Aussie dog owners may be unaware of the recent celebration of International Dog Day on Wednesday, August 26.
However, it has since been revealed that any dog named Luna, Teddy or Daisy might have a same-name twin… or triplet… or quadruplet!
The NSW Office of Local Government has recently revealed the ten most popular dog names that were recorded on the NSW Pet Registry during the 2025 to 2026 financial year.
Covering 128 local government areas, the most popular names (from first to tenth place) included: Luna, Teddy, Daisy, Milo, Coco, Ruby, Charlie, Frankie, Bella and Molly.
Although these names were repeated time and time again, NSW dog owners also showed plenty of imagination during the naming process.
Almost 79 percent of dog names that were recorded during the year only appeared once.
The ten most popular dog names only accounted for approximately eight percent of dog registrations.
Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, said the data release is a fun explanation for anyone who has called ‘Luna’ in a dog park and had three dogs turn around.
“This list is a bit of fun for International Dog Day, but it also says something about the place dogs have in the lives of so many families across NSW,” he said.
“Whatever you call your dog, the important thing is making sure they’re microchipped, registered and that your details are kept up to date. That gives you the best chance of being reunited if they ever go missing.”
The NSW Pet Registry records microchipped dogs and cats and their ownership details, helping owners keep their information up to date and making it easier to reunite lost pets with their families.
Pet cats and dogs in NSW must be microchipped and registered by 12 weeks of age or immediately upon transfer, whichever occurs first.
Office of Local Government Deputy Secretary, Brett Whitworth, said registration is vital in ensuring dogs can be safely returned if lost.
“Registering your pet on the Pet Registry is also an easy way to keep your details up to date, and your one-time lifetime registration fee goes towards programs to help dogs and cats across the state,” he said.
“This International Dog Day, one of the best things you can do for your dog is to make sure they’re registered so you and your family can have peace of mind.”
Pet registration fees contribute to the Companion Animals Fund, which helps support services including pounds and shelters, council ranger services, dog off-leash areas and responsible pet ownership programs.
Owners can register their pet and keep their details up to date through the NSW Pet Registry.
This is the first time to Office of Local Government has released data about pet registration and shows NSW pet owners are serious about the safety – and originality – of their pets.
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