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Australians love their pets and is ranked as a country with the highest pet ownership in the world, however an increase in pet surrenders has seen the number of cats and dogs available for adoption skyrocket.
In the last financial year, tens of thousands of cats and dogs have ended up in in the care of rescue shelters throughout Australia.
This February, Petbarn Foundation is promoting Rescue Month, encouraging Australians who are thinking of adding a new furry member to their family, to adopt and give a pet a second chance at a loving home.
Since 2012, the Petbarn Foundation instore adoption centres have helped 66,500 cats find their fur-ever home. Throughout 2023 Rescue Month, its aiming to bring that total to 67,000 and is urging potential pet parents to consider adoption.
Petbarn Foundation Manager, Janelle Bloxsom (lead image), says, “Sadly there has been a large spike in the number of pets being surrendered. For many Australians, pet ownership has been presented with new challenges due to the post pandemic lifestyle changes, the increase in cost of living pressures and the rental market crisis forcing tenants to choose between their pets and a home.
“The increase in pet surrenders is leaving animal shelters and rescues overflowing and at breaking point. February is a notoriously busy month for rescue groups across the country post the Christmas period and with kitten season, but the rate at which we are seeing animals surrendered is unlike anything we have experienced.
“Unfortunately, there are so many animals to rescue, it’s at the point where they are at full capacity. Rescues often rely on donations and volunteers to operate and due to the influx of animals, there just isn’t enough time, money or resources to continue to take in unwanted animals.”
Petbarn Foundation partners with SavourLife Adopt-A-Dog, which has seen on average between 75%- 115% more dogs available for adoption in the last six months.
This February, Petbarn Foundation is promoting Rescue Month, encouraging Australians who are thinking of adding a new furry member to their family, to adopt and give a pet a second chance at a loving home.
Since 2012, the Petbarn Foundation instore adoption centres have helped 66,500 cats find their fur-ever home. Throughout 2023 Rescue Month, its aiming to bring that total to 67,000 and is urging potential pet parents to consider adoption.
Petbarn Foundation Manager, Janelle Bloxsom (lead image), says, “Sadly there has been a large spike in the number of pets being surrendered. For many Australians, pet ownership has been presented with new challenges due to the post pandemic lifestyle changes, the increase in cost of living pressures and the rental market crisis forcing tenants to choose between their pets and a home.
“The increase in pet surrenders is leaving animal shelters and rescues overflowing and at breaking point. February is a notoriously busy month for rescue groups across the country post the Christmas period and with kitten season, but the rate at which we are seeing animals surrendered is unlike anything we have experienced.
“Unfortunately, there are so many animals to rescue, it’s at the point where they are at full capacity. Rescues often rely on donations and volunteers to operate and due to the influx of animals, there just isn’t enough time, money or resources to continue to take in unwanted animals.”
With pet surrenders increasing, the greater number of dogs that can be rehomed will help lessen the immense pressure the rescue groups are experiencing.
Michael McTeigue, Founder and Managing Director, SavourLife, says, “Many of our rescue partners now face the most difficult circumstances they have ever faced, with a surge of abandonment and less enquiries for existing dogs, combined with difficulties in finding new foster carers, taking a huge toll on them.
“We’d like to acknowledge the tireless and often heartbreaking work that these rescue groups do, day after day, dog after dog.
"We are thrilled to partner with the Petbarn Foundation again this year and together donate $200,000 between 20 of our incredible rescue partners across Australia to help them save and rehome more dogs.
“Our goal this February is to help our rescue partners save 200 pups from pounds who are at direct risk. We’re encouraging Aussies who are thinking about adding a dog to their family to consider adoption as their first choice.”
All pets adopted instore at Petbarn locations or from SavourLife Adopt-A-Dog rescue partners have been temperament tested, health checked, fully vaccinated and desexed so you know they are ready for their forever family.
During February, Petbarn Foundation and SavourLife are encouraging those who are thinking of adopting a dog to head to one of the participating Petbarn stores nationwide to meet some of the four legged friends who could be become their new pawfect family member.
Michael McTeigue, Founder and Managing Director, SavourLife, says, “Many of our rescue partners now face the most difficult circumstances they have ever faced, with a surge of abandonment and less enquiries for existing dogs, combined with difficulties in finding new foster carers, taking a huge toll on them.
“We’d like to acknowledge the tireless and often heartbreaking work that these rescue groups do, day after day, dog after dog.
"We are thrilled to partner with the Petbarn Foundation again this year and together donate $200,000 between 20 of our incredible rescue partners across Australia to help them save and rehome more dogs.
“Our goal this February is to help our rescue partners save 200 pups from pounds who are at direct risk. We’re encouraging Aussies who are thinking about adding a dog to their family to consider adoption as their first choice.”
All pets adopted instore at Petbarn locations or from SavourLife Adopt-A-Dog rescue partners have been temperament tested, health checked, fully vaccinated and desexed so you know they are ready for their forever family.
During February, Petbarn Foundation and SavourLife are encouraging those who are thinking of adopting a dog to head to one of the participating Petbarn stores nationwide to meet some of the four legged friends who could be become their new pawfect family member.
Learn more about how you can meet your perfect pup at www.petbarn.com.au/petspot
For feline lovers, a Pet Dating weekend was held during Valentine’s Day weekend (Friday 10 February – Sunday 12 February). Petbarn stores across the country had many cats and kittens in-store, available for adoption through the RSPCA. During that weekend, the Petbarn stores partnering with the RSPCA reduced adoption fee to $50 for cats over 6 months (usually from $200) and $150 for kittens under 6 months (usually from $250).
About The Petbarn Foundation
Founded in 2012, The Petbarn Foundation is a registered charity and is the national authority in supporting animals in need and the people who rely on them for their health and happiness. Since its establishment in 2012, The Petbarn Foundation has raised over $24m to support animal welfare groups and rescue organisations throughout Australia. All Greencross Companies support the Petbarn Foundation and its initiatives.
With a focus on enriching the lives of pets and the people who love them, the Foundation is built around a “Five R’s Philosophy”:
· Reduce the number of pets that are euthanised each year
· Rescue pets in crisis and encourage Australians to think of adoption first
· Rehabilitate pets with behavioural issues to ensure they can remain part of a loving family
· Responsible pet ownership
· Relieve some of the stresses, strains and hardships people face through the calming influence of pets
About SavourLife
SavourLife® is a family-owned and operated, Australian company inspired by a love for dogs and a desire to make a difference. We make natural, Australian-made food and treats for dogs and donate 50% of our profits to pet rescue organisations; helping them save and re-home abandoned dogs.
Our mission is to eliminate the euthanasia of adoptable dogs in Australia. We've now supported the re-homing of over 40,000 rescue dogs and donated more the $4.6M, across every state and territory in Australia.
For more information head to the website www.savour-life.com.au
MEDIA RELEASE, 15th February 2023
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