Wednesday 1 March marks the beginning of the Petspiration Foundation’s National Pet Adoption Month. The organisation founded by Petstock aims to help find rescue pets loving homes, raise awareness on pet homelessness, and celebrate the entire rescue community.
Over recent years, pet adoption throughout Australia has seen some great positive change; however thousands of pet’s still remain homeless.
Petstock Gympie Salon Manager, Yasmin Brooks, says the foundation works to place all kinds of animals in a loving home, “we are encouraging families to adopt differently, by adopting a cat, adolescent dog, large dog or bonded pair of animals allowing pets in need a brighter future.”
The foundation encourages people to adopt rather than shop, hoping to see more people providing loving homes to animals in need. They also say that bringing a pet into your life can improve your personal health and wellbeing.
Currently, there are over 7400 animals available to adopt throughout Australia. Yasmin said that our local Queensland rescues are suffering from a severe case of post-Covid regret, with the number of pets being surrendered soaring to an all-time high.
Petstock hopes to use this month to educate people on the common misconceptions surrounding rescue pets.
Yasmin said the most common misunderstanding rescues encounter is that shelter animals come with a list of behavioural issues.
“The fact is that only a very small number of pets are surrendered due to their behaviour.
“Animals that are surrendered due to their behaviour are usually placed in foster homes with very experienced carers that are able to overcome these issues, and are always disclosed to any potential adopters,” she said.
She also went on to mention that many people also believe that you can’t get small breeds or specific breeds from rescues but this too isn’t true. Some shelters specialise in specific breeds, and Yasmin says she has adopted both a purebred Ragdoll, and Cavalier King Charles in the last 12 months.
Fostering is a great way to help if you can’t adopt permanently, the rescue usually pays for everything including food, supplies and veterinary care. However, if you don’t have the capacity to house an animal, shelters are always open to donations of flea, tick, and worming supplies, food, bedding, and funds for veterinary care. Most are also looking for volunteers to help care for the animals and keep up with admin work.
The Petspiration Foundation has helped to rehome over 13,000 animals through initiative and providing much needed education on adoption.
On 18 March, Petstock will be holding its annual adoption day partnering with local adoption groups that will have animals looking for adoption and foster homes. The event will be a great opportunity to learn more about adopting, fostering and helping their local rescue group.
Education is key when it comes to preventing pet homelessness, websites such as Pet Rescue and Savour Life have great resources to learn more about adoption and rescue animals. To find out more about the Petspiration Foundation’s National Pet Adoption Month take a look at Petstock’s Adoption Hub or ask the friendly Petstock Gympie staff.
