Join the inaugural Best Friends' Walk and help 70,000+ homeless pets find their own place to call home this year

Animal welfare charity Pet Rescue is on a mission to create happiness and save lives, launching their nationwide fundraising walk event: Best Friends' Walk.

PetRescue is excited to announce the launch of their first-ever nationwide community fundraising event, Best Friends' Walk. This month-long fitness and fundraising challenge invites Australians to walk with their best friends - whether furry or human - and make a difference one step at a time. The event is proudly supported by Bunnings.

Event Dates: Registrations are currently open and the Best Friends' Walk will take place throughout the entire month of September, at the chosen distance and pace of the pet-loving participants.

Why the Best Friends' Walk matters

 Best Friends Walk participants:
Chelsea and her cat Archie

This event is more than just a walk; it’s a lifeline to help secure a safe future for thousands of homeless pets across Australia. 

By participating in the Best Friends' Walk, you are joining a community who will be playing a crucial role in helping these animals find loving homes. Every step you take and every dollar you raise brings us closer to a future where every pet is safe, respected and loved.

“It’s truly a difficult and heavy time in the world for so many right now. It’s more important than ever that during such a turbulent time that we come together as a community and focus on what we can control, and what we can truly change or impact today,” said Patima Tantiprasut, Managing Director and CEO of PetRescue.

“By joining the Best Friends' Walk, you are not only helping homeless pets find loving homes but also becoming part of a community that values the bond between pets and their humans. We truly believe there’s a home for every pet, and they deserve to get a chance to be loved and feel safe. With the help of a pet loving community, we know we can make a significant impact together, today.” says Tantiprasut.

The Impact of Your Participation

By joining the Best Friends' Walk, you are directly contributing to:

✔️ Finding Loving Homes for Homeless Pets: 

Your fundraising efforts will support PetRescue’s adoption platform, giving pets the best chance to find a loving home. PetRescue.com.au connects homeless pets with thousands of potential adopters daily, giving them the best chance to be seen and loved.

✔️ Ensuring Pet Safety: 

PetRescue’s long-term programs support the humans and communities who care for pets, creating pathways to keep pets out of the rescue system and safe within their homes.

✔️ Supporting Pets in Need: 

Donations will also bolster PetRescue’s life-saving programs and services, such as crisis care support, large-scale food and product donations to the rescue community, and a pet transport program that removes geographic locations as a barrier to finding a home for every pet that needs one.

Why You Should Get Involved

Last year, 69,217 pets found themselves without homes through no fault of their own, and your support can make a tremendous difference in their lives. It’s anticipated that the amount of pets that will need PetRescue’s help this coming year will exceed this number. This is your chance to not only get active and enjoy time with your best friend but also to be a hero for pets in need. Your participation in the Best Friends' Walk helps provide the resources necessary to ensure that every pet has a chance to find a loving family.

Each step you take and every dollar raised give a homeless pet like Frosty the best chance to find a home.

Helping Pets and also People

Dani found Frosty via PetRescue in 2018 and from that day, Dani’s daily life changed for the better now that she has her best friend by her side. Frosty joins her on all of her adventures - he loves coming along on car rides and walks.

“Frosty and I are so excited to be ambassadors for PetRescue's Best Friends’ Walk and support such an amazing cause. 

Without PetRescue, I would have never met my best friend Frosty. He is the light of my life and these past almost 6 years with him going on adventures, watching him fulfil his potential have been the best years!” Says Dani, a very happy pet adopter.

“I wasn't looking for a particular dog breed or age. I was just looking for a best friend. PetRescue made my search easy,” Dani continues, ‘’Seeing him grow into a confident, playful and cheeky little dog just fills my heart with so much happiness. He has truly reached the potential that I knew he had’’

Frosty has been there for Dani through difficult times, highlighting the deep connection and special bond that they share. ‘’I love coming home to him, and he is just so excited to see me. I absolutely adore him and wouldn't want to imagine my life without him.’’ says Dani.

Support Dani & Frosty’s Best Friends’ Walk Page: www.bestfriendswalk.com.au/fundraisers/danihansen/best-friends-walk

Key Event Highlights:

• Flexible Participation: Choose your distance and set agoal that challenges you. Whether it’s 5km a day for 10 days to reach a 50km goal, 1km a day for the entire month to reach 30km, or 5km every weekday to walk 100km, there's a target for everyone. Just ensure it's suitable for your furry friend's abilities too.

• Celebrate Friendship: Honour the special bond you share with your best friend, or the memory you have of pets that have made a difference in your life. You don’t need a pet to be able to participate!

Aramis: "Please support our team:
mum needs the exercise!"

• Make a Difference: Funds raised will support PetRescue’s adoption platform, connecting homeless pets with their new best friends and providing essential assistance to rescue organisations, councils, and shelters across Australia.

• Prizes and Goodies: Participants can look forward to exciting prizes and exclusive goodies.

• Helpful tips and resources: PetRescue will be sharing helpful articles with participants to help ensure the experience is fun, safe, and enjoyable for our wonderful pet participants too.

• Connect and Share: Join a community of like-minded pet lovers, share your stories, photos, and experiences, and celebrate every step you take together.

The AustralianDogLover Friends Team will also be walking! You can support Aramis & Agnes' fundraiser here: 

www.bestfriendswalk.com.au/fundraisers/australiandogloverfriends

Join the Best Friends' Walk Today!

Don’t wait! Registration is free, and you’ll get to strengthen the bond with your best friend while making a meaningful impact on the lives of homeless pets. 

Join us and make a difference, one step at a time!

Visit Best Friends' Walk Website to sign up and start your journey today.

About PetRescue

PetRescue is a national animal welfare charity working to connect rescue pets with loving families. Through their pet adoption platform, with nearly 5 million Australians visiting each year in search of a pet, and running a variety of rescue community support and preventative programs, PetRescue aims to give every pet the best chance at finding a loving home. Learn more at PetRescue Website.

In Australia, a shocking 70 percent of cats and 80 percent of dogs experience some level of dental disease by the time they are three years old [1]. Some dogs can have a predisposition to periodontal disease due to the structure of their mouth, the shape of their face and even genetics. Breeds considered at higher risk of periodontal disease can include Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Pomeranians, and Greyhounds [2].

To help raise greater awareness and encourage Australians to monitor symptoms of this condition, Petstock Vet Dr. Sasha Nefedova shares her expert advice on how to keep your pet’s teeth and gums in tip-top shape.

How do I know if my pet has dental disease?

Dental disease, specifically periodontal disease, is a progressive condition affecting your pet's gums and surrounding bone. It develops in four stages, with the initial stage being the mildest and most easily treatable. 

Symptoms may include bad breath, plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth, loss of appetite, difficulty chewing, eating, or bleeding gums. If left untreated, advanced stages of dental disease can lead to tooth loss, gum inflammation, and significant bone loss.

While your pet can’t tell you they’re experiencing pain or discomfort, it’s important to seek prompt veterinary advice as early treatment is crucial to prevent the condition from worsening. If you haven’t yet had your pet’s teeth checked this year, head into your local Petstock Vet for a free dental check with a nurse.

How can I keep my pet's teeth healthy?

#1. Start a brushing routine

Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly, whether it’s daily or weekly is the most important way to maintain their oral hygiene. Generally, the younger your pet is when you start training them to have their teeth brushed, the easier it is. It is a good idea to introduce tooth brushing gradually, especially if your pet is a bit older.

To clean your pet’s teeth, make sure you invest in specialised toothbrushes specially designed for animals and are less abrasive than human brushes. Pet-friendly toothpaste is also a must, as many human toothpastes contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, that is toxic to cats and dogs.

Other products that can be used to clean your pet’s teeth include dental wipes, mouth freshening water additives, and even fresh breath foam. If you’re thinking of incorporating these products into your pet’s dental routine but are unsure about which products to use, speak to your local vet or head to your local Petstock store for more personalised advice.

#2. Dental toys and treats

Not only are they delicious and fun to play with, dental toys and treats are an easy way of helping to maintain oral hygiene. 

A great option to consider for pet owners who are short on time, dental toys and treats can be given with minimal supervision, and are designed to help remove plaque and tartar as your pets play and chew.

#3. Consider a dental diet

Aside from dental treats, a pet’s overall diet can also play a role in keeping healthy oral hygiene. Pet owners can explore specially formulated dental kibble that aids in cleaning their pet's teeth as they eat, effectively reducing the formation of plaque and tartar.

Remember that any diet changes should be gradual and must always be conducted under the guidance of a pet professional. Consult your local vet before suddenly changing your pet’s diet to improve oral hygiene.

#4. Get your pet’s teeth professionally cleaned

There’s only so much that home cleaning, dental treats and specialised kibble can do. Once tartar has set and formed throughout the stages of dental disease, it cannot easily be removed at home and thus professional cleaning is recommended. 

Like humans, it is advised for pets to receive a professional dental clean once every six months to prevent general build up. As professional dental cleaning is a procedure requiring anaesthesia and a prior dental check, be sure to speak to your local vet if you are considering this option.

[1] https://www.rspca.org.au/latest-news/blog/importance-dental-health
[2] https://www.petstock.com.au/blog/articles/these-13-dog-breeds-are-prone-to-dental-disease-is-your-dog-at-risk
[3] https://www.petstock.com.au/blog/articles/a-sneaky-but-easy-trick-to-check-pets-teeth

About National Pet Dental Month

This August, Petstock is celebrating National Pet Dental Health Month, raising awareness of dental disease and encouraging pet parents to play an active role in keeping their pet’s teeth and gums healthy. Throughout the month, Petstock is providing a range of dental product savings in-store and online. For more information on how to care for your pet’s oral health, visit www.petstock.com.au.

MEDIA RELEASE, August 2024

Overweight cats are on the rise: Royal Canin® shares their top tips for keeping cats in shape

On International Cat Day, new data from Banfield Pet Hospital reveals a steady rise in cats diagnosed as overweight or obese over the past 10 years. 

Dr. Tabitha Hookey, Scientific Specialist at Royal Canin® and Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist, analyses the scenario and shares best practices

The serious health consequences of overweight and obesity are felt by cats and their owners all over the world. In fact, new data from Banfield Pet Hospital found a steady increase in overweight cats over the past decade. Analysing data from more than 500,000 cats seen at its U.S.-based practices annually, Banfield saw a 65% jump in the rate of cats diagnosed as overweight or obese in 2023 compared to 2013.

On International Cat Day, Royal Canin® honours its commitment to feline health through nutrition by spreading knowledge to pet owners on healthy weight and how to help achieve it in cats.

A few tips to keep your cat healthy

“In cats, the physical burden of carrying extra weight frequently leads to compromised mobility and a reduced ability to demonstrate normal behaviours like jumping, playing, and even grooming themselves - changes which negatively impact a cat's quality of life. 

In addition to being associated with common health issues such as joint or lower urinary tract disorders, obesity is also a major risk factor for diabetes mellitus in cats. Maintaining a cat at a healthy body weight from kittenhood and throughout their life is a valuable way for cat lovers to help their feline companions stay healthy and happy in the long run,” said Dr. Tabitha Hookey, Scientific Specialist and Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist at Royal Canin®.

In honour of International Cat Day, she shared a few of her top tips to help keep cats in good shape:

#1. Ensure the right start of life: 

Prevention is key when it comes to weight conditions. We encourage pet owners to consider the amount of food their cat receives just as carefully as they select what type of food they eat. Instilling simple healthy feeding practices, such as measuring your cat’s daily meal portions from an early age during kittenhood, can help establish important habits that maximize healthy weight outcomes in the long term. 

Additionally, using the WALTHAM™ Kitten Growth Charts, with your veterinary care provider, you can now track your kitten’s growth pattern to know if they’re on a healthy weight trajectory.

#2. Weigh them often: 

With such small bodies, even seemingly small amounts of excess weight – like 500 grams or 1 pound - can have a health impact on cats, and often go unnoticed in daily life. As a little bit of weight can stack up surprisingly quickly, weighing your cat as often as every 3-6 months will help you to identify weight changes early, before the problem is serious, and help to prompt consultation with your veterinarian for a proactive nutrition plan to get your cat back on track.

#3. Treat them right: 

Sharing treats and snacks is often a special bonding moment between an owner and their beloved cat, and this can absolutely be part of a healthy and balanced feeding routine. 

A quick rule of thumb is that calories coming from treats and snacks should not exceed 10% of a cat’s total daily calorie intake. This is easy to achieve when feeding treats of cat-safe low-calorie vegetables – cooked zucchini, for example, is a surprisingly popular choice among cats. Moreover, cat owners should always remember that cats who seem to beg for food may actually be seeking attention or affection, and that bonding does not necessarily have to be centred around food. 

Outside of mealtimes, try meeting your cat’s request for attention with a moment of play with a favourite toy, grooming, or petting – your cat may just love it!

#4. Work with your veterinary team: 

It’s important to regularly check in with your veterinarian who can partner with you on your pet’s nutritional needs, as well as your pet’s ideal weight and the appropriate steps to take together to get there. Just as with people, pet weight management is unique to each pet.

This International Cat Day is the perfect occasion for pet owners to continue learning and implementing healthy habits, and for Royal Canin® to share knowledge and advice in commitment to its purpose: 'a better world for pets'.

MEDIA RELEASE, August 7th, Aimargues, France

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Celebrate International Cat Day with a Purr-fect Adoption and the new Atlas of Cats!

To celebrate International Cat Day 2024 on 8 August and the launch of Lonely Planet’s "Atlas of Cats”, The Cat Protection Society of Victoria (CPSV) has partnered with Lonely Planet to create the purr-fect opportunity for cat lovers to adopt a cat and support this worthy cause.

From 8 August to 30 September, CPSV will offer a free copy of the feline-friendly "Atlas of Cats" to everyone who adopts a kitten, cat, or senior cat from the Greensborough adoption shelter (while stocks last).

With hundreds of cats and kittens looking for new homes each week, CPSV aims to find loving families for these adorable animals while providing adopters with an informative guide to their new companions. Each year, CPSV cares for and rehomes over 1,400 abandoned and surrendered cats within their adoption centre.

Adding even more paw-some support, Lonely Planet will donate $1 to CPSV for every copy of the "Atlas of Cats” guide sold between 1 August and 31 December, 2024. 

This generous contribution will significantly impact CPSV’s ability to provide top-notch care and rehome cats in need across Victoria.

Rachel Bitzilis, Marketing and Communications Manager at CPSV, shares her excitement: 

“The Cat Protection Society of Victoria is thrilled to collaborate with Lonely Planet to launch the 'Atlas of Cats' across Australia. Our hope is that this book helps young people learn just how 'claw-some' cats are, raises the profile of cats as beloved pets, and fosters awareness of responsible cat ownership.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the $1 donation from every copy of the 'Atlas of Cats' sold being donated back to our Society.”

“This contribution will have a significant impact on our ability to provide the highest levels of care and rehome Victorian cats in need.”

Chris Zeiher, Senior Director Sales and Marketing Manager Lonely Planet also adds:

“Lonely Planet’s new ‘Atlas of Cats’ is all about celebrating our feline friends and we’re thrilled to celebrate this further by supporting such a worthy cause with this donation. This is your chance to help a homeless cat or kitten, support CPSV, and discover even more about your favourite furry feline.”

Event details:

• The Cat Protection Society of Victoria Shelter: Address: 200 Elder Street, Greensborough. Visit https://catprotection.com.au. A free copy of “Atlas of Cats” given with each cat or kitten adoption from August 8 to September 30.

• Lonely Planet Kids “Atlas of Cats”, $29.99 RRP. Available at www.shop.lonelyplanet.com. $1 from every book sold will be donated to the CPSV from August 1st to December 31st.

About Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet has been guiding travel for 50 years with a core belief that travel is for everyone.

A trusted voice in travel guidance, Lonely Planet is part of the Red Ventures portfolio, and has been dedicated to providing actionable inspiration for every kind of traveller since 1973,

Lonely Planet’s mission is to help more people from more backgrounds experience the joy of going places. Over the past 50 years Lonely Planet has printed over 150 million guidebooks covering 221 countries as well as countless other titles showcasing the wonders of the world for travellers of all types.

Lonely Planet reaches hundreds of millions of travellers each year online and across social channels helping them unlock amazing experiences. Lonely Planet can be found on lonelyplanet.com, mobile, video, social media, and in 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, eBooks and more.

About The Cat Protection Society of Victoria

For over 75 years, The Cat Protection Society of Victoria have provided a haven to Victorian cats in need and helped provide abandoned and vulnerable cats with their happily fur-ever after through our adoption shelter. We have provided expert, compassionate care to owned cats through our cat only veterinary clinic and we have and continue to work with our community to raise the profile of cats as companion animals and promote responsible cat ownership. 

The Cat Protection Society of Victoria is a not-for-profit animal welfare organisation that is entirely reliant on the kindness and generosity of donations and legacies from individuals who share our passion for animal welfare and desire to see every cat in a loving, safe and healthy home.

Follow CPSV on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catprotection or @catprotection on Instagram.

MEDIA RELEASE, 31st July 2024

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Calls for participation in survey to improve wellbeing of workers and volunteers in the companion animal sector

PetRescue, in collaboration with researchers from La Trobe University, is calling on all individuals working or volunteering within the companion animal welfare and management sector, including rescue groups, shelter workers, council animal management staff, foster carers, and vet clinics running pet adoption programs, across Australia, to participate in a crucial research survey aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of those who devote their time to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals.

Your Voice Matters

The key message is clear: participation in this survey is vital for ensuring that the voices of those within the sector are heard. The insights gained from this research will bring visibility to the challenges faced by the sector, providing an opportunity to create better wellbeing, improved mental health and psychologically safe outcomes for everyone involved.

Why Your Participation is Crucial

"The survey does take time to fill out, but it's one of the most important things that we need the community to rally around so that there’s a diverse representation of perspectives and experiences included," emphasises Patima Tantiprasut, Managing Director and CEO of PetRescue. 

"A focus on the importance of mental health and personal wellbeing is the key to the positive future for our sector."

This survey, conducted in partnership with researchers from La Trobe University, will inform the sector insights to be published in the third Australian State of Pet Adoption Report by PetRescue. Community input will help make the struggles within the pet adoption sector visible, enabling advocacy for necessary changes, improvements, and support systems that can improve the mental health and personal wellbeing of all those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to give pets a second chance at life.

Call to Action

PetRescue urges all members within the companion animal welfare and management sector to take the time to fill out the anonymous survey and share the link with colleagues or fellow
volunteers who can contribute. Your participation is crucial in shaping a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone involved in animal rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming.

To participate in the survey or to learn more, please visit: www.petrescue.com.au

Submissions close on Sunday, 11 August 2024 (11:59pm AWST).

About PetRescue

PetRescue is a national animal welfare charity with a vision of creating a future where every pet is safe, respected, and loved. Through innovative programs and a dedication to connecting rescue pets with potential adopters, PetRescue aims to create happiness, save lives, and support the wellbeing of pets and the people who care for them.

About La Trobe University

La Trobe University is renowned for its research and educational excellence, with a commitment to improving the wellbeing of communities through impactful research projects and collaborations.

By participating in this survey, you are not only helping to shape the future of pet adoption in Australia but also contributing to a movement that values the mental health and wellbeing of those who make pet rescue possible. Let's come together to make a difference.

La Trobe University HREC approval number 24226.

MEDIA RELEASE, 31st July 2024

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Adopt an adult cat at CPSV and enjoy the purrks!

• Adult cats (those over a year old) now spend an average of 65 days at The Cat Protection Society Victoria (CPSV) compared to kittens at 35 days.

• For every cat at the shelter, CPSV incurs a daily cost of $25, covering expenses such as food, veterinary care, medication, litter, toys, and staffing.

• Research shows fully grown felines usually adapt well to new homes and offer their new humans love and affection.

• If you adopt a cat who’s more than six months of age before 7 August, the CPSV will provide two kilograms of free cat food and a complimentary follow-up vet visit to provide your feline family member with the very best start to their ‘happily furever after’.

The Cat Protection Society of Victoria (CPSV) is encouraging potential cat owners to adopt an adult cat (over six months old) this winter. As a token of appreciation, adopters will receive a complimentary bag of Royal Canin dry cat food and a voucher for a consultation at CPSV's cat-only clinic, redeemable within six months of adoption, until 7 August.

In 2020, cats over six months old at CPSV stayed an average of 30 days. Now the average stay has increased to 57 days, with kittens getting adopted in almost half the time.

CPSV Marketing and Communications Manager Rachel Bitzilis said the cost-of-living pressures mean that less people are choosing to adopt.

"People are thinking twice about pet adoption, so by launching this initiative we hope to encourage more people to open their homes to adult cats, who often face longer stays in our shelter compared to kittens,” Rachel said.

“All our adult cats are well-socialised and ready to find their purrfect forever homes.”

“For families with young or teenage children, bringing a pet into the family can be a wonderful opportunity to teach children about the joy of caring for another living being. Pets not only provide companionship but also help kids learn essential life skills such as developing a sense of responsibility.

“For those without children, cats offer an exceptional source of companionship and emotional support. Retirees can also greatly benefit from the presence of a cat, as pets provide a sense of purpose and routine, and their companionship can help alleviate feelings of loneliness.”

Leading the helm of the success story is the case of adult cat Boo Boo. 

When Boo Boo arrived at The Cat Protection Society of Victoria (CPSV), he had all sorts of problems. He was a stray with a crooked spine, a misshapen tail, numerous dental problems and feline immuno-deficiency virus (FIV+); a virus generally contracted by fighting with other cats. Boo Boo was also very fearful of any human interaction.

CPSV volunteer Lynda Webber took a special interest in Boo Boo and said he’s now an irreplaceable part of her family.

“He was in such bad shape, likely the result of spending a long time living on the streets and needing to fight for food and his survival,” Lynda said.

“He was angry and struggled in the shelter. It was only when he was moved out of his adoption pen and into a staff member’s office, that he started to calm, let down his guard and realise people could be trusted.

“Boo Boo needed a home to truly thrive and now he is just the most lovable cat. There are many cats in the CPSV shelter who are just as loving and beautiful as Boo Boo, and all are looking for their forever homes.”

After spending 12 months as a community service cat, visiting aged-care facilities and retirement homes and charming everyone who met him, Boo Boo now lives a life of contentment, adopted by Lynda.

To learn more, go to catprotection.com.au/campaigns

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