When furry friends meet fearful kids—inside Australia’s growing pet friction

Australians love their pets—that’s no secret. With nearly 29 million furry, feathered, and scaly companions sharing our homes, we’re a nation of animal enthusiasts. 

But as our cities become more pet-friendly and the line between ‘fur baby’ and ‘actual baby’ blurs, a new question is emerging: are our public spaces really safe and welcoming for everyone, especially families with young children? 

For some, a stroll in the park with a pooch is the highlight of the day. For others, it’s a source of anxiety and even fear. 

The debate over pets in public spaces is heating up, and it’s not just about who gets the last patch of grass at the local oval.

When a walk in the park turns into a nightmare

Sarah Baum is a self-confessed dog lover, but her twin toddlers are anything but. Their fear isn’t unfounded—when they were just eight months old, a pair of unleashed greyhounds toppled their stroller, leaving the babies trapped underneath as the dogs jumped on top. 

Since then, even the sight of a dog in a playground is enough to send the now four-year-olds into a panic.

Sarah’s experience isn’t unique. Many parents worry about unpredictable encounters with off-leash dogs, especially when owners don’t seem to understand—or care—about the impact on others.

‘The dog’s owner just looked me up and down and snarled, “Get control of your kids”,’ Sarah recalls. ‘It’s made me quite anxious about being in public with my twins, in case we come across a dog.’

The other side of the leash: Assistance animals and their challenges

Of course, not all dogs in public are there for a game of fetch. For Chris, his assistance dog Lachie is a lifeline, helping him navigate daily life. 

But Chris is acutely aware that not everyone is comfortable around dogs. ‘My first thoughts are really for others,’ he says.

‘I have to always be on top of what’s happening with myself and the dog. I’ve got an obligation to protect the dog… and an obligation to work the dog.’

Chris’s concerns go beyond courtesy. The rise of emotional support animals and varying standards of training can make public spaces unpredictable, even for those with accredited assistance dogs.

‘I don’t know how your dog is going to react. I don’t know how well that handler has trained that animal,’ he explains.

Are we turning pets into people?

Former military dog trainer Gabriele Marranci believes Australia’s approach to pets is a mixed bag. On one hand, we adore our animals; on the other, we’re not always great at training or socialising them. 

‘There is an over-humanisation of pets that can lead to poorly trained and socialised animals,’ he says. ‘We should treat them with respect and patience, but with the understanding that they are just dogs. Their brains are quite different from ours.’

Gabriele points out that in countries like Italy, dogs are exposed to a wider range of public situations from a young age, making them more adaptable and less likely to cause problems. 

‘Dogs don’t read books. They learn by exposure, reward or correction when it’s needed,’ he says. He suggests an obedience test for dogs before they’re allowed in certain public spaces—a kind of ‘doggy driver’s licence’ to ensure everyone’s safety.

Public transport and pets: All aboard?

With nearly half of Australian households owning a dog, it’s no wonder there’s growing demand for more pet-friendly public transport. 

Jennifer Kent, a senior research fellow at the University of Sydney, notes that Australia is far more restrictive than Europe or North America when it comes to pets on buses and trains. 

‘We need to be smarter about how we integrate dogs into our public spaces,’ she says.

Some European cities have introduced ‘dog-only’ carriages on trains, and even Victoria allows small pets on public transport. 

Could this be the way forward for the rest of the country? It’s a question worth barking about.

Should the rules be relaxed?

Anupam Sharma, a Melbourne vet and co-owner of a dog-friendly bar, thinks so. She’s frustrated by laws that keep dogs out of indoor venues, especially when, in her experience, ‘most dogs behave a lot better than the humans at the bar’. 

She’s seen more than one tipsy patron mistake the dog’s water bowl for a vomit bucket—proof, she says, that bad behaviour isn’t limited to our four-legged friends.

Cat owners, too, are hoping for change. Sumi Mahendran walks her cat Zara on a leash, but finds most public spaces—and even pet stores—are geared towards dogs. 

‘There are more things for dog owners, and the ability for dogs to go into public,’ she says. Sumi’s life revolves around Zara, and she dreams of a day when cats are as welcome as dogs in public spaces.

Pets are family—but they’re not people

It’s easy to get swept up in the love we feel for our pets, but as Sarah Baum points out, it’s important to remember they’re still animals. 

‘I trust [our cat] Leo 99.99 per cent of the time… but what if?’ she says. ‘I’m treating him as a cat. I’m not treating him as a human being.’

Finding a balance: Respect, responsibility, and common sense

So, where does this leave us? The answer isn’t to ban pets from public spaces, nor is it to let them roam free. 

It’s about finding a balance—respecting the needs of families, the rights of assistance animal handlers, and the joy pets bring to so many Australians.

That means responsible pet ownership: keeping dogs on leads where required, ensuring they’re well-trained and socialised, and being mindful of others’ comfort and safety. 

It also means creating more inclusive public spaces, with clear rules and perhaps even ‘pet proficiency’ tests for those who want to bring their animals along.

Your say: What’s your experience?

Have you had a run-in with a rambunctious dog at the park? Or do you wish you could take your pet more places? 

How do you feel about pets on public transport, in cafes, or at the local playground? We’d love to hear your stories, tips, and thoughts in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going—for the sake of our kids, our pets, and our communities.

Also read: Pets buried in secret for years—now the law finally changes