Cats & Dogs: All at Sea opens at Albany's Historic Whaling Station

Crew of Strathgarry including the Captain's terrier and two cats, circa 1910s. Australian National Maritime Museum Collection, Samuel J Hood Studio, 00020185

A new free touring exhibition exploring the role of animals in maritime life is open at Albany’s Historic Whaling Station from 1 July to 30 September 2026. Cats & Dogs: All at Sea, developed by the Australian National Maritime Museum, brings together a collection of early twentieth-century photographs by Samuel Hood, documenting the presence of animals aboard ships.

Through a series of photographic works, the exhibition examines the relationships between sailors and their animal companions, including dogs, cats and other shipboard pets. Visitors are invited to engage with the exhibition through a community photo wall, ‘Show Us Your Shipmates!’, where contemporary pet photographs can be contributed alongside the historic material. Additional programming during the July school holidays will extend the exhibition across the site. Activities include ‘Stowaway Hide and Seek’, a family-focused trail, and the ‘Paws at Sea: Miniature Felt Workshop’, led by artist Serena McLauchlan. These activities form part of the Historic Whaling Station’s winter program and the Albany Maritime Festival.

The exhibition is supported by Southern Ports and contributes to the ongoing presentation of maritime heritage through touring displays and public programming.

Read more about this new exhibition in the associated media release.