogs but horses, guinea pigs, rabbits, birds….and many more creatures, great and small!

Pets who look like their Owners

OK, so this may just be our favourite category. Why? Because it never disappoints! Why is it that we as pet parents seem to gravitate towards a furry friend that has a similar appearance to ourselves?

Take this year’s winner, Darya Zelentsova with their picture ‘The Proud Pup and his best friend’. Darya submitted this gorgeous photo and commented, “Ludo von Lickenface, the sweetest 16-year-old rescue pup, strikes a pose alongside his beloved guardian, David – Snap!”.

Our hearts are officially melting!

Have you got a favourite photo of you and your look-a-like pet? We’d love to see it. Tag @madpawsau and share it to socials. 

For the full run-down of winners from this year’s competition, visit https://www.comedypetphoto.com/

Notable finalists & past winners of the prestigious Comedy Pet Photo Awards:

Curls in the wind, by Julia Illig

What am I thinking? by David Kertzman

Tarzan, by Kazutoshi Ono

Look Mom, I can walk on water, by John Carelli

Jurassic Bark, by Carmen Cromer

It’s time to get up, by Lock Liu

Smokin’ Alpaca, by Stefan Brusius

For a constant flow of amusingly animated photos of pets, follow the official Comedy Pet Photo Awards on Instagram.

No pets? No worries!

Not everyone can house pets for several reasons, such as finances or living arrangements. But don’t worry, you can still get involved. One of the perks of becoming a Mad Paws Pet Sitter is being able to hang out with furry creatures like the ones you’ve seen in these photos. And what’s crazy is that you can get paid to do so!

With the flexibility to choose your own hours, and receive support and advice from the Mad Paws team, this is the perfect way to enjoy some time with animals.

Who knows – you could take the next winning photo for the Comedy Pet Awards 2025.

What makes the Comedy Pet Photo Awards so special?

Who doesn’t love a cute and/or funny pet photo? What’s most special though are that all the photos are captured by regular people from around the world. Just perfectly timed snaps that spark joy!

The Comedy Pet Photo Awards are about bringing awareness to the contribution that pets make in our lives. Without them our worlds wouldn’t be as joyous and full of unconditional love.

The post 2024 Comedy Pet Photo Award winners announced appeared first on Mad Paws.

For some, this will be a chance to flood their office floors with furry friends. For others, it will herald a day like all others, in which no pets and little joy graces the workplace. No doubt there will be those who haven’t even considered the thought of having pets in the workplace.

Needless to say, at Mad Paws, we fall into the first category. Every office day is like ‘Take your dog to work’ day for us! In fact, in previous years of celebrating this day, we’ve had up to 13 dogs into our office. 

Now, to be fair, Mad Paws is Australia’s largest Pet Sitting platform so dogs are pretty much our thing. However, you don’t need a John Wick-level love of pooches to enjoy their presence in the office. In fact, psychologists and canine experts alike agree that dog-friendly offices work for everyone. And we have actual statistics to back that up…keep reading!

Here are just a few reasons why you should bring your dog to work with you.

#1: Dogs in the workplace benefits your dog

At their heart, dogs are social creatures. Research has proven that our furry friends suffer distress and melancholy when left on their own all day. While Pet Day Care can fill this void, there is no-one a dog would rather be with than their Owner. By bringing them to work with you, you’re not only keeping your pup happy – you’re also strengthening your bond.

Are other colleagues already bringing their doggos to work? Even better. When you expose your dog to others in a controlled environment, you contribute to their socialisation process. In other words, you’re raising them to be a proper and social canine.

#2: Dogs in the workplace benefits employees

If you’re a Dog Owner, you probably don’t need us to tell you that dogs at work serve your wellbeing. Even so, we’re going to do it anyway. Many studies, including one conducted by Washington State University suggest that as little as 10 minutes spent in the presence of pets can lower stress levels and trigger serotonin – thereby creating happier, more motivated employees.

Beyond that, you’ll find that vocational pooches also let you build a rapport with your colleagues. After all, what’s a better ice-breaker than playing fetch with Bella the Labradoodle and Alan from Accounting? As long as you have a HR department if things get a bit hairy…

Finally, nothing will keep you active like a dog beside your desk. Instead of browsing your iPhone on your break, you’ll find yourself walking your furry friend around the block. Not only is this a good excuse for some exercise, but the act of walking (over sitting) has been shown to boost creativity levels. 10,000 steps a day, here we come!

#3: Dogs in the workplace benefits society

You may say we’re reaching with this argument. But our pack at Mad Paws HQ have proven this is an actual thing! When you host dogs in the workplace, you’re casting a light on responsible pet ownership. In fact, Take Your Dog to Work Day first began as a means to highlight the perils of leaving your dog at home alone. Every time you bring your pup with you to the office, you’re encouraging a conversation about proper pet care. When you see other Pet Owners interacting with their own furry friends, it sparks conversation around different dog training techniques, and various ways to provide care for them. 

Want to see a sneak peek of what it’s like working at the Mad Paws office?!

What you should do if you can’t bring your furry friend to work

Of course, not everyone can bring their dog to work with them. Perhaps your office isn’t pet-friendly, or maybe you take public transport to work. Whatever the reason, it’s important to ensure that your doggo doesn’t spend their day mired in worry while you’re away. Whether you leave them with a relative, book them into Doggy Daycare, or even find them a Dog Walker, they’ll appreciate the company until you return to them.

And if your workplace isn’t pet-friendly? SURELY your employer will make an exception for Take Your Dog to Work Day…

The post Why dogs in the workplace benefits everyone appeared first on Mad Paws.

You’ll be happy to know that cats can form bonds and feel connection with their human carers. Today, we’ll explore your cat’s love language, their signs of affection for you, and how you can return the love.

Firstly, do cats feel affection for humans?

The short answer is yes; cats can feel affection for humans.

The longer answer starts around 10,000 years ago when we first started to domesticate cats, or rather, they began to domesticate us. The early human-feline relationship was based on mutual gain: cats wanted to eat the mice found around human settlements, and we were happy to have free pest control.

However, over the years, cats became more and more domesticated, eventually cohabiting with humans.

One reason people label cats as aloof is that they view feline behaviour through a canine lens. Dogs are—and always have been—social animals who live and hunt in packs, whereas cats are far more independent. So yes, they won’t jump up on you, wagging their tail when you arrive home from work, but they will show their affection more subtly.

This relatively recent shift in focus has been backed by scientific studies. One research paper documented that the attachment style of a cat and its human is similar to that of an infant and its parent. Another study examined social referencing, or looking to others to help regulate our own behaviours. This research suggested that around 80% of cats look to humans for social reference; they look to us for advice.

Animals can’t speak our language, so it isn’t easy to pinpoint precisely what emotions they do and do not feel. However, as any cat parent will confirm, cats can bond with humans and show affection to them. Here’s how they do it.

How do cats show affection?

Trilling or purring

One of the most common ways a cat expresses their love and enjoyment for being in your company is by purring. This gentle, vibrating noise shows that your cat feels safe and comfortable in your company.

Trilling – sometimes called chirping – is another vocalisation that cats use to signify their love for you. If you notice your cat making this high-pitched trilling noise when you’re around, know it’s their way of saying, “I love you.”

Meowing can be a loving way to communicate if you and your kitty are “having a conversation,” but often, a meow is your cat telling you they want something (probably food).

Cat rolls

A cat’s belly is one of its most vulnerable areas, so if they roll over and displays this area to you, it’s a sure sign that you have won their trust and affection. However, note that a belly display doesn’t necessarily mean your cat wants their belly rubbed. This area is a particularly sensitive part of their bodies, so some cats don’t like to be touched there.

Sometimes, cats walk up to you before throwing themselves on the ground and rolling around to expose their belly. This is their way of saying, “I love and trust you and I’d like some attention right now.”

Licks and love bites

Licking is a significant part of a cat’s socialisation. When young, a kitten’s mum uses licking to soothe and clean her babies. As they grow, cats use licking to socialise with one another and show affection, so if they lick you, it indicates that they view you as part of their family.

You might ask, “Why does my cat hug my arm and bite me?” Sometimes, cats will gently nibble you as they groom, which is another common sign of affection. This should not be confused with a bite, though—if a cat bites you during playtime or when you’re fussing them, it probably means they’re feeling overstimulated. If the ears are flattened, it’s a sign of aggression.

Body language

Felines don’t have the vocal capabilities to express their love through language; instead, they use body language to signal their affection. Here are some common ways your cat could be expressing their love:

Cats don’t wag their tails like dogs but they do use these limbs to express emotion. A tail pointed straight up, without bristling, shows that your cat is pleased to see you and would like to connect.

Sometimes, cats intertwine their tails to signify friendship. If they want to transfer this behaviour to humans, they will wrap their tail around part of your body, often the lower legs. This is their way of saying, “You are my friend.”

While shoving your butt in someone’s face might not be a stereotypical way to show your love, it is common in the feline world. So don’t be offended if your cat holds their rear end up to your face; it’s actually a sign of affection.

The look of love

When it comes to cats, the look of love is quite literal. If your cat looks at you with half-closed eyes and a slow blink, it is their direct way of saying, “I love you.”

During a first meeting, cats often stare with large, unblinking eyes or avoid making eye contact at all. So, if you get half-closed eyes or a slow blink, regard it as a huge compliment.

Kneading you or rubbing against you

“Making biscuits” or kneading is a common cat behaviour that signifies affection. It originates from a kitten kneading their mother to stimulate milk production. When kneading, your cat marks you via their scent glands.

As smell is a cat’s primary sense, this behaviour is an important part of socialisation as it helps them recognise other cats within their group. So, if your cat marks you with its scent, consider yourself part of their group. If your cat is fond of making biscuits while sitting on your lap, it shows that it is feeling loved and content.

It’s worth noting that cats sometimes use kneading to self-soothe. So, if you notice your cat is kneading excessively when lying alone or on a blanket, you might want to check if it is displaying any signs of anxiety.

Cats also achieve “marking” behaviour by rubbing themselves against part of your body—often the head or lower legs. When your cat rubs its head against you, it is demonstrating its love and affection.

Additionally, cats will sometimes give you gentle headbutts – a behaviour referred to as bunting – which is another way for them to mark their territory and express how much you mean to them. You may notice this behaviour around other pets as well as humans.

Gift giving

A dead mouse on the doorstep might not be an ideal start to the day, but hunting is a natural behaviour for a cat, and they shouldn’t be punished for engaging in it. If your cat brings you this type of “gift,” they want to show you how much they love you and how much you mean to them.

Indoor cats will opt for slightly less gruesome objects. They’ll most likely bring you one of their toys or “hunting objects” as a present. Be sure to thank them for their kind gesture; they’re trying to do something nice for you.

Subtle signs

While there are a bunch of affectionate displays cats use to tell you that they love you, there are a few more subtle ways that demonstrate your cat’s trust and affection for you:

If your cat wanders around and explores when you’re home, it’s a sign that they feel safe and secure. When a stranger comes into their environment, they can sometimes hide to avoid interaction with the unknown. When your cat feels comfortable enough to go about their daily business with you present, it’s a great sign of trust.

Following you around is another sign of affection. They’re following you because they like being close to you and are curious to see what you get up to. If your cat enjoys your company, talk to them; they may not understand what you are saying, but cats can tell when we are directing our speech to them – often because of our tone. (Some people think we sound silly using “baby voices” when talking to companion animals, but this change in pitch and tone can help them understand that we’re talking to them).

Another sign that your cat cares about you is if they greet you when you arrive home. Sitting at the door as you turn the key is their way of saying, “Welcome home, I’m happy to see you.”

Cats are most vulnerable when sleeping, so if they choose to sleep in your company or on your bed, it’s a sign that they feel safe around you. Curling up to sleep on you is the ultimate sign of bonding and trust between you and your cat.

Give some love to your cat on ‘World Hug your Cat Day’

Now that you have some tools to decipher your cat’s love language, it’s time to return the favour and show them some appreciation. Here are some ideas for showing your cat how much you love them:

• Kitty kisses: when your cat does a slow blink, return the gesture by slowly closing your eyes halfway to say, “I love you too!”
• Be dependable: Cats love routine and reliability, so be there for them and provide a sense of safety in their environment. This routine should involve keeping your cat safe and secure when you’re away.
• Provide a comfortable environment: think cosy blankets, pet beds, scratching poles, cat towers, perches, and spaces to call their own.
• Play games: Cats – especially kittens and young adults – love playing games with their humans. Use wand toys, tunnels and interactive games to enrich their day. Did you know that you can train some cats to play fetch? Try throwing one of their “hunting toys” and see if you can get them to bring it back to you.
• Provide yummy foods: The way to a cat’s heart is through its belly. Providing them with a protein-rich, quality, well-balanced diet will keep them happy and healthy, and they will understand how much you care about them.
• Food enrichment: You can also incorporate puzzles or lick mats to make food time fun. You can even hide cat treats around their play area so that they can “hunt” for their food.
• Groom your cat: If your cat grooms you, return the favour by giving them a gentle brush or a massage. Not all cats enjoy this, but it’s the purrfect pampering treat for some.
• Quality time: Just give your cat time and attention. Even if it’s just Netflix and chill, your cat will still feel loved if the two of you are snuggled up together and they can relax.

Most importantly, experiment with different forms of communication and interaction to see how your cat responds and what they enjoy most. Take some time to get to know your cat, and the two of you will be able to express your affection for one another in no time!

The post How do cats show affection? appeared first on Mad Paws.

Picking up poop never looked so cool… said noone… until they came across the Mad Paws merch store!

That’s right, we’ve launched our inaugural collection of merchandise for our Pet Owners, Pet Sitters and our community of 1+ million pets, of course.

As Australia’s first and largest pet sitting & dog walking marketplace, it’s only natural that we’d design and produce a range of the fetching fashion items goin’ round.

For the hoomans, we have crew neck t-shirts, tote bags and bum bags.  For the four-legged fashionistas, don a bandana and add extra cred when passing other pooches in the street. (The bandana’s also suitable for humans if you want that matchy-matchy look – we won’t judge!)

From trendy t-shirts to practical poop bag holders and chic tote bags, the Mad Paws merchandise collection has something for hound and hooman.

Be the envy of your local dog park and strut your stuff in our new line of merchandise.

You’ll find all items available on our Pet Chemist brand’s website.

Shop the Mad Paws Merch Store >

The post Sit. Stay. Slay. In NEW Mad Paws merch! appeared first on Mad Paws.

Cecelia has been pet-sitting for 7 years now, and loves it more than ever! For the last two years, she’s been Pet Sitting full time, only spending max 5 weeks at her parent’s house a year in between jobs or for a break. Suffice to say, she’s got lots of experience and is in demand!

Read Cecelia’s pet sitting story, in her own words:

My first pet-sitting job was in 2017 when a family I babysat for asked me to take care of their 10-week-old golden retriever puppy for 2 weeks while they visited family interstate. It was a no-brainer, being 18 and thinking “oh boy, 2 weeks with this bundle of cuteness” (see photo below for full effect). I had two family dogs at this stage so I was wise to the care of dogs but ignorant to the effort of a puppy.

The two weeks were a blast and I’ve been taking care of that puppy, Teddy ever since. Sadly they moved to another state a year ago and honestly, it was heartbreaking, part of me considered him my own. Luckily by then, I’d built up a client base of about 20 dogs on regular rotation who I loved! 

Straight out of school, I began volunteering at my local rescue shelter, 3 months later started working there and another 3 months later became lead kennel hand. Working with rescue dogs compares to nothing else, the bond you form with them as they overcome their trauma is unmatched. As some of my favourites started to trickle out of the shelter into wonderful homes, I’d often visit them and this snowballed into me pet-sitting them when their families went away. From 2kg Chihuahuas to 55kg Great Dane crosses I’ve seen and cared for (almost) all of it. 

“Working at the rescue shelter enabled me to learn amazing handling skills, and not to toot my own horn but as a young female, I still feel proud I can manage 50+ kg dogs with ease even when they’re reacting like crazy or unfortunately trying to bite me.”

My journey with Mad Paws:

As I realised I wanted to petsit more I joined Mad Paws and created a profile that brought me some wonderful clients I still sit for today. My local area is however mostly oodles and little dogs, which I love, I have one of my own but I like to work with big dogs and somewhat complicated cases. 

As the years went on I became a vet nurse and juggled that with working at the rescue so my handling skills improved even more and my growing medical knowledge enabled me to take medical cases like post-surgery rehab or diabetic dogs.

My full-time jobs allowed me to make some wonderful connections in the industry and I now have an extensive network of rescues, vets and trainers who recommend me to their clients and I direct them straight to my Mad Paws profile.

This often means my meet-and-greet process is very different. I sometimes spend months bonding with dogs before agreeing to do a pet sit for them. Honestly, my weakness is dogs who are shy, aggressive or reactive. Winning them over is unbeatable. I do this by slowly building a relationship, starting with a weekly or fortnightly walk with the Owner there and gradually making our way to walks alone, daycare without the Owner and then always, always, always an overnight trial!!

Whilst I learnt a tonne of skills from my jobs which I’ve been able to use to excel in my pet-sitting career I’ve learnt a lot of things from pet-setting. 

• The benefits of Pet Sitting in their home! For more complicated dogs the more you can stick to their routine, the better. They prefer their home without a doubt.
• Airtags. Only once have I ever had a cat go neighbourhood wandering for a day (thankfully to return home safely) but I now put an Airtag on the collar of every dog in my care and ensure they have a quick-release collar so they never get trapped or caught on things. 
• Meet & Greet, one isn’t always enough and 0 is always too few. I prefer to do 2-3 meet-ups with the dog before any booking as normally it’s 2+ weeks. The more comfortable the dog is with me, the easier the booking goes.

Spending time with dogs is one of life’s greatest pleasures and in today’s society filled with apartment living, housing crisis, and cost of living crises it’s a luxury to own a dog. I don’t ever intend to stop pet-sitting but I hope one day soon I’ll settle into my own place and foster dogs so that my pet-sitting skills can enable dogs to find the loving homes they deserve. 

Find a Sitter near you >

The post Sitter Stories: Meet Cecelia from Sydney appeared first on Mad Paws.

Aylie has always loved animals and wanted to share her love by caring for as many as she could.

As one half of the dynamic sitting duo with her Mum, she began pet sitting from a young age and it’s given her the ability to buy her first car and save for a house, all while completing distance education and graduating high school.

This is Aylie’s Mad Paws Sitter story:

Being a Mad Paws Sitter fits my overall lifestyle super well. It’s an easy way to save money on the side doing something I love. I’ve been able to make extra money on top of my other job because it’s extremely flexible, and you are your own boss so it teaches you lots of business skills and communication skills.

Bonding with the quiet or shy dogs is always so special…There is something so personal about caring for dogs at your house especially when it’s for long periods and they get super comfortable being part of your family.

Any special experience or memory that’s come from pet sitting?

I don’t have one particular booking or memory, but we actually own a Border Collie named Sassy that used to be a client of ours and now she has been a part of the family for years! We wouldn’t have met her if it hadn’t been for Mad Paws and we are so grateful for the opportunity to have her come about.

Read what Pet Owners say about Aylie:

View Aylie’s Profile >

Find a Sitter near you >

The post Sitter Stories: Meet Aylie from the Gold Coast appeared first on Mad Paws.

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.

First established in 2020, the Comedy Pet Photo Awards celebrate the special moments we share with our pets and engage the broader population in the feel-good vibes of these adorable animals to promote better welfare.

Comedy Pet Photo Award Winners for 2023

A Life-Changing Event

The overall winner of the Comedy Pet Photo Awards for 2023 is Michel Zoghzoghi. His photograph showcases the contrasting personalities of a rescue cat duo, with playful Max ready to pounce on an unsuspecting Alex.

Not only do these black and white beauties bring a smile to our faces, but their story reminds us what a “life-changing event” adoption can be. The general perception of adopting rescue animals is that we are “saving” them, but often they can save us too.

Thousands of animals are waiting for their forever family to find them; many have been neglected and abused. Still, watching how your nurture and care bring out the trust, playfulness, and happiness inside them is a most rewarding experience. These companion animals teach us responsibility, help to promote a healthy lifestyle, and reward us with unconditional love.

All Creatures Great And Small

Taking home the prize for All Other Creatures is the adorable five-month-old ferret Boudicca enjoying her first walk outside. Did you know that the word ferret translates to “little thief” in Latin, most likely attributed to their love of secreting items away?

Companion animals come in all shapes and sizes – not just cats and dogs – and discovering your pet’s unique personality is a joyful experience. We understand the importance of equal care for all animal companions, which is why Mad Paws pet sitter services offer care for not only cats and dogs but guinea pigs, rabbits, and birds too!

Pets Who Look Like Their Owners

A photograph of a German lady and her two dogs entitled “The Three Greys” won this category, and we can see why – at first glance, it’s hard to differentiate the human from the dogs! Many of us have heard the saying that couples begin to look like each other after spending years together, so is the same true for our animal companions?

Surprisingly, science says yes! Psychologist Michael Roy was one of the first to conduct a study into the phenomena and found that people could correctly match most pets to their owners based on photographs taken at dog parks.

The reason for this is our love of the familiar; we tend to find ourselves drawn to those (people or animals) who possess similar characteristics to ourselves. Still, it’s about more than just looks. Research also determined that pets were also likely to share various personality traits with their owners, such as extroversion or agreeableness.

Notable past winners & finalists:

Drama Queen, by Anne Lindner

Jurassic Bark, by Carmen Cromer

Smokin’ Alpaca, by Stefan Brusius

Happy Horses, by Radim Filipek

No Pets? No Worries!

Not everyone can house pets for several reasons, such as finances or living arrangements. Still, if you love animals, you can enjoy their fun and playfulness in several ways. Spend time with friends with pets and offer to house sit for them. Better still, register as a pet sitter and get paid to have fun with these furballs.

With the flexibility to choose your own hours, work with the animals you want to work with, and have support and advice from the Mad Paws team, this is the perfect way to enjoy some time with animals. Who knows – you could take the next winning photo for the Comedy Pet Awards 2024.

What Makes The Comedy Pet Photo Awards So Special?

Though these awards are still in their infancy, they’re already making an impact with participants engaging from all over the world. In the words of the co-creators, these awards aim to “ promote positive awareness of animal welfare issues and celebrate the incredible and valuable contribution that pets can and do have on our lives.”

Animals enhance our lives through their companionship, loyalty, and love. They get us out and about, help us to stay fit and healthy, and give us purpose. The Pet Photo Awards don’t just make us giggle; they also remind us to be kind to animals because the Earth would shine less brightly without them.

The post Winners of the Comedy Pet Photo Awards are in! appeared first on Mad Paws.