Daisy has overtaken Luna to become Canberra’s most popular dog name in 2025, while Luna has retained top spot as the capital’s favourite cat name, new ACT pet registration data shows.
Cavoodles have again claimed the title of Canberra’s most popular dog breed for the fourth year running, and Domestic Short Hair remains the most popular cat breed.
Whether they are dog or cat lovers, Canberra pet owners clearly have one thing in common – they love to read!
From popular fantasy worlds through to classics, Canberrans have brought beloved characters to life with their cat and dog names. Popular inspirations included Frodo and Samwise from The Lord of the Rings; Geralt from The Witcher; Agatha Christie’s Captain Hastings (Hercule Poirot’s loyal amanuensis); Mr Darcy from Pride and Prejudice; and Harry Potter-inspired Albus Dumbleclaw.
Other pets were named after Greek gods and heroes: Zeus the king of gods; his favourite daughter Athena; beloved hero Hercules; and even Styx, the river that winds its way through the underworld. (Any Argos, Cerberus or Orthrus?)
Top dog names in the ACT for 2025:
- Daisy
- Luna
- Charlie
- Coco
- Teddy
- Milo
- Bella
- Archie
- Ruby
- Molly
Top dog breeds:
- Cavoodle
- Border Collie
- Dachshund
- Kelpie
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Poodle
- American Staffy
- Jack Russell
- Groodle
Top cat names:
- Luna
- Milo
- Willow
- Jasper
- Daisy
- Leo
- Cleo
- Charlie
- Mochi
- Tiger
Top cat breeds:
- Domestic Short Hair
- Domestic Medium Hair
- Ragdoll
- Domestic Long Hair
- Burmese
- British Shorthair
- Russian Blue
- Maine Coon
- Bengal
- Siamese
Register your pets
All cats and dogs over eight weeks of age must be registered. It is free for owners to renew or update their registration details.
“Not only does pet registration provide an insight into the most popular pet names and breeds, more importantly, it helps reunite lost pets with their owners,” Tara Cheyne, Minister for City and Government Services, said. “Thank you to everyone who registered or renewed their pet’s registration this year.”
Look after your pets in summer
Ms Cheyne reminded pet owners that caring for animals is a responsibility, particularly during summer.
“Our pets rely on us to keep them happy, healthy and safe,” Minister Cheyne said.
“To keep your pet comfortable and cool over summer, ensure they have access to fresh drinking water and shade all day.
“Avoid walking your pet in the middle of the day during the warmer months. Early mornings and evenings are best to help protect your pet’s paws from burning. You can easily tell if the pavement is too hot to walk your dog by placing the back of your hand on the ground. If you can’t comfortably keep it there for 10 seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.
“If you’re enjoying a holiday away from home, arrange for someone to care for your pet while you are interstate or overseas. Don’t leave your pet unattended. Ensure your pet’s carer is familiar with its feeding and exercise requirements, as well as their medical needs.”
Further information on responsible pet ownership, registration, and approved boarding kennels is available via www.cityservices.act.gov.au.
