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This March 2024, the Petstock Foundation is celebrating a milestone: 10 years of National Pet Adoption Month, an initiative that helps find loving homes for pets in need of adoption.
Over the past 10 years, the Petstock Foundation's National Pet Adoption Month has helped find loving homes for 40,000 rescue pets across Australia and New Zealand, but there are still more animals in need of homes.
There are currently over 8,000 pets at shelters, rescue groups, pounds and vets across Australia awaiting adoption [1], and with the rising costs of everyday expenses, sadly it is predicted that this number will continue to rise. With a mission to improve the lives of people through the strong bond we experience with our pets, the Petstock Foundation is encouraging people to adopt or foster a pet this National Pet Adoption Month (NPAM), to open your heart to a pet in need, and experience the positive impact a pet can bring to your life.
Research [2] indicates that 36% of Australian adults have reported feeling lonely, showing we have a need for more connection and companionship in our communities. Universally [3], 97% of people agree that having a pet positively influences one’s life, and improves the mental health of the owner and those around them (95% agree).
Research [2] indicates that 36% of Australian adults have reported feeling lonely, showing we have a need for more connection and companionship in our communities. Universally [3], 97% of people agree that having a pet positively influences one’s life, and improves the mental health of the owner and those around them (95% agree).
%20and%20Liam%20(Owner)_Photo_EugeneHyland.jpg) |
| Zym and Rayla (Cats) with owner Liam - Photo Credit: Eugene Hyland for Petstock NPAM |
Pets are seen to offer emotional support (81%), companionship (80%), and are seen as family (76%). So, adopting a pet can not only give a pet in need a loving home, it can also improve our mental health by decreasing feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
These findings are supported by studies that show companion animals have been found to bring substantial health benefits to people both physically and mentally [4], and an association between all types of pet ownership and lower experiences of social isolation, particularly for children [5].
If you’re considering adopting, like over 25% of Australians [6], but are hesitant of bringing an animal with poor behaviour traits into your home, fear not. Animal Behaviourist and Petstock Foundation ambassador, Dr Kate Mornement says it shouldn't put you off.
These findings are supported by studies that show companion animals have been found to bring substantial health benefits to people both physically and mentally [4], and an association between all types of pet ownership and lower experiences of social isolation, particularly for children [5].
If you’re considering adopting, like over 25% of Australians [6], but are hesitant of bringing an animal with poor behaviour traits into your home, fear not. Animal Behaviourist and Petstock Foundation ambassador, Dr Kate Mornement says it shouldn't put you off.
“Many rescue animals have been surrendered for reasons other than their behaviour, and many have undertaken basic training, so I would encourage people to not be deterred from adopting for these reasons. In my experience, an adopted animal can adjust and learn how to fit into your life, with a little training and patience”.
“If you’re still concerned, why not consider adopting a different kind of animal. Guinea pigs, birds and rabbits also make wonderful pets, and are particularly great companions for children to help teach them kindness, compassion and how to care for animals.
“If you’re still concerned, why not consider adopting a different kind of animal. Guinea pigs, birds and rabbits also make wonderful pets, and are particularly great companions for children to help teach them kindness, compassion and how to care for animals.
%20and%20Valeria%20(owner)%20Photo_EugeneHyland.jpg) |
| Buzz (Rabbit) with owner Valeria - Photo Credit: Eugene Hyland for Petstock NPAM 2024 |
Or if you are not currently in a position to adopt, you could consider fostering a pet in need. Most animals in foster care have their food and medical expenses paid for by the rescue organisation, and it’s a great way to see if your family is ready to commit to a pet long term,” says Dr Kate.
Fostering a pet or welcoming a different kind of animal into your family could provide immediate relief to the rescue community.
Fostering a pet or welcoming a different kind of animal into your family could provide immediate relief to the rescue community.
There are currently over 730 [7] adoptable pets advertised as needing foster carers on the PetRescue website, which is currently Australia's largest searchable database of rescue pets.
There’s no shortage of different kinds of animals to consider welcoming into your home either. You’ll find over 490 [8] interesting species of animals including guinea pigs, ferrets, birds, horses, sheep, rabbits, and more, all currently available to adopt today, also listed on PetRescue.
“Our family has fostered a number of dogs, as well as a small Conure parrot we fostered before we had kids. After that, we knew we were ready for a pet, and we adopted our foster dog Lenny, who is now a huge part of our family,” says Dr Kate.
Jessica Curtis, Petstock Foundation Strategic Manager says, “There are so many wonderful benefits of pet ownership, including reducing feelings of loneliness, opening up opportunities for social interaction, and increased overall happiness.
“Our family has fostered a number of dogs, as well as a small Conure parrot we fostered before we had kids. After that, we knew we were ready for a pet, and we adopted our foster dog Lenny, who is now a huge part of our family,” says Dr Kate.
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| Ambassador for National Pet Adoption Month Laura Byrne with her rescue dog Busty |
Pets and people truly are better together, and to get involved in National Pet Adoption Month, we’re asking Australians to adopt or foster a rescue animal, or donate to the Petstock Foundation to support rescue pet charities across Australia”.
Animal lovers are encouraged to visit petstock.com.au/adopt or head to their local store in March to find a rescue pet that needs a loving home.
Animal lovers are encouraged to visit petstock.com.au/adopt or head to their local store in March to find a rescue pet that needs a loving home.
On Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March, selected Petstock stores will have rescue pets available for adoption or fostering in store.
Visit www.petstock.com.au/adopt to find out more.
PETSTOCK FOUNDATION NATIONAL PET ADOPTION MONTH CAMPAIGN
Visit www.petstock.com.au/adopt to find out more.
PETSTOCK FOUNDATION NATIONAL PET ADOPTION MONTH CAMPAIGN
Key Details:
- National Pet Adoption Month takes place in March 2024 and is an initiative by the Petstock Foundation
- Over the past 10 years, National Pet Adoption Month has has helped rehome 40,000 adoption pets
- Animal Behaviourist and Petstock Foundation ambassador, Dr Kate Mornement, says “in my experience, an adopted animal can adjust and learn how to fit into your life, with a little training and patience”
- On Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March, visit selected Petstock stores to meet rescue pets available for adoption or fostering.
How can you get involved:
1 www.petrescue.com.au, accessed 7 December 2023
2 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2023) Australia’s welfare 2023 data insights, catalogue number AUS 246, AIHW, Australian Government. Link
3 Survey conducted by Vibrant Insights on behalf of Petstock, N = 1000, December 2023
4 - 5 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2023) Social isolation and loneliness, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 30 November 2023.
6 Survey conducted by Vibrant Insights on behalf of Petstock, N = 1000, December 2023
7 - 8 www.petrescue.com.au, accessed 15 January 2024
About the Petstock Foundation
The Petstock Foundation is a registered charity that exists to empower a better future for pets and people. Since its inception in 2007, The Foundation has raised more than $10 million to date and has found homes for more than 40,000 rescue pets. Petstock Foundation is contributed to by the fundraising initiatives of the Petstock Group, donations by business partners and team members as they come together for the pets that inspire them. 100% of funds raised go towards The Foundation to support its charitable partners and projects with all operating costs covered by the business.
About National Pet Adoption Month
The Petstock Foundation is encouraging Australians to support rescue pets this National Pet Adoption Month, the 10th year of the initiative. Unfortunately, thousands of pets enter the rescue cycle each year through no fault of their own. This National Pet Adoption Month, we want people to open their hearts to a pet in need, and in turn experience the positive impact a pet can bring to their everyday life. Pets and people: we’re better together.
- Visit www.petstock.com.au/adopt to learn how you can adopt, foster or donate to a pet in need throughout the month of March.
- On Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March, visit selected Petstock stores to meet rescue pets available for adoption or fostering. Note, the current cat vaccine crisis may impact in-store cat adoptions.
- Donate in store or online - funds will go to the Petstock Foundation to support partner rescue pet charities across Australia
Lead image: Richard (dog) with owner Darcy - Photo Credit: Eugene Hyland
1 www.petrescue.com.au, accessed 7 December 2023
2 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2023) Australia’s welfare 2023 data insights, catalogue number AUS 246, AIHW, Australian Government. Link
3 Survey conducted by Vibrant Insights on behalf of Petstock, N = 1000, December 2023
4 - 5 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2023) Social isolation and loneliness, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 30 November 2023.
6 Survey conducted by Vibrant Insights on behalf of Petstock, N = 1000, December 2023
7 - 8 www.petrescue.com.au, accessed 15 January 2024
About the Petstock Foundation
The Petstock Foundation is a registered charity that exists to empower a better future for pets and people. Since its inception in 2007, The Foundation has raised more than $10 million to date and has found homes for more than 40,000 rescue pets. Petstock Foundation is contributed to by the fundraising initiatives of the Petstock Group, donations by business partners and team members as they come together for the pets that inspire them. 100% of funds raised go towards The Foundation to support its charitable partners and projects with all operating costs covered by the business.
About National Pet Adoption Month
The Petstock Foundation is encouraging Australians to support rescue pets this National Pet Adoption Month, the 10th year of the initiative. Unfortunately, thousands of pets enter the rescue cycle each year through no fault of their own. This National Pet Adoption Month, we want people to open their hearts to a pet in need, and in turn experience the positive impact a pet can bring to their everyday life. Pets and people: we’re better together.
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