Pets are more than companions — they are family. Across households everywhere, dogs, cats, birds, and countless other animals bring comfort, laughter, and routine to daily life. They greet us at the door after long days, sit quietly beside us when we need calm, and often become central to family memories and milestones. As our relationships with pets have deepened, so too has the way we care for them. Today’s pet owners are looking beyond the basics, seeking high-quality nutrition, reliable veterinary care, enrichment, training, grooming, and services that support their animals’ wellbeing at every stage of life.
This feature explores the local world of pet care — from essential products and trusted services to innovative ideas helping pets live healthier, happier lives. Whether you’re a first-time owner or a lifelong animal lover, the growing ecosystem around our pets reflects a simple truth: when we invest in their wellbeing, they give back far more than we could ever measure.
Mullumbimby Pet Shop & Mullum Grooming Pet Salon
Mullum Pet Shop has been operating in the community for 23 years. They’ve moved to bigger premises and now offer pet grooming services with Mullum Grooming. They offer quality products and advice. In store you’ll find premium pet foods, both fresh and frozen, all cat and dog restraints and fun toys. If you’re looking for a pet, they specialise in live animals ranging from rabbits to chickens. They also have large tanks with a wide array of fish.
99 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby
02 6684 3288 Mullum Pet Shop
0433 404 580 Mullum Grooming
Petcare Byron Bay –
Your local pet specialists
At Petcare Byron Bay, pets are family. Proudly family-owned and locally–operated, they’re passionate about helping the pets of the Northern Rivers live happy, healthy lives.
Their friendly and knowledgeable team is always ready to help, whether you’re choosing the right food, finding the perfect toy, or getting advice on pet care. With years of experience and a genuine love for animals, they pride themselves on providing service you simply won’t find in big chain stores.
Inside the store you’ll discover an extensive range of premium products for dogs, cats and small animals, including quality nutrition, enrichment toys, natural treats, grooming supplies and everyday essentials. They carefully select trusted brands so you can feel confident about what you’re giving your pet.
There are also convenient services like a DIY Dog Wash, making bath time easy and fun.
Come in, say hello, and see why locals and their pets love shopping at Petcare Byron Bay.
4/55 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay
02 6680 8121
Through the Eyes of Cows
This book explores the life, emotions, and consciousness of cows. It challenges human perceptions of animals and promotes a deeper understanding of the relationship between animals, humans, and the earth. Written by local vet and author Jodi Ruckley, Through the Eyes of Cows is about how animals can play the role of teacher/healer in our lives, and how their qualities can have a positive effect on us.
Available at The Bookshop Mullumbimby and
www.ourplaceonearth.com
Price: $20
Vitality Vetcare Bangalow
At Vitality Vetcare, thoughtful veterinary care considers the whole patient. The newly refreshed clinic in Bangalow offers a calm and welcoming environment for animals and their people. Vitality Vetcare is transitioning to an integrated veterinary practice, offering general veterinary medicine and surgery alongside well-established complementary therapies, including acupuncture, Chinese and Western herbal medicine, and homeopathy.
With the addition of a second veterinarian, the clinic is also pleased to offer veterinary osteopathy. The growing team is committed to providing compassionate, personalised care for every patient. By combining conventional and holistic approaches, Vitality Vetcare aims to support long-term health, comfort and wellbeing.
Vitality Vetcare is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
4a Ballina Road, Bangalow
02 6687 0675
[email protected]
Kaia’s Pet Portraits
Kaia, is a lifelong painter and weekly regular at the Byron Twilight markets with her ‘Quick Pet Sketches’. Every weekend, she love drawing gorgeous pets and hearing your stories about what makes them so special. Kaia offers detailed acrylic painted commissions, and now her popular pet sketches are available to order outside of the market too.
0403 632 022
@kaias_petportraits
[email protected]
North Coast Veterinary Services
Regular visits to North Coast Veterinary Services are one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy and happy. A routine veterinary check allows your vet to detect early changes in your pet’s health, from dental disease and joint problems to heart conditions and weight changes. Preventative care such as vaccinations, parasite protection, and tailored nutrition advice also helps avoid many common health problems. Just as importantly, regular visits give pet owners the opportunity to ask questions about behaviour, diet, and lifestyle. By building a relationship with your local veterinary clinic, you’re helping ensure your pet receives the care they need to live a long and healthy life. As well as offering consultations, North Coast Veterinary Services has advanced diagnostics such as CT, radiography, ultrasound, laboratory, and dental and surgical facilities to help keep your pets healthy so you can love them longer.
233 Gulgan Road, Brunswick Heads
02 6684 0735
www.northcoastvetservices.com.au
Bangalow Vets and Animal Emergency Service North Coast
Bangalow Vets and Animal Emergency Service North Coast offers comprehensive care under one roof, bringing together a general practice, emergency clinic, and an internal medicine specialist to support pets at every stage of life, located in Bangalow.
This March, we’re helping pets stay healthy with $30 off vaccinations. Book an appointment with our friendly team and take advantage of this limited-time offer.
02 5555 6990
0424054056 (AES)
1/1 Dudgeon Lane, Bangalow
Byron Dog Rescue
Byron Dog Rescue is a registered charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming unwanted or surrendered dogs.Through their Brunswick Heads Op Shop and community support, they fund a shelter, vet care, foster placements, and promote responsible pet ownership. Help them make a difference. There are so many ways you can help: adopt, foster, volunteer at our Op Shop, donate or leave a legacy in your will.
https://www.byrondogrescue.org
Mullum Vet
Mullum Vet is a family–owned local business with more than 40 years experience. They pride themselves on genuine vet care and client relationships. Looking after both small and large animals. The Mullum Vet team enjoy being part of the community and helping people and their animals.
124 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby
Ph: 02 6684 3818
Katelyn The Petsitter
Katelyn is a trusted, full-time pet sitter who cares for animals in their own homes. With seven years of experience and hundreds of happy clients, she keeps pets relaxed in familiar surroundings while ensuring homes remain secure, plants are watered, and mail is brought in, providing peace of mind for owners while they are away.
[email protected]
www.katelynthepetsitter.com
@katelynthepetsitter
0412 858 866
MyVet Byron Bay
Dental care is vital to pets health and comfort. Regular brushing and veterinary check-ups help prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which otherwise can lead to painful infections and health issues. Consistent dental care supports overall wellbeing, helping pets live happier, healthy lives.
For a limited time we are offering FREE dental checks AND $50 OFF dental cleans. Call now to book.
Book online or call 02 6685 6899
1/70 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay
myvetbyronbay.com.au
Save the date: Furry Friends Festival is on again, Saturday, 30 May
Get ready to wag, woof and wander – the Furry Friends Festival is back! Join us on Saturday, 30 May, from 8am to 1pm at the Bangalow Showgrounds for a tail‑wagging good time at this free community celebration , proudly hosted by Byron Shire Council.
Bring your doggos (on lead, please!) for the Doggy Arena, packed with trainer demos, fun games and friendly competitions. Meander the Paws and Claws Market, boasting 40 pet‑loving stalls filled with giveaways, treats and expert tips. Enjoy live tunes, tasty food stalls, free kids’ face-painting and a playful photo booth for pooch snaps of you and your pets.
As part of the fun, we’re championing responsible pet ownership – from keeping pets safe and under control, to making sure they’re microchipped, registered and well-socialised. Our friendly team and stallholders can help with practical advice to ensure all pets in the Shire are healthy, happy and cared for.
www.byron.nsw.gov.au/furry-friends
Canine Howlistic Health & Hydrotherapy
Canine Howlistic Health & Hydrotherapy offers a balanced blend of science and soul to support your dog’s recovery and wellbeing. Therapies include hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill), massage, acupuncture, laser therapy, and therapeutic exercise. These help manage injuries, arthritis, neurological disease, and mobility concerns with care and precision. They collaborate closely with your vet to design effective treatment plans that nurture your dog’s comfort and vitality. In the tranquil, spacious setting, dogs rediscover balance and strength, with an added range of high-quality supplements, enrichment, treats, and mobility aids.
4/1 Dudgeons Lane, Bangalow
caninehowlistichealth.com.au
Happy Dogs
Happy Dogs is an award-winning, force-free, positive reinforcement, science-based dog training business servicing the Northern Rivers. Run by Michelle Vecsei, a multi-certified dog trainer, with 8 years university education in animal behaviour science, she is also a qualified and experienced zookeeper. Happy Dogs’ methods are focused on rewarding desired behaviours while using management and other ethical techniques for undesirable behaviours. Rest assured that when you hire Happy Dogs you and your dog’s emotional and physical wellbeing is prioritised, even when addressing complex behaviour issues like reactivity, fear and aggression.
Michelle 0431 022 949
happydogsbyronbay.com
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Adopt a pet into a loving home
Northern Rivers Animal Services, Ballina
https://nras.org.au
Animal Rights & Rescue Group, Lismore
https://animalrights.org.au/
Animal Welfare League NSW, Mullumbimby
www.awlnsw.com.au/
Byron Dog Rescue
https://www.byrondogrescue.org/
Pets for Life, Billinudgel
https://www.petsforlifeanimalshelter.net/
Friends of the Pound, Tweed Head
friendsofthepound.com
Who Gives A Cluck
Whogiveacluck.org
