What are the most popular dog and cat names?

Cavador Charlie - most popular dog name in Surf Coast Shire.jpg

We’ve had a look through our pet registrations to find the most popular dog and cat names across the shire.

Topping the 2026 list for dogs is Charlie, while Milo and Rosie shared the honours for cats.

Charlie retains the crown, after being equal-top with Daisy last year when we combined both cat and dog names.

Most popular names for registered dogs and cats

Dogs

1. Charlie (56)  Pictured: Torquay cavador Charlie 

2. Archie (48)

3. Bella (40)

4. Luna (39)

5. Coco and Ruby (38)

Cats

1. Milo and Rosie (7)

2. Charlie and Lily (6)

3. Harry, Amber and Misty (5)

As the weather warms up, we’re encouraging pet owners to help ensure that locals and visitors enjoy themselves and stay safe, and look after the environment and wildlife.

Here’s how to take the lead:

  • Obey the 24-hour cat curfew and keep your cat within your property boundary. This prevents cats from causing a nuisance with noise, and also protects wildlife. Learn more.

  • Dog owners need to ensure that dogs are securely confined to their property, as most dog attacks in public places occur on the footpath or road bordering the attacking dog's property. Animal Welfare Victoria has tips to prevent dog attacks in the community.

    When you’re out and about and in a permitted off-leash area, your dog needs to be under effective control. This means that when your dog is called it must return to you immediately. If it doesn't, pop it back on the lead.

    Our Rangers play their role in preventing dog attacks by patrolling where they’re needed. Priority areas can change, and include residential streets, parks, reserves and beaches.

  • Be mindful of hooded plover breeding sites along the coast and follow advice on signage. Learn more. Point Roadknight is a key breeding site for hooded plovers. At its October 2026 meeting, Council amended dog regulations to make the Point Roadknight No-Dogs zone easier to identify and comply with.

  • Be aware of H5 bird flu, noting that it primarily affects birds and the risk to cats and dogs in Victoria is very low.

    We urge people to keep pets away from wildlife, including preventing cats from roaming and keeping dogs on leads in wildlife areas (especially beaches) and preventing them from approaching or scavenging sick or dead animals. Learn more.
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