Jetpets Companion Animal Rescue Awards: 2019 Winners

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Jetpets Companion Animal Rescue Awards Winners Revealed

Inspiring success in excellence and innovation in rescue!

The Jetpets Companion Animal Rescue Awards is thrilled to announce the winners for 2019. The Rescue Awards is a national program that celebrates and recognises achievements in the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of companion animals Australia-wide. 

“In our second year, it was very competitive with more than 1,000 entries across 8 categories, which made it very difficult for the judges! Our amazing winners demonstrated excellence and innovation in their approach to improving the lives of companion animals in their communities,” said Cathy Beer, Rescue Awards Founder and pet adoption advocate from Pets4Life, an independent education resource for cat and dog guardians. 

Following the announcement of the Finalists in August, one winner from each category was selected by an expert panel of 12 Judges. The winners were revealed on 12 September 2019 among hundreds of their peers at a special Rescue Awards Ceremony held during the 8th National G2Z Summit & Workshops in Queensland. 

Bondi Vet, Dr Alex Hynes and her rescue dog, Yoshi announced the winner of the Volunteer of the Year. The Ceremony was broadcasted live across the country via the Rescue Awards Facebook page. 

This year, Jetpets is again the Platinum Rescue Hero and naming Partner. Sandy Matheson, Jetpets Managing Director, said, “Jetpets congratulates this year’s winners of the Companion Animal Rescue Awards. The quality of the entries were outstanding, and we are humbled to be able to share in celebrating the achievements of rescue organisations, volunteers and adopters alike, who have had a significant impact on the welfare of companion animals Australia wide. 

For category 8, the Advocate® People’s Rescue Story received hundreds of entries from Aussie pet guardians who shared their stories about pet adoption and fostering. 

Dan White, Senior Brand Manager of Advocate® at Bayer said it was incredibly difficult narrowing our choice down to 10 Finalists, let alone choose an overall winner! 

Sandy the hero cat with Beau  
Winner of Advocate® People’s Rescue Story 

Dan said, “The judging, although a lengthy process, has also been a thoroughly rewarding and uplifting one. 

All the stories – although different in a number of ways – have one thing in common: they demonstrate the difference a re-homed pet can make to an individual or people’s lives.

“Moreover, the fact that almost twice as many stories were submitted as last year further demonstrates there are still many amazing and inspiring stories to be told. Our overall winner (Sally and her hero cat Sandy) really exemplifies a real-life rescue story because Sandy literally saved Sally’s son’s life. It’s been a real privilege for Advocate® and Bayer to be involved for the second year running.”

Cathy thanked supporters for making the Rescue Awards possible, and acknowledged the great efforts of rescue groups, animal shelters and thousands of volunteers across the country.

Rescue Awards Ambassador and Animal Behaviourist Dr Joanne Righetti also congratulated the winners and thanked rescue organisations and their volunteers for helping surrendered and abandoned pets get a second chance in a loving home. 

2019 Winners

• Category 1: Outstanding Rescue Group - Maneki Neko Cat Rescue (VIC) 

• Category 2: Outstanding New Rescue Group - Dandy Cat Rescue (VIC) 

• Category 3: Outstanding Animal Shelter - Second Chance Animal Rescue (VIC) 

• Category 4: Outstanding Council Animal Shelter - Sutherland Shire Animal Shelter (NSW) 

• Category 5: Innovation in Rescue – AMRRIC’s One Health Program (NT) 

• Category 6: Community Education and Outreach Program – Camden Council’s PAWS: Pet Awareness and Safety Program (NSW) 

• Category 7: Volunteer of the Year - Sue Quartermain (RSPCA Victoria) 

• Category 8: Advocate® People’s Rescue Story - Sally Gaunt and her hero cat, Sandy (VIC) adopted from RSPCA Burwood (VIC) 

Live stream video of the Rescue Awards ceremony is available here. 

For more information/updates on the 2019 Awards, visit www.rescueawards.com.au, follow the Rescue Awards on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or sign up to the newsletter here. #jetpetsrescueawards2019

About Pets4Life: 

Pets4Life is an independent education resource for cat and dog guardians and those who are thinking of getting a cat or dog. Our goal is to help reduce cat and dog surrender and improve pet well-being in Australia. After over 20 years in the corporate world as a professional marketer, Cathy Beer pursued her passion for pet welfare and created Pets4Life in 2013 after interviewing leaders in the companion animal welfare space. Cathy is completing the Delta Institute of Australia course to attain a Cert IV Companion Animal Services and an accredited Delta dog trainer. Cathy is a voluntary member of Willoughby Council’s Companion Animals Committee and a volunteer instructor at the Sydney All Breeds Dog Club. Visit pets4life.com.au

About Jetpets: 

Jetpets are Australia’s leading pet travel experts. Their in house team of pet travel consultants, pet handlers and resident vets have been caring for people’s beloved pets for over 27 years. Setting the highest standards of care for pets travelling interstate and overseas, the Jetpets team love nothing more than reuniting and bringing families together. Jetpets provide a complete pet travel service, taking care of everything involved in transporting a pet from their home to their final destination. For helpful information on pet travel visit www.jetpets.com.au, or to speak with an experienced pet travel consultant on 1300 668 309. 

Photo Credit: Jo Lyons Photography

MEDIA RELEASE, 16th September 2019

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