Dear Pet Parents.

Let me share a short story with you.

Within my household I have 2 dogs, a German Shepherd X and a Kelpie X. Additionally, we have 3 domestic cats. In recent times, with the nice sunny days here in Adelaide Australia upon us we decided to have a BBQ for dinner. Of course, the dogs wanted to be outside with us trying to get every scrap of food they could get out of us. The cats sat at the door looking out at us from the inside upset that they couldn’t be outside with us all and in particular their pet parents, our children.

So, how do we as pet parents manage this all too familiar situation?

Hosting Pet-Friendly BBQs and Gatherings

When the weather warms up, Australians flock outside for classic backyard BBQs, park picnics, and relaxed gatherings with friends and family. For many of us, our pets are part of the family, so it only makes sense to include them in the celebration. But hosting a pet-friendly BBQ requires some planning to ensure both people and pets are safe, comfortable, and enjoying themselves.

This guide covers everything you need to know—from preparation tips and food safety to pet play zones, etiquette, and décor—so your next gathering is as pet-friendly and stress-free as possible.

Why Go Pet-Friendly?

Australians love their pets—research shows that more than 60% of households in the country share life with a dog, cat, or other animal companion. Leaving them out of backyard barbies and social occasions can feel unnatural, especially for hosts who see pets as part of the family.

Pet-friendly gatherings are not only heart-warming, they’re also beneficial:

• They allow pets more opportunities for socialisation with both humans and other animals.

• They help reduce separation anxiety for pets that don’t like to be left home alone.

• They create more inclusive, community-oriented events where everyone—four-legged or two—feels welcome.

Still, safety and comfort are key. What makes a gathering great for humans doesn’t always suit animals unless some adjustments are made.

Pre-Party Planning

Before you send out invites, keep these factors in mind.

• Pet Policies: Make clear in your invitations that pets are welcome, and note any guidelines (such as dogs on-leash, bringing a pet bed, or ensuring animals are vaccinated).

• Check the space: Ensure the backyard, garden, or park area is securely fenced and safe. Secure gates, fill holes, remove toxic plants (like azaleas and lilies), and tidy up any tools or objects that could be a hazard.

• Guest numbers: A large, crowded gathering may overwhelm some animals. Keep numbers manageable or designate pet-free zones for those who’d prefer a quieter escape.

• Consider all pets: Dogs may love a social BBQ, but cats often prefer observing from indoors or in a designated “quiet retreat” zone. Think about how each species will handle the day.

Food and Safety Tips

Food is always centre stage at a BBQ—but foods that humans find delicious can be toxic or unsafe for pets.

Unsafe foods for pets include:

• Onion, garlic, and chives (commonly used in marinades and salads)

• Grapes, raisins, sultanas

• Chocolate, lollies, and desserts with xylitol

• Cooked bones and fatty meats (can cause choking or pancreatitis)

• Alcohol and caffeinated drinks

Safe options:

• Lean cooked chicken or turkey pieces

• Plain beef or lamb (unseasoned)

• Carrot sticks, green beans, apple slices (no seeds)

• Special pet-friendly treats picked up from your local pet store

Tips for managing food safety:

• Keep human food platters high or covered when not in use.

• Provide a designated pet-snack table with approved treats.

• Use labelled drink tubs—no pets near the esky with beer!

• Dispose of plates and skewers promptly to avoid dangerous licks.

Setting up a pet-specific refreshment station—bowls of fresh, cool water with perhaps some ice cubes—goes a long way in keeping tails wagging.

Creating Pet Play Zones

A successful pet-friendly BBQ gives furry friends opportunities to play and relax. Think about how to structure your garden or outdoor space:

• Active play zone: For ball games, tug toys, and chasing. Spread toys out to avoid territorial disputes.

• Calm zone: A shaded, quiet area furnished with pet beds or blankets for pets who need a break.

• Toilet area: If in your backyard, designate a spot for bathroom breaks. Provide biodegradable bags and bins for guest owners to use.

• Cool-down station: In warmer months, fill a shallow shell pool with water, or set up a hose mist for hot dogs (literally).

This setup keeps excitement managed and helps prevent crowding near the food table.

Etiquette for Pet Parents

Hosting a pet-inclusive event also relies on responsible guests. Encourage good etiquette, and if you’re attending as a pet owner, here are rules of thumb:

• Arrive prepared: Bring your pet’s leash, harness, treats, waste bags, and perhaps a favourite toy.

• Observe personality: If your pet struggles in groups, shorter visits or “drop-ins” may be better than long stays.

• Supervise constantly: Never assume someone else is watching your animal. Stay alert to body language that shows stress or discomfort.

• Respect boundaries: Not every pet is happy sharing toys, being patted by kids, or socialising non-stop.

• Obey host rules: If asked to leash or redirect your pet, respond promptly.

As a host, making these expectations clear upfront helps avoid awkward moments.

Activities and Entertainment

What’s a BBQ without a bit of fun? Extend entertainment to include pets as well as humans.

Fun pet-friendly ideas include:

• Doggy trick contest: Casual showcase of basic commands, cute tricks, or pawshakes. Prizes can be treats or toys.

• Agility mini-course: Set up tunnels, weave poles, or hula-hoops for fun challenges.

• Photo booth: Create a simple backdrop with pet props (bandanas, hats, paw-print signs) for memorable social snaps.

• Treasure hunt: Hide dog biscuits or catnip pouches around the garden for supervised discovery.

• Cooling off game: Bobbing for floating treats in a pet pool.

Interactive activities give pets a positive focus, allowing owners to connect and laugh together.

Décor and Atmosphere

Pet-friendly doesn’t mean losing style. Décor can be functional, fun, and safe:

• Opt for sturdy outdoor furniture less likely to tip if a larger dog leans on it.

• Use string lights instead of candles to avoid fire hazards with curious noses.

• Scatter colourful pet-safe toys as part of the décor.

• Ensure shade and shelter (gazebos, pergolas, umbrellas) for animals.

• If celebrating a holiday or birthday, choose pet-safe balloons (foil rather than latex, and well-secured).

Music volume should stay low—dogs and cats have far more sensitive hearing, and a relaxed vibe benefits everyone.

Managing Different Species

Many BBQs involve dogs, but what if cats, rabbits, or even birds attend?

• Cats: Most prefer the safety of indoors during social events. Set up a cosy room with food, water, and litter to make them feel secure.

• Small pets (rabbits, guinea pigs): Outdoor pens can work if shady, secure, and away from dogs.

• Birds: Portable travel cages allow participation without risk. Place them in quieter zones to avoid stress.

Hosts should always assess whether mixing multiple species is realistic. Sometimes, separation is the kindest option.

Weather Considerations

Australian summers can be extreme, so don’t overlook weather safety:

• Heat: Avoid holding events at the peak heat of the day. Provide cooling mats, shade cloths, wading pools, and hydration.

• Cold: In winter, consider pet jackets or rugs. Place bedding away from draughts.

• Sudden rain: Keep a covered option ready for both people and pets.

Always remember that pets experience temperature stress faster than humans.

Clean-Up and Post-Party

After the BBQ winds down, ensure event clean-up is thorough. Pets are likely to sniff around leftovers or bins.

• Double-bag rubbish and scraps.

• Remove skewers, corn cobs, and bones immediately.

• Hose down any spills, especially those with alcohol or marinades.

End the day on a calm note—offer pets a final play session or chew treat, helping them settle before the ride home or bedtime.

Final Thoughts

Hosting a pet-friendly BBQ is all about balance: combining joy, flavour, and togetherness with attention to safety and comfort. When planned well, the result is an uplifting event where owners bond, animals engage positively, and memories are made around the grill. By thinking ahead about food, play areas, etiquette, and atmosphere, you’ll ensure every guest—human or furry—leaves the party happy, healthy, and ready to come again.

So fire up the barbie, grab the leads, perhaps a dog frisbee or a pet self cooling mat and get ready for a gathering where everyone is truly welcome.