Forest Lake residents clearly love their pets, with the suburb ranking as Brisbane’s third most popular for dog ownership, boasting nearly 1,900 registered dogs. Now, Brisbane is advocating for household pets to be included in Australia’s national census, aiming to ensure that pets are recognised in national data collection.
BCC has formally proposed that household pets be included in Australia’s five-yearly national census. They argued that having reliable data on pet ownership would allow councils to plan and deliver parks, community programs, and facilities better suited to domestic animals and their owners. Knowing where pets live and in what numbers could help local governments make more informed decisions regarding green spaces and off-leash areas.
Across Brisbane, more than 106,000 dogs are registered. Bracken Ridge tops the list with 2,124, followed by The Gap with 1,971, and Forest Lake with 1,877. Other popular suburbs for dog ownership include Wynnum and Ashgrove, reflecting areas with parks and community spaces that appeal to pet owners.
Popular dog breeds show a clear preference for family-friendly pets. Labradors lead the city with 9,017 registrations, followed by Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (7,250) and Border Collies (6,752). Other common breeds include Golden Retrievers, Australian Kelpies, and Dachshunds. The most registered dog names are Charlie, Bella, and Coco, while cultural favourites such as Bluey also appear frequently.
Despite the Council’s proposal, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has confirmed that pets will not be included in the 2026 census. The ABS cited a focus on topics with the highest public value and minimizing the burden on households.
Local pet registration and microchipping remain vital for safety and community management. Officials emphasised that these processes not only protect pets but also support programs and infrastructure that benefit both animals and their owners. In Forest Lake, these measures help maintain parks and recreational spaces that cater to pets and their families.
The Council maintains that national data on pets could inform better planning for community spaces, parks, and programs tailored to domestic animals. Forest Lake, with its high number of registered dogs, serves as a clear example of a community where such data could guide local decision-making.
Read: Inala Leads Brisbane in Feral Cat Numbers
As the conversation about a national pet census continues, Brisbane’s proposal highlights the significance of pets in households and community life. In suburbs like Forest Lake, pets are not just companions — they are an integral part of the neighbourhood and local identity.
Published 24-October-2025
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