A Guide For Pet Owners In The Southern Highlands

It doesn’t matter if they’re furry or feathered, scaly or slithery…..we love our pets in the Southern Highlands.

And here’s how you can help your bestie from the animal kingdom live their best lives with our pet owners’ guide to the Southern Highlands, a handy resource to bookmark and keep at your fingertips.

Southern Highlands Vets

We’re blessed to have so many amazing vets and veterinary centres here, treating everything from lizards right up to bisons – yep, we have some bisons in the Highlands! There are a number of clinics and centres that offer after hours help and support too.

Biz Directory :: Southern Highlands Vets

Pet Stores + Suppliers

We Know Pets in Bowral and the Petbarn in Mittagong are the two main pet stores in the Highlands. You can also get super luxe dog upholstery that matches your decor from Saint Ernie, started by Highlands local, Pip Reed. Coco & Pud has a fabulous online store [run out of Robertson] for a huge range of gorgeous accessories, beds, toys and stacks more. You’ll want to buy everything in their online store!!

Rescue + Adoption Centres

Rescuing a golden oldie, abandoned pupper or surrendered kitty is such a great way to make a difference to the life of a pet. And there are plenty looking for their fur-ever homes. If you have a cat or dog shaped hole in your heart, here’s where to start:

• Wingecarribee Shire Council Animal Shelter
• Green Paws Animal Sanctuary
• Little Beans Rescue

Trainers + Obedience Classes

Can’t teach an old dog new tricks? These guys would beg to differ BUT it is good to get in early! Here’s a list of trainers providing support from puppy preschool through to advanced obedience classes.

Dog trainers + obedience classes in the Southern Highlands.

Dog Parks In The Southern Highlands

How much do our pooches love a run off-leash with their pals? We have four dog parks in the Highlands – three are fence, although plans just got passed to fence Jordan’s Crossing Dog Park in Bundanoon so watch this space.

Here’s our guide to off-leash dog parks in the Southern Highlands.

Pet-Friendly Walking Tracks

From paved to fire trails, there are plenty of spots to take your dog for a walk. A couple of things to remember:

• They aren’t allowed in National Parks
• Must be on-leash in areas where there is signage specifying
• If off leash which is allowed in certain places, make sure they are kept under control
• And clean up after doggo if they drop one while they’re out!

Here’s some of our local favourites for a walk:

• Cherry Tree Walk
• Bong Bong Track
• Berrima River Walk
• Mt Katoomba Lookout Loop
• Box Vale Track

Pet-Friendly Pubs + Cafes

You’ll find that plenty of cafes and pubs across the Highlands cater to pets. You can normally tell by the dog bowls out the front or in the beer garden!

For pubs, the beer gardens at Burrawang Village Hotel, Bundanoon Hotel, The Friendly Inn and Sutton Forest Inn make them winners for pet-friendly spots for a frothie. Artemis Wines is a great local winery that welcomes puppers too.

Here’s some of our fave cafes with outdoor seating that also welcome furry friends and it’s worth checking out the dog menu at Raw & Wild Cafe in Bowral.

• Jumping Rock Cafe, Bundanoon
• Potter’s Pantry, Bundanoon
• Exeter General Store
• Magpie Cafe, Berrima
• Berrima General Store & Cafe
• Courtyard Cafe, Berrima 
• The What If Society, Moss Vale
• Highlands Merchant, Moss Vale
• The Post Office Cafe, Moss Vale
• The Press Shop, Bowral
• South Hill Kitchen, Bowral
• Raw & Wild, Bowral 
• Le Bistro Gourmand, Bowral
• Station St Cafe, Mittagong
• The Shaggy Cow, Mittagong 
• Burrawang General Store & Cafe

Pet Sitters + Pet Walkers

Life’s busy, we get it! So it’s great that we have plenty of local professional pet sitters and walkers who care for and exercise our furry friends while we’re out and about, working or on holidays.

Here’s a list of local pet sitters and walkers to call on if you need them.

Pet Accommodation + Boarding

Sometimes we’re away for extended periods of time whether it’s holidays or work or being called away for family commitments, many of our local veterinary centres have kennels on site and offer boarding for cats and dogs.

There are also some fantastic specialist boarding and accommodation facilities in the Highlands too. Click here for a list.

Groomers

Of course we want our pets to put their best paw forward – from self-service doggy washes to specialist groomers, you’ll find a service or somebody here to help keep your fur babies clipped, primped and looking schmicko!

Handy Advice + Good Reads

Over the years, we’ve collated some super helpful articles with handy tips for pet owners.

Have a read:

• How to identify the signs of rodent poisoning in your pet
• Choosing the right pet for your Southern Highlands family
• IT’S TICK SEASON // What you need to know to keep your pets safe
• Pet dental health tips + tricks
• What you need to know about owning rabbits
• Everything you need to know about having chickens
• Why puppy school is a great idea for your fur baby [+ you]
• How to clip your dog’s nails and cat’s nails
• How to minimise, spot and treat cruciate ligament damage in dogs

So, there you go! Plenty of awesome information, contacts and advice to help you look after your pet – whatever form, shape, species that takes!

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