24th July 2026
Dogs Australia and American Kennel Club Announce Historic Mutual Cooperation Agreement
Exciting news for Australian dog lovers: Dogs Australia has officially entered into a mutual cooperation agreement with the American Kennel Club (AKC), strengthening international ties between two of the world's largest canine organisations.
While executive agreements can sound corporate on paper, this global partnership is designed to deliver real-world benefits for breeders, dog sports competitors, and everyday dog owners across both nations.
What this means for dog owners and competitors:
- Canine Health & Welfare: Direct sharing of research, resources, and health data to support longer, healthier lives for purebred dogs and family companions.
- Expanded Dog Sports & Events: Collaboration on event frameworks to share expertise and open up fresh opportunities across agility, obedience, and performance sports.
- Global Knowledge Exchange: Enhanced educational resources and shared standards for judges, exhibitors, and breeders to advocate for responsible dog ownership on both sides of the Pacific.
For more information, please visit the Dogs Australia website or follow their Facebook and Instagram pages.
22nd July 2026
GapOnly® Expands to Every Vet Clinic in Australia
Great news for pet parents: Claiming your pet insurance on the spot is about to get much easier, regardless of which vet clinic you visit.
GapOnly®— Australia’s real-time pet insurance claiming service powered by PetSure—has launched a brand-new GapOnly Vet Portal (in partnership with Tyro Health). The web-based portal removes technical barriers, allowing every remaining veterinary clinic across Australia to offer real-time claiming to their clients.
What this means for pet owners:
- Broader Access: If your local vet previously couldn't run GapOnly® due to their internal software, they can now process your claim on the spot via the web portal.
- Less Upfront Cost: You only pay the "gap" amount at checkout during your visit, avoiding waiting weeks for insurance reimbursements.
- Faster Processing: The new tech sets up the framework to cut claim approval times down from under 5 minutes to under 30 seconds, 24/7 in the near future.
As an added bonus, every single claim processed through GapOnly® continues to contribute $1 directly to PetSafetyNet™, helping fund emergency veterinary care for Aussie pet owners facing severe financial hardship.
26th June 2026
Update: PetSafetyNet™ Hits Massive $1M Milestone in Subsidised Vet Care
Good news for Aussie pet parents: PetSafetyNet™—the collaborative initiative co-founded by PetSure, VetPartners, and VetChat—has officially funded over $1 million in urgent veterinary care since its launch.
The milestone marks massive growth for the program. When we first covered the SafetyNet PetAssist initiative in late 2025, the program had helped 300 pets. Fast forward to mid-2026, and it has now thrown a vital lifeline to nearly 2,000 pets and their families, saving hundreds of animals from tragic "economic euthanasia" driven by the rising cost of living.
The program provides eligible pet owners facing financial hardship, mental health challenges, or mobility barriers with a two-step support system: free 24/7 veterinary telehealth triage via VetChat, followed by heavily subsidised in-clinic emergency and urgent care through the VetPartners network.
Where is it available?
The initiative is steadily expanding its footprint across Australia. Funding is currently available to eligible pet owners in:
- New South Wales: Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland, Port Stephens, Central Coast, Port Macquarie-Hastings, and Kempsey.
- Tasmania: Statewide coverage.
- Victoria: Select participating regions.
How is it funded?
The program uses an innovative collective model: it is funded through a $1 contribution from every GapOnly® insurance claim processed by PetSure, with partner clinics providing their veterinary services at a discounted rate.
Are you eligible? If you are facing financial hardship, you can check your area's eligibility in just two minutes at petsafetynet.com.au.
19th May 2026
PetSure Hits $3 Billion Milestone as Real-Time Claims Change Aussie Vet Care
Australian pet insurance giant PetSure has officially surpassed $3 billion in total claims paid, marking a massive shift in how pet parents manage veterinary expenses across the country.
As veterinary medicine advances with high-tech diagnostics and specialist treatments, pet insurance has evolved from a "just in case" safety net into an essential tool used right at the clinic counter.
Driving the Shift: GapOnly® and Real-Time Claiming
A major catalyst for this milestone is the widespread adoption of GapOnly®, PetSure's real-time claiming system.
- Clinic Coverage: The system now operates across 85% of Australian veterinary clinics.
- How it Helps: It allows eligible claims to be processed during the vet consult. Instead of paying the massive bill upfront and waiting for reimbursement, pet owners only pay the "gap" out of pocket.
Supporting the Community: PetSafetyNet
The $3 billion milestone also highlights the growth of the PetSafetyNet initiative, which assists dog owners facing severe financial hardship or barriers to care.
- Funded by $1 from every GapOnly® claim.
- Provides free 24-hour veterinary telehealth and subsidized urgent care.
- Has supported approximately 1,500 pets and provided nearly $1 million in care support since launching in late 2024.
Currently, PetSure manages more than 5,500 claims every single weekday and administers pet insurance across more than 20 brands in Australia and New Zealand.
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| Alyssa O’Connell, Uber’s Head of Commercial ANZ and her dog Martini, and Nick Adams, Chief Commercial Officer, Greencross Pet Wellness Company with his dog Herbie |
Pet parents can now source thousands of items for their furry friends on Uber Eats thanks to a new linkup with Australia’s leading pet retailer, Petbarn.
Whether customers are looking to pick up essentials in-store, elect two-hour next day or standard delivery service for online orders placed directly with Petbarn, or choose to order through the new Uber Eats partnership, pet parents now have more flexibility than ever to shop for their pet’s needs in the way that best suits them.
The partnership also marks the first loyalty integration of a retailer on Uber Eats in Australia, with Petbarn’s Friends for Life members able to unlock Petbarn member prices on the Uber Eats platform, making it even better value when shopping for their furry, feathered, or finned loved ones.
“Petbarn and Uber have enjoyed a long-standing partnership, offering our customers a market leading guaranteed two-hour delivery service and fulfilling millions of orders nationwide. Expanding our relationship to Uber Eats was a natural next step, making it even easier for pet parents to get what they need, when they need it,” said CEO of Greencross Pet Wellness Company, Lucas Barry.
Director of Commercial Uber ANZ, Alyssa O’Connell, echoed this sentiment: “As a pet owner myself, I recognize the value this partnership brings. Uber Eats is already a trusted delivery service for groceries, meals, and household essentials—now, we’re extending that convenience to pet care, reinforcing our commitment to serving all members of the household, including pets.”
This collaboration with Uber Eats further enhances Petbarn's ability to provide seamless access to high-quality pet care products, ensuring pet parents can easily provide the love and care their pets deserve.
There are thousands of items from Petbarn available on Uber Eats - from toys and treats, to grooming supplies and supplements.
Online Pet Store Swaggle partners with Flybuys to make pet parenting even more rewarding
Whether it’s catering to the pickiest palates, entertaining energetic pups or keeping your best friend in prime health, Flybuys network of over 9.2 million members will be able to collect points whilst they shop to deliver happiness for the whole family.
Pet parents can collect two points per $1 spent on auto-delivery orders and one point per $1 spent on other purchases*. To activate this offer, all shoppers need to do is add their Flybuys member number before they purchase, either at checkout or to their online Swaggle account.
“Swaggle is thrilled to be partnering with Flybuys to deliver our pet parents even greater value,” said Chad Burke, Head of Swaggle.
Of the partnership, Head of Retail Partners Success at Flybuys, Briony Amey said: "We are delighted to welcome Swaggle to the Flybuys program. These partnerships enable us to provide even more value to our members, making everyday experiences more rewarding, whilst helping Australians get more of what they value beyond the check-out.”
Swaggle is home to Australia’s leading pet retail brands including Advance, Black Hawk, Royal Canin, Nexguard Spectra, Lifewise and Hill’s Science Diet, catering to dogs, cats, birds, small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs, and fish, meaning that all pet parents can enjoy rewards from shopping their pet’s favourite brands.
Spoil your pet now and get rewarded online at swaggle.com.au.
*Excludes delivery fees, insurance, and paid vet services. Flybuys points cannot be redeemed at Swaggle. Full t&cs here.
For the first time since the event’s inception in 2013, Pet Projects International (PPI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Mathers as Group Festival Director of the Dog Lovers Festival and Cat Lovers Festival.
“Paul brings more than 25 years’ experience to the business as an Event Director across sales, marketing and operations, with highlights including the Melbourne Home Shows, National 4x4 Show and Motorclassica,” says Pet Projects International CEO and Co- Founder, Jason Humphris. “The appointment marks his return to large-scale consumer events, having most recently managed the Power + Utilities Australia conference and expo, and we look forward to seeing the new energy and perspective that Paul will bring to our incredible team”.
Mathers officially assumed his role at Pet Projects International in July 2024.
For more information on the next Dog Lovers Festival and Cat Lovers Festival, head to www.dogloversfestival.com.au and www.catloversfestival.com.au, taking place at Sydney Showground from Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 August and Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October.
Pets benefit as PetSure partners sweep the board in the 2024 Pet Insurance Industry Awards PetSure, Australia’s leading pet insurance underwriter, is delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our partners at the 2024 Pet Insurance Industry Awards. These accolades, earned across multiple categories, highlight the exceptional value, care, and protection that our products provide to pets and their owners nationwide. Canstar 2024 Pet Insurance Awards
2024 Mozo’s Pet Insurance Awards 1. Experts Choice Awards Standout Winner as Australia’s Best Pet Insurer: petinsurance.com.au Exceptional Value Accident and Illness Pet Insurance: Pet Insurance Australia, Kogan Insurance, petinsurance.com.au, and Petbarn Insurance Exceptional Value Comprehensive Insurance Winners: Kogan Insurance and petinsurance.com.au Exceptional Quality Pet Insurance: Commonwealth Bank, Medibank, and petinsurance.com.au We are delighted to highlight petinsurance.com.au as the Standout Winner of Australia’s Best Pet Insurer. This award reflects their outstanding dedication to providing the best pet insurance solutions for pets, setting a new standard of excellence in the industry. 2. People’s Choice Awards
These awards underscore the high regard our customers have for our partners' products, which empower them to provide their pets with the best possible care. 2024 Product Review Awards for Pet Insurance
Finder Pet Insurance Awards 2024
These honours highlight the exceptional care and protection pets receive through our partners' comprehensive coverage, reaffirming their leadership in the pet insurance industry. PetSure would like to congratulate all the award winners for their achievements. "We are proud to partner with such dedicated and outstanding companies, and we remain committed to ensuring pets nationwide have access to the best insurance solutions for their well-being." |
Pet food brand SavourLife sold to SunRice
SunRice Group, a global food business based in Australia, announced its acquisition of SavourLife, an Australian pet food company. SunRice Group's animal nutrition division, CopRice, will acquire the pet food company for AUD $20.3 million.
SunRice's CEO Paul Serra said the acquisition positions CopRice to further expand into the branded companion animal market where there is a growing demand for premium products. "CopRice already manufactures SavourLife's dog food range," said Serra. "The acquisition will use CopRice’s existing manufacturing facilities and supply chain to improve efficiencies and provide future growth opportunities."
Founded in 2013 by Michael and Kimberlee McTeigue, Sydney-based SavourLife donates half its profits to dog rescue groups and has given $8 million in support to these organisations since its beginning. SunRice said it will continue SavourLife’s mission of donating 50% of profits to dog rescue organisations.
The McTeigues will remain with the business post-transaction, along with all employees. According to Michael McTeigue, SavourLife has no plans to change its team, formulas, social mission or donation model.
"This is about two Australian companies that align in their purposes coming together," he added. "It’s a huge opportunity for the SunRice Group to help grow our business, which will expand our ability to deliver on our mission." said Michael McTeigue.
The transaction is expected to be completed August 30, 2024.
The SunRice Group is a global FMCG business and one of Australia’s leading branded food exporters, listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with significant markets in the United States, the Pacific and the Middle East, as well as expanding markets across Europe and Asia.
SavourLife is a family-owned, Australian company inspired by a love for dogs and a desire to make a difference. The company makes natural, Australian-made food and treats for dogs and donate 50% of profits to pet rescue organisations; helping them save and rehome abandoned dogs.
From its roots as a start-up company selling pet fences in Knoxville, Tennessee, PetSafe Brands™ has expanded its presence with offices in Ireland, China, Vietnam, and Australia, where its head office is located on the Gold Coast.
PetSafe Brands™ is a leader in the categories they compete in; pet fence and safety technology, pet waste, water and feed, training and more. The company prides itself on being a retail partner of choice by providing ground-breaking innovations in each category. Together, these strategies have led to record growth, consistently beating market averages year-over-year resulting in PetSafe Brand products becoming some of the most globally recognised pet products sold today.
PetSafe Brands™ CEO Rob Candelino says, "We are enormously proud of our 33-year history and the millions and millions of pets we have helped protect all over the world. With the rollout of our new ambitious Strategic Plan, our new company Purpose and our new company Values, we felt it was also the right time to update our corporate name to better reflect that we are home to some of the most influential brands in our industry", adding "But PetSafe Brands, to us, is much more than just a name change. It reflects a new energy in our company and a strong conviction that our unique combination of world-class technologies, a massive amount of IP, the best teammates in the business and our stable of beautiful, consumer-facing brands positions us incredibly well for another 33 years of growth and success".
PetSafe Brands™ stands at the forefront of category innovation with ground-breaking advancements that redefine modern pet care. Their integration of AI into forthcoming products and innovations will usher in a new era of pet care and safety. Additionally, they revolutionised pet hydration with the invention of the first pumpless fountain, showcasing their commitment to convenience and efficiency. Furthermore, their development of a 100% all-natural, high-performance litter underscores their dedication to people who want a sustainable cat litter and fewer chemicals in their homes.
From the many product innovations of PetSafe Brands™, some of the newer technologies include:
• Introducing the first pumpless fountain
• Introduction of a 100% all-natural, high-performance cat litter
• Introduced the world's smallest Bark Collar
• Introducing more cat households to the world's most popular self-cleaning litter boxes through the ScoopFree® line
PetSafe Brands™ CMO Molly Landman says, "Pets are some of the most important members of our families. So, we are doubling our efforts to reach new consumers to show them how our portfolio of PetSafe Brands keeps their pets happy, safe, and healthy. As the leader in the pet supplies category, our investment in the safest, most technologically advanced innovations, our strategic partnerships with retailers, and our commitment to driving growth through new marketing channels ensures more homes can have access to the best solutions for their pets."
PetSafe Brands™ Director AU and NZ, Kevin Jorgensen says, "The decision to rename our company to PetSafe Brands™ marks an exciting chapter in our company's journey. It underscores our commitment to innovation and reflects our evolution as a leader in the pet care industry. This name change not only symbolises our dedication to providing top-quality products but also highlights our focus on enhancing the bond between pets and their owners in Australia, New Zealand and globally."
PetSafe Brands™ Marketing Manager AU and NZ, Sarah Ambler says, "We have some of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world here in Australia and New Zealand. Pets are our family and our new company name and values reflect that. We are excited to continue our commitment to unleashing freedom for pet parents by keeping their pets happy, healthy and safe in Australia, New Zealand and globally."
Following discussions with the President of the FCI Grooming Commission, Mr Chua Ming-Kok, the Dogs Australia Board of Directors have resolved that a National Canine Grooming Committee be formed to conduct FCI Grooming Competitions.
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| Photo - Grooming with May |
In the coming months the Committee will be formulating Competition Rules and Judges Approval Regulations for consideration by the Dogs Australia Board. In the future, we will be offering a Dogs Australia Groomers Certification Program.
Currently there are approximately 5,000 canine groomers in Australia. To participate in FCI Competitions a canine groomer must be member of a Dogs Australia Member Body, the introduction of Canine Grooming will see an increase in our membership and bring the list of Competitive Sports that we offer to our members to 15.
Our Competitive Sports are Agility, Dances with Dogs, Trick Dog, Draft Test, Earthdog Test, Endurance, Flyball, Herding, Lure Coursing, Obedience, Tracking, Retrieving and Field, Scent Work and Sled Sports.

insurance.com.au has announced the launch of a comprehensive pet insurance solution to help Australians prepare for the costs of veterinary treatment.
CEO Dominique Requin expressed his excitement for the retail product: “This product is a testament to our commitment to providing comprehensive care and peace of mind for dog and cat pet owners”.
“Our new pet insurance solution further strengthens the range of quality products we offer our clients, whilst making a positive impact on the well-being of their pets”.
Key features of the product offering include:
✔️ Annual limits with no sub-limits: Annual limit options to choose from $25,000, $15,000 and $5,000.
✔️ Optional extra benefits including dental illness, supportive therapies and behavioural problems.
✔️ Phone health hotline where you can seek advice from vets and nurses.
✔️ Cancellation flexibility at any time, even if a claim has been paid.
✔️ Transparency on pre-existing conditions including an optional no-cost assessment.
✔️ Simplified annual excess per pet, rather than per condition or claim.
Developed with a focus on getting things done – quickly and efficiently - in the least possible time, insurance.com.au is made up of people who love insurance! We're driven to help people and businesses protect themselves financially against the unexpected.
About Insurance.com.au
insurance.com.au is part of the Steadfast Group, Australasia’s largest General Insurance Broker Network.
*Please note that terms and conditions apply, and any exclusions will be communicated to potential customers.
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| Pet Circle Vet Dr Angie Armstrong with her Kelpie x Tia adopted through Pet Rescue |
- Ask for a better price. If you don’t ask, you don’t get, and many retailers will price match.
- Plan for pet expenses by putting a little aside each week. Estimate the cost of regular pet expenses including food, medication, health checks, toys and treats over the course of year, then divide this by 52 to work out how much to put aside each week.
- Keep up with preventative care, like flea and worming, as well as vet checks to catch health issues early.

Calling Female Vets and Pet Business Owners
Last call for entries in the 2023 Australian Women's Small Business Champion Awards
The period for online submissions to 2023 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards will be closing soon: on Friday 21 July.
A prestigious and comprehensive programme that celebrates the growing number of female small business owners from across the country, this year’s Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards has thus far seen thousands of entries and – unlike other awards programmes – online entry is absolutely FREE.
According to Australian Government data, female small business owners currently represent more than one-third of all small businesses, and 2022-released data by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows a 46 per cent jump in women business owners during the past two decades.
From dog walkers, farmers and mechanics to compounding chemists and environmentalists, the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards is arguably among the most diverse in terms of the breadth of represented industries and sectors, with more than 55 small business categories and four individual categories.
“There’s no doubting the rising success of female small business owners from all corners of this country,” says Steve Loe, Awards Founder and Managing Director of Precedent Productions, which coordinates the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards.
“Precedent Productions has been running the Australian Small Business Champion Awards since 1999 but especially during the past few years, we’ve noticed such a steep rise in the success of female-owned small businesses that we deemed it appropriate to have a standalone awards programme that showcases and honours the truly impressive work of women in small business,” adds Mr Loe.
Seasoned business awards judge, Jo Buchanan who is also the COO of Castaway Forecasting, says awards can be highly-lucrative, especially to small businesses, despite the time and effort – and in some cases, costs – associated with application processes.
“An award from a credible source can help to signify that a small business has ‘arrived’ and can also really work wonders in terms of boosting morale,” says Ms Buchanan.
“Telling your customers or clients how great your business is simply pales in comparison to independent, third party endorsement. Business awards hold huge marketing power, which can ultimately boost your bottom line.
“It’s safe to presume that the vast majority of Australian women in small business would be time-poor and so, the time and effort required for a quality award application can be initially off-putting; however, the long-term benefits can be simply priceless,” adds Ms Buchanan.
Expert Top Tips for submitting a winning business award application
1. Review the criteria and eligibility guidelines. Before putting any work into the application, ensure you are actually within the rules of entry. This also puts you in the right mindset to highlight your winning qualities in-keeping with the judging criteria
2. Answer all the questions. A missed question is like a missed element on your food plate; it’s typically disappointing.
3. Don’t hide your financials. Award judges are bound by confidentiality and most have run businesses themselves so understand and can see through your numbers. Sometimes it’s the financials that differentiate one business from others in the running.
4. Spill the tea. Don’t shy away from explaining the challenges of your business journey. It’s overcoming the challenges that often results in a business’s biggest successes.
5. Don’t worry about the occasional spelling mistake. You aren’t penalised for it and the judges can see through it.
6. Have fun with your application. Be creative and use humour where appropriate. It will help you to stand-out as memorable.
7. Back yourself. If you have poured your heart and soul into your business, but think you are still unworthy of an award, apply anyway if you’re within the rules of eligibility. If your small business serves a community and the families of your employees and you have some learnings to tell, you ARE good enough!
8. Do all you can to attend the main event. Such events are excellent for networking and enjoy the praise!
Created and managed by Precedent Productions – a small business in its own right – the 2023 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards will culminate in a National Presentation Evening Gala Event to be hosted by popular Australian broadcaster, Deborah Knight, and held on Saturday 23 September 2023 at the new Western Sydney Conference Centre at Penrith in NSW.
Finalists of the 2023 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards will be notified during August.
For more information and to submit an entry form before the 21 July 2023 closing date, visit: womensbusinesschampions.com.au.
Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) has improved the VetChat offer for their policyholders. Pet Insurance Australian customers can now take advantage of up to four monthly VetChat consults from experienced Australian veterinarians.
"At Pet Insurance Australia, the health and wellbeing of your pet is our prime focus, and we're always looking for ways to make it easier for you to care for your beloved pet," says Nadia Crighton, Pet Insurance Australia spokesperson. "We've partnered with VetChat, so our customers can get complimentary access to trusted vet care anytime, anywhere."
VetChat connects Australian pet owners with an experienced Australian registered vet to allow quick consultations – within minutes via online chat or a video call.
"This service is proving to be vital for many Australian pet owners when it comes to seeking professional vet help quickly for their companion animals," Crighton says. "Whether it's providing vet advice, getting at-home treatment plans, or confirming if you need to visit a vet in person, VetChat can offer peace of mind knowing pet owners can get professional veterinary advice when they need it the most."
Pet Insurance Australia customers can now get access to a VetChat consult membership across their current policy period, with up to four monthly VetChat consults. Customers can register with VetChat to access the consults from the day the policy starts.
"This service is significant for all pet owners," Crighton says.
"Having a vet at the click of a button for quick, concise, and professional vet advice can allow pet owners to seek out additional help if they are not sure about their pet's condition."This can be particularly important for communities currently experiencing high waiting times or minimal access to veterinary care for their feline friends or canine companions.

"Making it super easy for our clients to gain expert vet advice for their pet's health is very important to Pet Insurance Australia," Crighton says. "Services such as these allow many Australians to access experienced vet advice that could be a lifesaver."
Offering the service seven days a week, 24hrs a day, also gives Pet Insurance Australia customers access to professional vet advice any time of the day or night.
"This can be so important for pet owners, particularly if you are concerned about your pet's health after hours," Crighton says. "Gaining the information of the possible seriousness of a condition and if you need to head into an emergency hospital."
VetChat allows Pet Insurance Australia customers access to vets if the client's regular vet is unavailable while providing clarity or the urgency of the next steps. Giving pet owners an understanding of the health condition and offering expert vet advice and triage within minutes.
Refuelling animal charities with passion and digital expertise, the secret to success for business and community Many companies have found great success through the many benefits of giving back to humanity, including the animals that are part of the fabric of communities.
Celebrating their 6th birthday this month, Adelaide-based digital marketing agency Refuel Creative is one such business, having expanded their business internationally and using their knowledge to help Australian animal welfare charities achieve their goals and save them thousands of dollars.
Refuel Founder and CEO Ryan Jones is now calling Aussie businesses to give back to their community by sharing their knowledge and experience in the work they do.
Jones has worked in the not-for-profit (NFP) sector for a number of years and now works to help charities across Australia, saving them $400K (collectively).
“I’ve seen the challenges charities face and the impact they can have on their communities. If an organisation like ours can help them be more efficient with their limited resources, then we can help them improve their outcomes,” said Jones, a HubSpot certified marketer and SEO expert.
The pet rescue industry is a particular passion of the team at Refuel, who are long-term sponsors of the annual Companion Animal Rescue Awards, providing website, marketing and live-streaming services in addition to an in-kind prize for a winning animal rescue organisation.
Refuel has worked with past Rescue Awards winners Greyhound Rescue and the Rabbit Sanctuary, and this year will donate their expertise to Rachie’s Ratirement Home, a Brisbane-based pet rat rescue charity, for taking out last year’s ‘Refuel Creative Digital Marketing’ category.
Jones said, “We’re all animal lovers at Refuel, so the Rescue Awards is important to us. It gives the team an opportunity to work on something that recognises the hard work of these charities, shining the light on rescues, shelters and other organisations giving pets a second chance in a loving home.”

In the lead up to Christmas last year, the Refuel team celebrated the season of giving by spending a fun afternoon cuddling bunnies brought in by their client RSPCA South Australia.
“The team at RSPCA helped fill in our gaps in bunny knowledge, learning about the different breeds, and some of the ways they get abandoned. It was very tempting to take a couple of bunnies home!” said Jones.
Giving back to humanity
Refuel helps not-for-profit organisations in different ways depending on their needs, whether it’s getting their Google Ad Grant up and running, improving their Search Engine Optimisation so that they can be found online or building websites that help attract new donors and funders, and more.
The digital marketing team has also worked with The Animal Rehoming Service and AMRRIC (Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities), which collaborates with rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to improve the health and wellbeing of their companion animals and the health, wellbeing and safety of communities.
“We do a lot for AMRRIC – CRM implementation, website, IT setup and support, training and more,” said Jones. “We cut their IT spend by thousands of dollars per year in 2017 and retained them as a client ever since, with our scope of work growing with the organisation’s needs.”
When The Animal Rehoming Service had issues with their Google Ad Grant, Refuel came to the rescue, which resulted in growth in website traffic social media following and newsletter subscriptions.
Refuel has competitive edge with launch in U.S
Last year Refuel launched into the United States market, giving the growing company a competitive edge in the marketplace.
“The U.S. market opens up a lot of opportunities not just for us but also our clients,” said Jones. “It's a larger market, with larger companies, which means more data. It's also a more advanced market, so we're doing things in America that won't become trends in Australia for 18 to 24 months. This helps the Aussie charities we work with stay ahead of the competition and benefit from the knowledge gained from working with businesses with a range of budgets and data sets.”
Jones encourages Australian businesses to give back to their community by sharing their knowledge and experience in the work they do.
“People often overlook the not-for-profit (NFP) sector as a whole but working with these organisations can have a range of benefits you may not have considered,” he said.
“There are of course the direct business benefits, potential client referrals and opening up new markets. But you may also be in a position where you or a loved one needs the support of these organisations. If we don't support them now, they won't be around when we need them.”
PETstock and Qantas Frequent Flyer emBARK on new partnership
From today, PETstock customers can now choose to earn Qantas Points when shopping online or from hundreds of PETstock stores around Australia, expanding on the existing PETstock Rewards program.
Qantas Frequent Flyers will earn 1 Qantas Point per dollar spent at PETstock and 5 bonus Qantas Points per dollar spent when making repeat purchases of participating brands stocked in store or online.
Pet owners will also be eligible to earn Qantas Points on PETstock’s wide range of eligible services including grooming, puppy school and veterinary services.
PETstock CEO, Shane Young, says the company is thrilled to partner with such an iconic and trusted Australian brand to bring more value to their customers.
“With over 6.9 million households now owning a pet across the country, we are always looking for ways to add more value to the lives of our dedicated pet parents. Partnering with the Qantas Frequent Flyer program is an opportunity for our customers to choose how they’re rewarded when they shop, either through our existing PETstock Rewards program, or now, by earning Qantas Points,” says Shane.
“We want our customers to be able to see the value of shopping at PETstock, not only for our extensive product range and renowned expertise of our staff, but because they can benefit from earning money back when they shop through our loyalty program, or earn Qantas Points to redeem on flights, hotel stays or on restaurants just to name a few.”
Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth said the opportunity to earn Qantas Points while shopping and caring for their pets would be popular among frequent flyers.
“Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world and adding more value to the growing spend on pets is great news for our members,” said Ms Wirth.
Customers can earn Qantas Points at PETstock by joining PETstock Rewards and linking their Qantas Frequent Flyer details to their account before shopping in store or online. As part of the new partnership, customers will be able to join the Qantas Frequent Flyer program for free when shopping at PETstock.
Participation in the PETstock Rewards Program, including eligibility to earn and spend PETstock Rewards and Qantas Points, is subject to Terms and Conditions.
For further information or to find your nearest PETstock, please visit www.petstock.com.au














