By Alesha Capone
Every year, thousands of animals are surrendered to pet shelters and rescue groups across the nation.
The pets are often given up through no fault of their own, when families face a change in their circumstances, such as moving overseas, or not being able to afford a pet anymore.
In the 2019-2020 financial year, RSPCA Australia took in 112,530 animals – 28,072 dogs and 45,364 cats among them.
While many of these animals were reclaimed or rehomed, more than 33,000 were euthansed, including 3466 dogs and 9714 cats.
Animal welfare agencies and charities have long been encouraging people who want a fluffy, feathered or scaled companion to “adopt, don’t shop” to help save the lives of surrendered and rescued pets.
PETstock’s charity foundation, PETstock Assist, is one of the organisations which supports this message.
Across the past six years, PETstock Assist has helped to rehome more than 12,000 animals through its annual National Pet Adoption Days.
PETstock Assist has decided to extend the initiative into a month-long event for 2021.
During March, Petstock stores across Victoria – including in Melbourne’s north and west – will celebrate National Pet Adoption Month to find new homes for pets, educate people about animal adoption and celebrate the rescue community.
This will include animals that have been rescued, the owners that have committed to giving them the best life possible and foster carers.
PETstock Assist charity and events lead, Jessica Curtis, said that she wanted everyone – not just people who adopt an animal – to think differently about what they can do to help break the cycle of pet homelessness.
“Those who choose to adopt not shop play a critical role in reducing the number of animals in need,” she said.
“Not only by providing a loving home and second chance, but also leading by example.
“Our rescue parents take the time to learn a pet’s unique personality to find their perfect match, they make a long-term commitment, and ultimately, build a relationship that improves a pet’s life and their own.
“But it’s not just pet parents who are changing the lives of rescue animals in Australia.
“There are countless rescue groups, volunteers and foster carers right across the nation who are all helping break the cycle.”
AFLW star player and animal lover, Sharni Layton, has teamed up with PETstock Assist to support National Pet Adoption Month.
Ms Layton is herself a ‘pet parent’ to three rescue cats, one dog and a horse.
“Knowing that I’ve given my cats a second chance at a safe and loving home brings me so much joy,” Ms Layton said.
“The companionship and support that they’ve provided in return, especially throughout 2020 and now during the AFLW season, has made such a positive difference to my life off the field.”
On Saturday, March 13, volunteers and animals from local rescue groups will be in attendance at selected PETstock stores for the seventh annual National Pet Adoption Day.
The day will include education and training tips for new rescue pet owners and help for people who are looking to adopt a pet, or become a volunteer foster carer.
Petstock stores are located in areas including Altona North, Bacchus Marsh, Craigieburn, Gisborne, Hoppers Crossing, Melton, Sunbury, Sunshine and Taylors Lakes.
Details: petstock.com.au in March
