With pet ownership at record highs across Australia, Pooches at Play is returning to Channel 10 for its 10th season, continuing its mission to inform and empower pet owners nationwide.
The show, created and hosted by dog trainer, behaviourist, and pet nutritionist Lara Shannon, has built a strong following by providing practical, reliable advice on all aspects of pet care. Notably, Pooches at Play is the only Australian television series that is entirely brand funded to reach 10 full seasons.
“There was a real gap in the market for easy-to-understand, trustworthy advice on pet behaviour, health and lifestyle that was presented in an engaging way people could enjoy at home,” says Shannon, who is also the author of Eat, Play, Love (your dog) and World of Dogs.
At its core, the series is driven by Shannon’s commitment to reducing pet abandonment and euthanasia rates by educating owners on how to better care for their animals.
“Animal shelters are at breaking point, with many unable to take in new surrenders because they’re struggling to rehome the pets already in their care,” she says. “The rising cost of living, rental and housing shortages, and the spike in pet ownership during lockdowns have all contributed to this crisis, alongside people choosing to surrender pets rather than address behavioural issues through training.”
With nearly 70 per cent of households now owning a pet, and almost half of these owning a dog, Shannon believes there has never been a more critical time for clear and accessible pet care education.
Each week, Pooches at Play offers practical tips on dog training, behaviour, grooming, nutrition, and health, while also showcasing the vital roles dogs play in Australian communities and celebrating the human–animal bond.
Veterinarian Dr Melissa Meehan, known for her work on Talk to the Animals, joins Shannon on the show to provide expert veterinary insights. Earlier seasons featured actor Gyton Grantley as co-host, and the series has welcomed high-profile Australian guests such as Julia Morris, Ita Buttrose, Janine Allis, Rhonda Burchmore, Richard Stubbs, Tim Campbell, and the late Jono Coleman alongside their pets.
“The main goal of Pooches at Play is to offer reliable information that truly improves pets’ lives and supports the people who care for them,” says Shannon.
The 10th season of Pooches at Play premieres on Channel 10 on Saturday, 2 August at 3:30pm, with encore episodes airing Sundays at 4pm on 10Drama.
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