By Intern Journalist
By Joanna Catalano
Fur babies big and small will be out in force when National Pet Adoption Day comes to PETstock in Hoppers Crossing.
The national initiative, run by adoption site PetRescue and PETstock’s charity arm, PETstock Assist, will take place on Saturday, February 9.
For the first time, all breed labels will be removed from pets listed on petrescue.com.au in the week leading up to the event.
PETstock Assist charity and events co-ordinator, Jess Guilfoyle hopes the move will help Australians put aside preconceptions.
“Every pet is unique and individual,” she said. “I encourage people considering a new pet to keep an open mind – you may just be surprised by who you fall for.”
Animal behaviourist Kate Mornement says there are more important factors than breed.
“Personality and temperament are also influenced by previous experiences and individual differences,” Dr Mornement said. “This is why you get so much variation both within and between breeds.”
Every year about 200,000 pets remain unclaimed in Australian pounds, a statistic PetRescue co-founder Vickie Davy is determined to change.
“I hope by encouraging people to look for an individual pet, rather than a particular breed, we can educate people on the incredible benefits of adopting a pet in need,” she said.
“Breeds come in and out of fashion … unfortunately the stereotypes around them can lead to people choosing the wrong pet.
“National Pet Adoption Day is a fantastic opportunity for Hoppers Crossing locals to find their perfect match.”
PETstock Hoppers Crossing is at 431 Old Geelong Road.
