Rescue Dog Dougie Joins the Fight as Aussie Pet Parents Face Cost-of-Living Hardship
Aussie endurance runner, 2026 Young Australian of the Year, and Petbarn Foundation ambassador Nedd Brockmann is spearheading this year’s Tree of Hope Appeal. He’s joined by his faithful rescue dog Dougie, the foundation’s Chief Rescue Officer, to spotlight an urgent issue: the quiet sacrifices everyday Australians are making to keep their pets fed and cared for.
New findings from the Petbarn Foundation’s State of Sacrifice Report 2026 reveal a heartbreaking reality. While more than three-quarters of pet parents are cutting back on essentials to afford food and care for their animals, only one in five Australians knows that pet food banks and support programs exist.
Together, Nedd and Dougie are helping ensure that no loving owner feels forced to choose between feeding themselves and caring for their best mate.
The Hidden Sacrifices of Aussie Pet Parents
Conducted with Insight Studios and in partnership with the Animal Rescue Cooperative (ARC), the national research highlights just how far Australians are going to look after their four-legged companions amid rising cost-of-living pressures:
- 77% of pet owners are cutting back on themselves for the sake of their pet.
- 59% have prioritised buying an item for their pet over an essential need of their own.
- 54% have reduced their essential living expenses over the past 12 months to cover pet necessities.
- 1 in 4 pet parents have skipped meals so their pet can eat, while 46% buy cheaper groceries for themselves to maintain the quality of their pet’s food.
- 31% have delayed paying a household bill in the past year to cover pet food or care.
- Only 20% of Australians are aware that pet food banks or pet financial relief programs exist.
- 68% remain unaware of the true extent of food insecurity across the country.
“When I found Dougie, he had nothing. No one was looking out for him. Now he’s my best mate, and I can’t imagine life without him. That’s what a pet is to most people; they’re family,” says Nedd Brockmann.
“What I most want people to understand is how quietly it’s happening. There are people skipping dinner so their pet can eat, and they’re not telling anyone because they’re embarrassed.”
“Asking for help isn’t letting your pet down, it’s looking after them.”
Animal Rescues at Breaking Point
This silent struggle at home is placing unprecedented pressure on rescue groups and charities on the frontline. ARC’s national survey reveals that:
- 80% of rescue organisations have seen a surge in pet surrenders directly due to financial hardship.
- 76% of shelters and rescues are currently operating at or near maximum capacity.
- 69% report a decline in public donations over the past 12 months.
The crisis is especially acute for vulnerable Australians. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of rescue organisations report an increase in people experiencing homelessness seeking help for their companion animals. Furthermore, 78% of frontline groups emphasise that deep concern for a pet’s safety frequently prevents people from leaving domestic violence situations without pet-friendly crisis accommodation.
“For so many of us, our pets are family. When times are tough, people will do whatever they can to make sure their pets don’t go without, even if it means sacrificing their own needs,” explains Janelle Miller, National Petbarn Foundation Manager.
“Through our charity partners, we see first-hand what a difference a helping hand can make. Tree of Hope is about bringing communities together to ease that burden, helping people and their pets through difficult times, and keeping pets with the families who love them.”
Over a Decade of Keeping Families Together
Since 2012, the Petbarn Foundation has raised more than $40 million to provide shelter, veterinary care, food, and community outreach nationwide. This includes over $17 million in direct assistance to rescue organisations like the RSPCA, helping care for an estimated 320,000 animals.
Australia’s largest annual pet-related fundraiser, the Tree of Hope Appeal, aims to raise $1.8 million this festive season to support more than 80 partner charities—including VRA Rescue NSW, Second Chance Animal Rescue, Vets Beyond Borders, Lucky Paws Dog Rescue, and Empower Assistance Dogs.
How You Can Support the Tree of Hope Appeal
The Petbarn Foundation Tree of Hope Appeal runs until Saturday, 26 December 2026.
If you are in a position to help vulnerable pets and families stay together this Christmas, you can show your support in two simple ways:
- Donate in store: Add a $3, $5, $10, or custom donation at the checkout at any Petbarn store nationwide.
- Donate online: Visit petbarn.com.au/treeofhope to make a tax-deductible contribution or learn more about accessing community pet assistance.
Photography supplied by Petbarn Foundation.
