Some Aussie lottery winners pop the champagne, others book an overseas odyssey or gather friends and family around kitchen table to celebrate the life-changing news.
And then there are those who head straight to the pet aisle.
Ahead of National Pet Day on April 11, The Lott has revealed that a growing herd of Australian lottery winners are prioritising their pets, including new toys and lavish lifestyles for their four-legged companions.
With almost three out of four Aussie households having a pet, The Lott spokesperson Anna Hobdell said it wasn’t surprising four-legged friends and feathered mates were high on the pecking order.
“The generosity towards furry friends goes well beyond just caring for their own pets. When we asked our players, 48% said they’d dedicate a portion of their lottery winnings to supporting animal charities.
“While many winners joke about leaving their good fortunes to their pets, under Australian law animals can’t technically inherit a windfall. But owners can set up trusts or make sure their furry friends will be looked after.
“From beloved pooches being promised gourmet dinners to cuddly cats receiving “princess treatment”, recent winners have shown that when it comes to celebrating a big win, pets are firmly part of the winning experience.”
A kind-hearted Maitland mum couldn’t wait to pay it forward with her $200,000 win in Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot, with plans to support local animal sanctuaries with her prize.
“I’ll definitely be donating even more to the local animal sanctuaries. They mean everything to me.”
In Victoria, a Wollert woman celebrating a $2.5 million TattsLotto win joked that her beloved westie might just be the biggest beneficiary of all.
“I’m currently telling my dog that we’ve won Lotto! He’s going to have the biggest inheritance!”
Meanwhile, a woman from Sale, who became a $1.25 million TattsLotto winner, said Christmas had come early - especially for her dog.
“My dog is going to be very spoilt! I’ve already ordered him some new toys!”
Not all celebrations are loud or lavish. A Logan man, who started the week with a $2.3 million Saturday Gold Lotto win, planned a quieter toast.
“My wife’s busy tonight, so I might have a celebratory drink with just me and the dog. I’ll even get him some treats.”
For others, the win means creating a better life for their pets. A Biggera Waters woman, who scored $1.4 million in Saturday Gold Lotto, said her furry companion was front of mind.
“This win is for my cat,” she said, explaining she could finally build a dream home - and no longer worry about hiding her cat from rental inspections.
And a Seaford Rise man, celebrating a life‑changing $4.8 million Set for Life win, paid in monthly instalments over 20 years, said his cat was already enjoying royal treatment.
“Of course, my beautiful cat won’t be left out! She already gets the princess treatment, but now she’ll be even more spoiled.”
