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1 in 5 Aussies forced to give up Pets

Australian pet owners desperate for rental laws to change as a new study reveals 1 in 5 owners forced to give up pets ...

Alarming new research from leading Australian pet care brand Rufus & Coco, has found that 1 in 5 pet owners (22%) have given away a pet or left them with a family member due to being unable to find pet-friendly accommodation.

Each year in Australia 20,000 cats and dogs are euthanased simply because their owners’ rental or strata agreement say they aren’t welcome!

Rufus & Coco’s survey of 652 Australians (615 pet owners) also found that 79% found it stressful securing pet friendly accommodation, 73% experienced rental or strata accommodation where pets weren’t allowed and 42% had chosen not to have a pet, because of concerns in accessing pet friendly accommodation.

The multi-award-winning pet care brand have partnered with pet advocacy group the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation (APWF) to bring unnecessary pet euthanasia to Zero.


“We’re passionately campaigning for change so that no Australian feels forced to choose between keeping their pet and keeping a roof over their head,” says Anneke van den Broek, Founder and CEO of Rufus & Coco.

One survey respondent Jane* shared her heartbreak over having to give up her pup. “Despite my offering to pay a pet bond and providing a statement from my previous landlords saying that no damage was caused… I was unable to find a suitable home.”

“After months of searching, I needed to leave my place, so I found him a new family who owned their home and could provide him with a stable life. I lost sleep over feeling guilty about having to re-home part of my family. I still feel guilt and sadness, and I miss him every day.”

Campaign efforts include lobbying state governments to change rental laws and providing resources for pet owners to make their case to property managers and landlords. 


Rufus & Coco have also released a new ‘I give a wag’ toy range, donating a percentage of sales to the APWF. 

The range will be sold through Coles, Woolworths, select IGA stores and online. 

With more Australians renting than ever before - around 30.9 per cent of the population, it is time our rental laws changed to support the large number of fur-families in rental accommodation.

For pet resume templates, statistics and further information on how to support the APWF, visit: www.rufusandcoco.com.au/pets-are-welcome

*Name changed


About Rufus & Coco

Rufus & Coco is Australia's most awarded pet care brand, providing well-bred pet care to ensure that pets around the world look good and feel great. Australian owned and globally stocked, Rufus & Coco’s accolades include seven Australian Business Awards for product excellence and innovation, and a proud win in the 2016 Telstra Business Awards in the NSW Micro Business category.

Providing innovative and inspired solutions for pets from hamster to horse, the health and beauty range includes vitamins, grooming and cleaning products, fashion and home accessories and award-winning cat litter.

Product is available from Coles, Woolworths and IGA supermarkets, select pet stores and online at www.rufusandcoco.com.au.

About The Australian Pet Welfare Foundation

The Australian Pet Welfare Foundation is a charitable organisation that exists to make a difference to the health and welfare of pets in our community. Our vision is to create a world where:

  • pets live longer, healthier and happier lives in a forever home
  • human-animal relationships are enriched, for the benefit of pets and people. 
We improve the health and welfare of companion animals by creating new knowledge through research. We share that knowledge with the community, shelters and pounds, state and local governments and veterinarians, to create change to save lives.

We are supported by a range of highly experienced, passionate researchers and a dedicated team of volunteers.

For more information visit www.petwelfare.org.au 


MEDIA RELEASE, 8 JUNE 2018
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