Frankston shines with success of The Great Pet-Together

Published on 21 October 2025

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More than 6,000 pet lovers and their companions gathered at Ballam Park on Sunday for The Great Pet-Together, proving once again that Frankston City is the most pet-friendly municipality in Victoria.

From dachshund races to pet portraits, pup-cup eating competitions and over 30 specialty market stalls, the day was packed with pawsitive energy and entertainment for the whole family. With a mix of dogs, cats, turtles, horses, snakes, bees, and even pigeons – it truly was a celebration of all creatures great and small.

Feedback from the event was positive, as locals shared what they enjoyed the most:

“I love it here. There’s dogs everywhere and I just love my dog Storm very, very much. I’ve had her since I was two and I love dressing her up,” said Lilly.

“The Great Pet-Together was petastic! The puppies had so much fun and we saw a pony! The dogs loved Lenny’s Pup Shop and the Pawtein Smoothie Bowl,” shared Anna on her dogs Snickers and August.

Frankston City Councillor Cherie Wanat said it was great to see The Great Pet-Together return to Frankston, bringing families and their beloved pets together for this much-loved community event.

“As an animal owner, I’m proud to be part of a council that values and supports pet ownership. The Great Pet-Together is more than just a fun day out - it shows how much we care about animals in our community,” she said.

Frankston City Council continues to lead the way in supporting pets and owners through practical, community-first initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to animal welfare, affordability, and responsible pet ownership.

In 2025-26, Council is proud to deliver a range of initiatives to reduce costs and support residents to care for their pets, including:

  • A 12-month freeze on increases to the annual pet registration fee for all pet owners, as part of a broader cost-relief package for residents and community groups.
  • A 12-month waiver of fees for working animals and foster care animals.
  • Discounted pet registration for eligible pensioners.
  • Waived registration fees for the first two years for all pets adopted from The Lost Dogs’ Home.
  • The First 30 Forever Furry Friends Program, covering the full adoption fee for the first 30 cats or dogs adopted each year from The Lost Dogs’ Home.
  • Increased obedience training rebate from 50 per cent to 75 per cent (up to $250).
  • Discounted desexing vouchers for one third of the cost of de-sexing cats and dogs for residents holding a Pension, Healthcare or War Veterans Card.
  • The Returning Dogs Home Policy, aimed at reuniting lost dogs with their owners quickly and safely without charge for first-time wanderers.
  • The Pet Sanctuary Program, which supports residents experiencing hardship including family violence and homelessness by providing temporary shelter and care for their pets during times of crisis.
  • Pets in the Park Inc received $9,000 in funding through the Frankston Charitable Fund to deliver a free monthly veterinary pop-up clinic for vulnerable community members and their pets.

Council is also preparing its 2026-2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, which will introduce even more incentives and support programs for pet owners, improving community and environmental safety in Frankston.

Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam, the owner of a cheeky labradoodle named Murphy, said, “Frankston is leading the way when it comes to supporting pet owners. No other council in Victoria offers the breadth of pet incentives and support programs that we do, making us the state’s most pet-friendly city.”

Find out more about these initiatives and responsible pet ownership - Responsible pet ownership - Frankston City Council

Thank you to sponsors, Eastlink, Scratch, Ray White Langwarrin, and Karingal Hub, plus event partners Moon Dog Beach Club and the RSPCA for helping bring this event to life.

Council is also offering participants the chance to win a $200 voucher from Scratch and a $100 voucher from Moon Dog Beach Club by sharing their experience at the Great Pet-Together.

To be in the draw, visit https://engage.frankston.vic.gov.au/great-pet-together.

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