Cats and Dogs- All at Sea

Cats and dogs have been cherished on board ships for as long as people have made sea voyages. In a life from which children and families of the crew are absent, pets provide a welcome focus for emotions and affection. Sydney photographer Sam Hood went on board countless ships between 1900 and the 1950s. He took hundreds of photographs of crew members for souvenirs of their visit or to send home to distant families. This selection of photographs show just how much pets meant to many seafarers. We do not know who most of the people are – detailed records have not survived. But their attachment to their little shipmates is very apparent.

The captain’s family may have occasionally lived on board the ship with children and pets sharing the limited deck space together.
Australian National Maritime Museum Collection Samuel J Hood Studio

Cats & Dogs – All at Sea is a touring exhibition from the Australian National Maritime Museum