Join the Best Friends’ Walk: Help Over 72,000+ Homeless Pets Find Loving Homes
PetRescue - the Southern Hemisphere's largest animal adoption platform - has announced the return of its national community month-long fundraising event, Best Friends’ Walk, proudly supported by Bunnings.
Demand for support is growing
In 2024, 72,467 pets were listed on the PetRescue platform, representing a 9.21% increase on the previous year.
Rising cost-of-living pressures, rental insecurity and a shortage of pet-friendly housing have contributed to a growing number of Australians being forced to surrender their pets, placing increased strain on rescue organisations and shelters nationwide.
The broader issue remains significant, with an estimated 100,000 healthy, rehomable pets being euthanised annually in council pounds and shelters across Australia. Many of these pets are never given the opportunity to find a new home and loving family.
While more than 150 pets find loving homes each day through PetRescue, at the same time, 274 healthy and adoptable pets lose their lives simply due to a lack of visibility.
A simple action with meaningful impact
The Best Friends’ Walk is more than a fitness challenge. It’s a chance for participants to help rewrite the story for pets in need. Approximately 69% of Australian households include at least one pet, this gives those families the opportunity to walk together in support of homeless pets across the country.
PetRescue - the Southern Hemisphere's largest animal adoption platform - has announced the return of its national community month-long fundraising event, Best Friends’ Walk, proudly supported by Bunnings.
Taking place throughout the month of September 2025, the initiative invites Australians to walk with their best friends, whether two-legged or four, to raise funds and awareness for homeless pets across the country.
Now in its second year, Best Friends’ Walk is a nationwide movement encouraging individuals, families, schools and workplaces to participate in a month-long walking challenge to support vulnerable pets in need of safety, love and a second chance.
Now in its second year, Best Friends’ Walk is a nationwide movement encouraging individuals, families, schools and workplaces to participate in a month-long walking challenge to support vulnerable pets in need of safety, love and a second chance.
Demand for support is growing
In 2024, 72,467 pets were listed on the PetRescue platform, representing a 9.21% increase on the previous year.
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Phoebe loves her dog walks |
The broader issue remains significant, with an estimated 100,000 healthy, rehomable pets being euthanised annually in council pounds and shelters across Australia. Many of these pets are never given the opportunity to find a new home and loving family.
While more than 150 pets find loving homes each day through PetRescue, at the same time, 274 healthy and adoptable pets lose their lives simply due to a lack of visibility.
A simple action with meaningful impact
The Best Friends’ Walk is more than a fitness challenge. It’s a chance for participants to help rewrite the story for pets in need. Approximately 69% of Australian households include at least one pet, this gives those families the opportunity to walk together in support of homeless pets across the country.
Funds raised during the campaign will support PetRescue’s key preventative programs, including:
✔️ Operating Australia’s most visited digital pet adoption platform to connect homeless pets with potential adopters
✔️ Providing options and pathways alternative to surrendering, if possible, for that individual
✔️ Supporting hundreds of rescue organisations with access to key needs, including delivery of food, products, transport and emergency care services
PetRescue’s Managing Director and CEO, Patima Tantiprasut, said the walk highlights the recognition of the special bond between people and pets to drive real-world outcomes.
“What we’ve learned from our work at PetRescue is that the connection between people and pets is truly transformative and undeniably powerful,” said Tantiprasut.
✔️ Operating Australia’s most visited digital pet adoption platform to connect homeless pets with potential adopters
✔️ Providing options and pathways alternative to surrendering, if possible, for that individual
✔️ Supporting hundreds of rescue organisations with access to key needs, including delivery of food, products, transport and emergency care services
PetRescue’s Managing Director and CEO, Patima Tantiprasut, said the walk highlights the recognition of the special bond between people and pets to drive real-world outcomes.
“What we’ve learned from our work at PetRescue is that the connection between people and pets is truly transformative and undeniably powerful,” said Tantiprasut.
“With the growing number of pets needing homes, a community-and-pet-centred initiative like Best Friends’ Walk plays an increasingly important role in bringing people together for this vital cause. Together, we can build a future where every pet feels safe, respected and loved.”
The initiative has also gained support from industry experts who recognise the growing need for community-driven solutions.
Nell Thompson, Secretary of the Australian Institute of Animal Management, emphasised the critical timing of initiatives like Best Friends’ Walk:
“We see first-hand the challenges facing our sector and the genuine crisis in pet homelessness across Australia. What makes initiatives like Best Friends’ Walk so valuable is that they address multiple layers of this complex problem. Through our work, we know the issues go far beyond just finding homes - from housing affordability and rental restrictions to cost of living pressures forcing surrenders, to the need for emergency support and preventative programs.
The initiative has also gained support from industry experts who recognise the growing need for community-driven solutions.
Nell Thompson, Secretary of the Australian Institute of Animal Management, emphasised the critical timing of initiatives like Best Friends’ Walk:
“We see first-hand the challenges facing our sector and the genuine crisis in pet homelessness across Australia. What makes initiatives like Best Friends’ Walk so valuable is that they address multiple layers of this complex problem. Through our work, we know the issues go far beyond just finding homes - from housing affordability and rental restrictions to cost of living pressures forcing surrenders, to the need for emergency support and preventative programs.
Community-driven events like this don’t just raise funds - they build these comprehensive support systems that tackle these root causes and save lives.”
Community partnerships making a difference
This community support is being amplified through key partnerships. Bunnings Head of Community, Partnerships and Events, Katie Hynes said:
“Bunnings is proud to support PetRescue’s Best Friends’ Walk for the second year running. Giving back is at the heart of what we do, and pets are a cherished part of so many Aussie households. This initiative is a meaningful way for our team and customers to come together and support a cause that makes a real difference in the lives of vulnerable pets,” said Katie.
How it works
Community partnerships making a difference
This community support is being amplified through key partnerships. Bunnings Head of Community, Partnerships and Events, Katie Hynes said:
“Bunnings is proud to support PetRescue’s Best Friends’ Walk for the second year running. Giving back is at the heart of what we do, and pets are a cherished part of so many Aussie households. This initiative is a meaningful way for our team and customers to come together and support a cause that makes a real difference in the lives of vulnerable pets,” said Katie.
How it works
Participants (and their best friends) can register online for free and set a personal walking goal for the month of September. Fundraising milestones unlock exclusive rewards, and all participants receive a digital welcome kit.
Whether walking around the block or exploring nature trails, the campaign encourages participants to enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity while creating real change for pets in need.
To register or find out more, visit www.bestfriendswalk.com.au
About PetRescue
PetRescue is Australia’s leading digital adoption platform, connecting thousands of rescue pets with new homes every week. With over 5 million annual website visitors, the organisation supports rescue groups, shelters and local councils nationwide. PetRescue is committed to finding innovative, sustainable solutions to reduce pet homelessness and create a future where every pet is safe and loved.
For more information, visit www.petrescue.com.au.
Whether walking around the block or exploring nature trails, the campaign encourages participants to enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity while creating real change for pets in need.
To register or find out more, visit www.bestfriendswalk.com.au
About PetRescue
PetRescue is Australia’s leading digital adoption platform, connecting thousands of rescue pets with new homes every week. With over 5 million annual website visitors, the organisation supports rescue groups, shelters and local councils nationwide. PetRescue is committed to finding innovative, sustainable solutions to reduce pet homelessness and create a future where every pet is safe and loved.
For more information, visit www.petrescue.com.au.
MEDIA RELEASE, 11th July 2025