Don’t be fooled by appearances! Companion Animal Network Australia warns pet lovers to watch out for scammers in clever disguise!

Is this rescue group for real? 

During Scams Awareness Week 2023 (27 Nov – 1 Dec), leading animal welfare charity Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN) is warning pet lovers to watch out for scammers in clever disguise.

The theme for this year's Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) campaign is “Impersonation Scams,” delivered for the first time by the newly established National Anti-Scam Centre, built on the work of Scamwatch to make Australia a harder target for scammers.

Australia CAN has again partnered with Puppy Scam Awareness Australia (PSAA) to help animal lovers identify imposter rescue organisations and breeders, and to avoid pet scams that continue to cause heartbreak and anger.

“Scammers are professional crooks, and it can be difficult to distinguish between what is real or a scam,” said Trish Ennis, CEO of Australia CAN.

According to ACCC’s Targeting Scams (April 2023) report, anecdotally about 80% of all scams reported to Scamwatch include some form of impersonation of a legitimate entity. Scammers can impersonate any organisation or brand, and impersonation scams can be received through a variety of channels.

In 2022 (1 January – 31 December), Scamwatch received 1,684 reports of pet scams with losses of $2.3 million, according to ACCC data.

An ACCC Media spokesperson told Australia CAN, “While most pet scams pertain to puppies, in 2022 we saw an increase in kitten scams. Other pets commonly used by scammers are birds and fish.”

With scammers continually developing new ways to fool people, pet lovers need to increase their vigilance in checking for those little clues that can alert us that something is a scam, warned Ms Ennis.

“We encourage pet lovers to learn how to spot a puppy scam and avoid the heartbreak, loss of money and in some cases, potentially having to surrender their pet to the shelter,” she said.

PSAA key support group for victims of pet scams

Credit - Hudson Hintze

Puppy Scam Awareness Australia is a key support group for victims of pet scamming and is dedicated to bringing awareness about the thousands of pet scamming syndicates who prey on pet shoppers, helping puppy shoppers spot a scammer and assisting those that have been scammed.

“We don’t just report scammers, we shut down their online presence immediately, and help victims try and get their money back,” said PSAA’s founder Sandy Trujillo.

Since 2021, PSAA received reports relating to more than 1,500 Australian fraudulent bank accounts, 6,000 websites and over 8,000 social media pages/groups and profiles.

“People are easier to scam when they act on emotion and that’s especially true for pet lovers who want a furry friend,” said Ms Trujillo.

“The more who fall the more scammers can make. They constantly reinvent themselves so unsuspecting customers fall quicker. Pet scams have slowed down since COVID and the financial pressures most people find themselves under these days, but unfortunately, we are still getting reports of victims coming through, roughly three a week. They don't find us until it's too late.”

PSAA has launched a Pet Transport and Breeders Directory to help validate and help protect businesses from scammers stealing their intellectual property. PSAA also works with breeders whose IDs get stolen to restore their reputation, added Ms Trujillo.

“Most breeders are now dubious of strangers coming over and stealing their pups,” she said. “It's not always possible to find a breeder in your state, too, so people are choosing to buy interstate. That's how most get caught in scams.”

Scam prevention resources

✔️ How to spot a pet scam: australiacan.org.au/pet-projects/puppy-scams

✔️ For tips to avoid fake websites and a list of fraudulent websites: www.puppyscamawarenessaustralia.com.au

✔️ For a guaranteed pet to welcome into your family, contact an Australia CAN member in your state: australiacan.org.au/who-we-are

✔️ If you think you are scammed, contact your financial institution right away. For more information www.scamwatch.gov.au

Follow CANA on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

#ScamAwarenessWeek2023 #ScamWatch #puppyscams #petscams #scams

About Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN)

Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN) is a registered charity representing the companion animal welfare work of our six member agencies across the country, including Animal Welfare League QLD, Animal Welfare League SA, Lort Smith (VIC), Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania and Saving Animals From Euthanasia Inc (WA).

Together, our members provide rescue, shelter, re-homing, fostering, health care and enrichment services to more than 50,000 animals every year. Through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, we celebrate the human-animal bond and promote responsible pet ownership.

We use our national voice to campaign for the humane treatment of all companion animals and we rally support for programmes that deliver high welfare standards. Australia CAN celebrates the human-animal bond and promotes responsible pet ownership through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, including the Rent with Pets and Pets in Aged Care programs.

To discover more, visit www.australiacan.org.au

Photo Credit (Lead Image): T R Photography

MEDIA RELEASE, 20th November 2023

The Petstock Foundation is on a mission to raise $800,000 for children this Christmas!

The Christmas Project inspires Australians to create magic for children through pets and therapy animals.

This festive season, the Petstock Foundation is taking action to inspire magic for children in need. With a goal to raise $800,000 for children experiencing hardship, home instability, serious illness or disability, the Petstock Foundation’s Christmas Project is on a mission to empower children through the unconditional love and magic of pets and therapy animals.

To support the mission, from October 31 to December 24, money raised through the Petstock Foundation’s Christmas Project will be donated to children-focused charity partners, creating a special Christmas for many children.

The campaign aims to give funds raised to charity partners who provide services that allow children in need to gain freedom and independence through school support, equine assistance, and therapy animals. 

Charity partners selected to benefit this Christmas are Make-A-Wish Australia (Nationally), MacKillop Family Services (VIC), Cowboys 4 Kids (NSW), Very Special Kids (VIC), Smart Pups (QLD), HorsePower (WA) and Riding for the Disabled Association (SA and TAS).

Smart Pups (QLD) train assistance dogs helping children with disabilities

Past research indicates that the rising cost of living significantly and negatively impacts a large portion of people already in need this Christmas [1] and many people will struggle to pay at least one of their essential bills at Christmas, such as food, household utilities, or rent [2]. 

With the financial crisis here to stay, alarmingly these results are likely set to rise, showing the cost of living impacts are felt the most by people who are already facing hardship and require support. It’s more important than ever to donate where you can, to support the wonderful work The Petstock Foundation’s partner children’s charities do day in, day out.

Petstock Foundation Strategic Manager, Jessica Curtis says, “This Christmas, the Petstock Foundation’s Christmas Project is empowering children through the unconditional love and magic of pets and animals. Thousands of children each year experience hardship, home instability, serious illness or disability through no fault of their own. It’s heart-breaking to think many children around the country will be too unwell, or families not in a position financially to create the wonderful childhood Christmas magic that many of us have fond memories of.

“We’re giving Australians the opportunity to make an impact this Christmas, and are encouraging people to support The Christmas Project by purchasing a Christmas bauble decoration in store or online.”

“All funds from bauble purchases will go towards the Project, and will go far to help take the pressure off families and make Christmas feel special for children in need. Donations can also be made at your local store or online.”

Jessica continues, “At the Petstock Foundation, we believe the strong bond and unconditional love many children feel for their pets and animals is truly special to observe, and is proof of the positive impact animals can have on the lives of children, particularly those facing challenges.”

Recent studies suggest more than 14,000 Australian children are living with a life-threatening illness [3], with approximately 2,400 babies born with a heart condition each year [4], and 1,000 children aged 0-19 years diagnosed with cancer every year [5]. These statistics alone are just a small example of community needs for extra support through these incredible charities. The impact these conditions can have on the lives of children and their families is huge, and many need our support to fight for their future.

National charity partner Make-A-Wish Australia will use their share of funds raised to help grant life-changing wishes for sick kids across the country.

Make-A-Wish Australia CEO Sally Bateman said that the charity relies on the incredible generosity and support from the community to make wishes possible.

“We are very grateful to the Petstock Foundation for its ongoing partnership and for its Christmas Project initiative. The Foundation’s wonderful support will help us to bring hope and joy to some of the 900 wish kids who are currently on their Wish Journey. 

The Petstock Foundation is currently helping us to grant our horse-related wishes across the country, while the funds raised from the Christmas Project will help us grant a wide range of wishes for critically ill kids, including some of our ever-popular pet wishes. Pet wishes can provide sick kids with companionship while helping them reduce anxiety. With the charity receiving no government funding, we rely on initiatives like the Petstock Foundation’s Christmas Project and the incredible generosity of the Australian public to help make these life-changing wishes a reality.”

To get involved, the Petstock Foundation is encouraging Australians to donate by purchasing Christmas bauble in store at Petstock stores nationally, by rounding up purchases in store, or donating online.

The Christmas Project - Campaign Summary

What donations will go towards

✔️ 100% of funds raised by the Petstock Foundation nationwide in November and December will be donated to the The Christmas Project charity partners to enable them to create a better future for children this Christmas.

✔️ Fundraising programs like the The Christmas Project allow charities focussing on improving the lives of children to groups to grow and more effectively deliver greater services to the children facing hardship.

How can you help

✔️ From October 31 until Christmas, purchase a Christmas bauble from Petstock, with all funds going towards The Christmas Project.

✔️ By rounding up purchases at Petstock stores nationwide or by donating online.

✔️ In celebration of The Christmas Project, Petstock stores will be hosting a Children’s Weekend on December 9th and 10th, which will see fun activities for children take place including a colouring competition, live animals for petting and store team members dressing up in Christmas theme.

✔️ Visit your local Petstock store to support your local community or visit petstock.com.au for more information – 100% of funds raised goes to our purpose!

References

1, 2 Salvation Army 2022 Christmas research

3 Make A Wish

4 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2019) Congenital heart disease in Australia, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 01 November 2023.
5 Aihw.gov.au

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.

MEDIA RELEASE, 16th November 2023

Companion Animal Network Australia calls for urgent Government support for older pet owners at home in aged care reform

National animal welfare charity Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA) is calling for urgent support for older pet owners at home, as the Australian Government is working to prioritise independence and restore the dignity of older people in Australia in a $18.3 billion reform package*.

Australia CAN is campaigning to increase the number of pet-friendly aged care support services to keep pets and their older owners happy, healthy and together in their own homes for as long as possible.

“Sadly, there is a painful absence of government support for older people with pets in in-home care, resulting in not only putting people's lives in danger but also their much-loved animals being surrendered to shelters across the country!” says Trish Ennis, CEO of Australia CAN.

“We are calling Hon Mark Butler MP, Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care and Hon Anika Wells MP, Federal Minister for Aged Care to help our ageing population maintain a high quality of life and that includes finding ways to help older adults retain their pets.”

CANA’s vital message comes in support of the Joint Submission - Foundations of the Aged Care Act by 13 national organisations working with older people and carers, demanding a human-rights based aged care act that reflects the experiences and wants of older people, including the right to have their beloved companion animals acknowledged, supported and respected.

Many studies demonstrate how pets offer a myriad of physical and mental health benefits for people, such as reducing stress, providing companionship, encouraging social interactions and more.

“This is true particularly for older adults who often face loneliness and isolation and rely on their companion animals to thrive,” says Ms Ennis. “The Government says it is working on keeping older people in their homes. Why aren't they prepared to make minor changes that would benefit the people, pets, home care support agencies and businesses?”

Status of pets in aged care

“I am 78 years old and came to Australia from Germany in 1969. Sadly, I lost my wife to Alzheimer’s a few years ago. 

I now live alone with my four cats, Layla, Ruby, Sofia and Anita. They are my family and I would rather die than part with them…” Rolfe, Tasmania.

CANA’s Survey on the Status of Pets in Aged Care facilities and at home shows 86% of older adults with pets experience improved mental and physical health. 

When it comes to older adults living at home, the survey reveals 61% of older adults live alone, and 74% of older adults with pets say their animals provide companionship and reduce loneliness.

“I owe my life to 7-year old Miniature Dachshund Frankie, my Delta Therapy Dog, for detecting my stage 4 melanoma and alerting the neighbours when I fell twice and needed an ambulance. 

Us old folks who live alone and are not as well as we should be physically and mentally, we must have a companion animal.” -  Joanne, NSW

Whilst 40% of older adults who receive a Home Care Package (HCP) have pets, only 9% of these pet owners receive pet care support, such as walking their dog (64% need help) and taking their pet to the vet (62% need help).

“The health and wellbeing benefits of pet ownership are measurable and indisputable,” says Ms Ennis. 

“The CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Program) and HCP can be extended to determine and secure the necessary assistance for a person to live independently with their pet by ensuring services are offered to support pet health and well-being.”

Ms Ennis says increasing the number of pet-friendly in- home aged care support will also help to prevent animals from being euthanised or surrendered to shelters and maximise the physical and emotional health of animal loving older people.

“Increasing pet-friendly aged care support will not cost the government much. The financial implementation of adding these resources to the packages is minor and would in many cases mean simply changing the wording of the delivery of existing items,” she says.

“We want to make sure the care that older pet owners receive at home contributes to their quality of life and supports their family and community connections.”

Support CANA’s #PetFriendlyAgedCare Petition

CANA needs the public’s help to convince the Government to include pet-friendly aged care support as part of their aged care reform. Help reach 25,000 signatures by signing and sharing their petition for #PetFriendlyAgedCare!

Please support CANA’s Petition for #PetFriendlyAgedCare

To read CANA’s submission to the Government, please visit petfriendlyagedcare.com.au/surveys

For more information about supporting pets in aged care, please visit petfriendlyagedcare.com.au

For more about Companion Animal Network Australia, visit australiacan.org.au or contact info@australiacan.org.au

About Pet Friendly Aged Care

Pet Friendly Aged Care is run by the Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN) whose six member agencies aim to make the world a better place for pets through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives. Pet-Friendly Aged Care was established to highlight the often-catastrophic emotional harm caused when older people are forced to give up their pets upon moving into an aged care home, and to provide a more practical way forward. To discover more, visit petfriendlyagedcare.com.au

About Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN)

Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN) is Australia’s peak body representing companion animals. It comprises six member agencies, each aiming to make the world a better place for pets.

Through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, we celebrate the human-animal bond and promote responsible pet ownership. We use our national voice to campaign for the humane treatment of all companion animals and we rally support for programmes that deliver high welfare standards. To discover more, visit australiacan.org.au

MEDIA RELEASE, 15th November 2023

With Christmas just around the corner and many Australian families considering inviting the pitter-patter of paws into their homes, Pet Insurance Australia looks at what to consider when choosing a dog breed alongside Specialist Small Animal Surgeon Dr Sarah Goldsmid.

“It is coming up to the time of year when many Australian homes will be considering getting a pet over the summer months,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. 

“Our data does indicate that this is a busy pet buying time of year, with many signing up for pet insurance around the eight-week mark. Now is the time many pet lovers will be sourcing their new furry friend.”

Pet Insurance Australia has top tips for choosing the right breed for your home and lifestyle.

“It’s imperative to research your chosen breed, as many dogs do have prevalent hereditary conditions that can end up costing pet owners thousands to rectify throughout the lifetime of their pet,” Crighton says. “It’s also imperative to choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and expectations rather than basing it on looks alone.”

Ensuring you can afford these treatments is an integral part of responsible pet ownership. It’s also highly recommended that prospective pet owners do their due diligence on their possible dog breeders and resist quick purchases from backyard breeding establishments.

“Do your homework on your dog breeder and ensure you ask all the important questions regarding hereditary screening and possible breed-related problems or adopt a pet from a shelter,” she recommends. “Backyard breeding and puppy mills only add to the huge amount of unwanted pets around Australia.”

Specialist Small Animal Surgeon Dr Sarah Goldsmid from The Animal Referral Hospital (Homebush) is all too aware of the hugely expensive surgery for hereditary problems with some breeds and the importance of understanding these possible problems before purchase.

“As a specialist small animal surgeon, I see many cases where pets require major and expensive surgery for their hereditary problem,” Dr Goldsmid says. 

“For example, Brachycephalic airway disease, if not surgically treated in time, can lead to aspiration pneumonia, the need for a permanent tracheostomy, predispose to severe heat stress, and worst-case scenario can end in premature death.”

A third of surgical cases at Animal Referral Hospital Homebush are related to spinal disease, mainly due to herniated intervertebral discs, which can occur in any breed or mixed breed.

“However, disc disease is over-represented in certain breeds, such as French Bulldogs and Dachshunds. If we see the patients early enough, we can usually get them back to great function again following advanced spinal imaging (CT and MRI) and spinal surgery – but if they have already lost all feeling and movement, their prognosis is poor for recovery of function.”

Mixed Breeds – Best of Both Worlds?

It is common for many in the pet industry to sing the praises of humble mixed breeds. Known for their robustness, choosing a mixed breed dog could help prevent large veterinary bills for many common hereditary conditions. While many breeds are affected by hereditary conditions, increasing the genetic pool within mating can help reduce the risk of some of these conditions from occurring in that litter.

“This is not a precise science – the offspring may still end up with hereditary conditions related to several different breeds, but in general, a mixed breed is less likely to develop the hereditary problem,” Dr Goldsmid says. 

“I would always recommend sourcing crossbreeds from the pound or shelters first. This will save a life and discourage backyard breeding.”

Pet owners must understand that certain breeds can suffer from more severe and expensive conditions, such as brachycephalic dog breeds – also known as the ‘squishy faced breeds’. 

These breeds will all have varying degrees of breathing difficulties, and many also have spinal deformities and potentially an increased risk of spinal disease later in life.

“Many of these breeds will require airway surgery and or spinal surgery during their lives,” Dr Goldsmid says. “The risk of these diseases may be reduced by breeding to increase the length of the face and opening of the nostrils and also introducing genetics that reflects more normal spinal formation.”

As we come into the peak pet buying season, Pet Insurance Australia is urging pet owners to carefully consider their options of what breed they want and any possible problems those pets could face down the line.

“The peak pet buying season is driven by Christmas, the cat breeding season, and the fact that Australians usually have a few weeks off over the Christmas/New Year break, making it an ideal time to bring a new four-legged fur baby into the home,” Crighton says. “However, most owners will not consider the possible problems their chosen breed may have, leading to high veterinary costs and possible surgeries to rectify the issues.”

Advice When Selecting a Pet – Dr Goldsmid

“You can never completely avoid the heartache of a sick pet, and whatever you do when you obtain a new dog or cat. Do your research, almost all pure-bred dogs have certain conditions that can be a problem. Diseases like hip and elbow dysplasia, gastric dilatation volvulus, spinal issues, skin disease, ear disease, eye conditions, heart disease, etc are all problems that can have a genetic component.”

Dr Goldsmid also suggests when selecting a pet to purchase - as opposed to obtaining one as a rescue from a pound or shelter - it is essential to know that you are getting them from reputable breeders that are ideally registered.

“You should be able to see the parents or at least the mother. A vet check prior to purchase is important, not only for at least one vaccination to be given, but to rule out any congenital issues that would be present at birth (e.g. palate defects, some heart murmurs).”

It is also essential to remember that some conditions only become apparent once the pet is a little older. For example, hip and elbow dysplasia is not usually diagnosed until they are at least six months old. However, unstable hips may be picked up at their second or third vaccination. Ideally, the parents should have been screened for hip dysplasia before mating, but this does not guarantee disease-free offspring.

“In general, it is important for any pet to have regular check-ups and preventative care through a local vet. Vaccinations, worming, heartworm prevention, flea and tick treatments, feeding good quality complete diets, and avoiding obesity are all important factors in reducing the chances of your pet getting sick from preventable problems,” Dr Goldsmid says.

Pet Insurance Australia also recommends anyone thinking of purchasing a pet during the silly season to carefully plan financially for all costs associated with pet care.
“This includes veterinary treatments,” Crighton says.

“According to MoneySmart, a cat or dog will cost between $3,000 to $6,000 in the first year of ownership, with many new pet parents not completely taking the costs of vet care into account until it’s too late. It’s incredibly important that all costs are taken into account before welcoming a new furry family member into the home.”

MEDIA RELEASE, 14th November 2023

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Urgent appeal to reconsider Qantas’ Extreme Weather Policy, threatening animal lives

Saving Animals from Euthanasia Inc (SAFE), the largest companion animal rescue and rehoming organisation in Western Australia, has issued an urgent appeal to Qantas, requesting the reconsideration of its extreme weather policy, which threatens the lives of animals in need and disrupts their mission to save lives.

A member agency of national animal welfare charity Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA), SAFE Inc is a vital pillar of support for regional communities, having rescued and rehomed more than 40,000 companion animals in WA over the past two decades.

But animal lives are now at risk following the recent enforcement of Qantas' extreme weather policy prohibiting animal transportation when temperatures are expected to reach 35°C or above, which is about seven months of the year in these areas.

SAFE’s northern, regional branches – Broome, Newman, Hedland and Karratha – rely on Qantas flights to transport animals to Perth, where they have a better chance of finding an adoptive home, explained SAFE Founder and Chair Sue Hedley OAM.

“Since mid-October, we’ve had to decline 36 enquiries and applications out of hand just because the adopters are in Perth and we cannot easily fly animals there,” she said.

“Over 50 per cent of SAFE’s animals from the four regional branches fly to Perth. But now, we will not be able to fly animals out of these regions due to the normal climate in the area, and this is affecting SAFE's regional branches as well as the animals and communities they serve.”

SAFE is also being contacted by pet flying companies seeking assistance for animals whose Qantas flights have been canceled due to temperature concerns.

CANA CEO Trish Ennis is also concerned Qantas’ policy would have a devastating impact on the lives of thousands of animals that cannot reach their flight destination.

“SAFE are a foster based rescue, and animals will face possible euthanasia,” she said.

Ms Hedley said Qantas’ policy is also consequently putting people’s lives at risk. One couple in their 70s are having to drive 1,500 km from Perth to Karratha to pick up their rescue 14-week-old puppy, Gemma. While in Karratha, they are helping to pick up Chase, an 8-month-old dog, and drive her down to her adopter in Perth.

She explained, “One of our volunteers for SAFE Karratha, Colleen, has fostered 32 cats since February, treated entire litters with ringworm and is now caring for kittens longer term than ever because they are unable to fly to Perth. She has made three trips to Hedland by herself at 4 am, driving six to seven cats at a time to get them on a flight with Virgin.”

Animal welfare and safety paramount

While animal welfare and safety during transport are of paramount importance, SAFE believes there are effective ways to mitigate risks.

1. Consultation with IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association), the RPSCA and the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) to establish best practices for animal transportation during extreme weather conditions.

2. Evaluation of alternative transportation options for pets during extreme weather, such as air-conditioned transfer trollies and designated areas at each port.

3. Exploration of the possibility for organisations and pet owners to sign waivers that absolve Qantas from liability in cases related to heat, with the understanding that safety remains a top priority.

4. A review of the current policy's impact on animal welfare, mental health, and family dynamics, as pets are cherished members of many households.

“As an interim measure, SAFE proposes a policy that delegates authority to the Officer in Charge at the ports to allow an animal to fly when it is reasonably ascertainable that the temperature during the entire journey will not exceed 35°C at each point,” said Ms Hedley.

SAFE commits to continue its practice of booking animals on the earliest (and coolest) flights out of the respective airport during times of extreme weather.

“Denying animals from regional areas the opportunity to find homes in Perth solely due to their birthplace and the weather conditions they are accustomed to seems unjust and will cause unnecessary loss of life,” she said.

SAFE has an exemplary record of commitment to animal welfare and safety during transport.

“We value our collaborative relationship with Qantas and the positive impact we have collectively achieved, as depicted in the documentary mini-series "Take Me Home" and the upcoming "Take Me Home 2”,” said Ms Hedley.

“We implore Qantas to reconsider its blanket policy in the spirit of collaboration, compassion, and a commitment to the welfare of all beings, as it poses a severe threat to animal welfare and disrupts the positive impact they have collectively achieved.

“We are confident that working together and seeking alternative solutions can continue to save lives and ensure that animals find loving homes regardless of the temperature.”

SAFE is asking for public support to sign the petition asking Qantas to review their Extreme Weather Policy and find a way to accommodate and understand the needs of SAFE and the animals they save.

Please sign here: www.safewa.org.au/qantas-petition

Photography Credit (all): SAFE Inc. 

For more about Companion Animal Network Australia, visit australiacan.org.au

In 2023, national animal welfare charity Companion Animal Network Australia completed a Survey on the Status of Pets in Aged Care facilities and at home, and found worrying results.

The results tell us 86% of older adults with pets experience improved mental and physical health.

When it comes to older adults living at home, the survey reveals 61% of older adults live alone, and 74% of older adults with pets say their animals provide companionship and reduce loneliness.

Whilst 40% of older adults who receive a Home Care Package (HCP) have pets, only 9% of these pet owners receive pet care support, such as walking their dog (64% need help) and taking their pet to the vet (62% need help).

CANA's Pets in Aged Care Survey shows an urgent need to support pet ownership for older Australians who choose to live independently.

Ms Ennis says, “The health and well-being benefits of pet ownership are measurable and indisputable. The CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Programme) and HCP can be extended to determine and secure the necessary assistance for a person to live independently with their pet by ensuring services are offered to support pet health and wellbeing.

“Increasing the number of pet-friendly in-home aged care support will also help to prevent animals from being euthanised or surrendered to shelters and maximise the physical and emotional health of animal loving older people.”

There is a painful absence of government support for older pet owners in in-home care, resulting in not only putting people's lives in danger but also their much-loved animals being surrendered to shelters across the country.

A host of studies demonstrate how pets offer a myriad of physical and mental health benefits for people, such as reducing stress, providing companionship, encouraging social interactions and more. This is true particularly for older adults who often face loneliness and isolation and rely on their companion animals to thrive whether they are living at home.

The financial implementation of adding these resources to the packages is minor and would be in many cases, mean simply changing the wording of the delivery of existing items.
We need your help!

Companion Animal Network Australia is calling on Hon Mark Butler MP Minister for Health and Aged Care and Hon Anika Wells MP Minister for Aged Care to help our ageing population maintain a high quality of life and that includes finding ways to help older adults retain their pets.

• Petition to: Hon Mark Butler MP, (Federal) Minister for Health and Aged Care and Hon Anika Wells MP, (Federal) Minister for Aged Care
• Signature goal: 10,000

You can sign our petition here and for more information about supporting pets in aged care, please visit petfriendlyagedcare.com.au

For more about Companion Animal Network Australia, visit australiacan.org.au

About the Aged Care Reforms in Australia

In response to recommendations by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety in 2021, the Australian Government is making positive changes to the aged care system to restore the dignity of older people in Australia. From the Government Aged Care Engagement Hub: 

www.agedcareengagement.health.gov.au/reforms/home

“Reforming in-home aged care to prioritise independence. We want to make sure the care older people receive at home contributes to their quality of life and supports their family and community connections.
The Australian Government is committed to delivering in-home aged care reforms that will serve the needs of all older people, their families and carers, now and into the future.
The reforms will address key concerns raised by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety to ensure in-home aged care:

· is simple to access and understand, with one assessment process
· gives people timely access to the safe and high-quality services they need
· gives people real choice and control in determining the services they receive
· has fair and transparent fees that direct funds to delivering high quality care.”

MEDIA RELEASE, 13th September 2023

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The Animal Welfare League NSW Animal Care Truck is heading to North-West NSW

Australia’s biggest vet service on wheels will roll into Mudgee, Lightning Ridge, Bourke and Cobar this month, offering free veterinary health checks, vaccinations and microchipping.

This will be the eighth regional trip in 2023 for the Animal Welfare League NSW clinic team, proudly supported by the NSW Government. The Australian first tour aims to bring this free service to pet owners in NSW who have animals in need of basic vet care. We aim to target communities that may need access to these services due to financial constraints and the rising cost of living.

Over the upcoming trip, we will be at the following locations and times:

Mudgee:
Monday 11 September
12pm to 4pm
Mudgee Showground, Douro St entrance

Lightning Ridge:
Wednesday 13 September
8am to 12pm
Corner of Agate St & Kaolin St

Bourke:
Thursday 14 September
9am to 1pm
Showground on Renshaw Drive

Cobar:
Friday 15 September
9am to 1pm
Cobar Shire Council, Lewis St carpark

Animal Welfare League NSW Chief Executive Officer Stephen Albin said the country tour - which will include visits across the State over the next three years - was a new service that will deliver pet care where it is most needed.

“The Animal Welfare League NSW is dedicated to ensuring every pet has the basic care of a health check, microchipping and vaccinations,” he said.

“If a dog or cat is lost, then microchipping is the best way for a pet to be reunited with its owner, and it will also ease pressure on local council pounds.

“Vaccinations at the right time are fundamental to keeping a pet happy and free of serious diseases, and health checks are an excellent way to ensure pets remain healthy.”

The purpose-built B-double trailer is over 25 metres long. It has specially designed areas for animal surgeries, such as desexing, an isolation room, and over 35 recovery cages.
It also features equipment for blood work, fridges, a veterinary scale, extensive storage to hold veterinary supplies and more.

“We encourage any pet owner who has a pet that needs a free check from our professional staff to take advantage of the service,” Mr Albin said. This offer is targeted towards low-income earners, pensioners and those experiencing financial hardship.

We hope to see a great turnout next week. For pet owners interested, be aware that dogs must be on lead and cats in carriers. We have previously experienced high demand, so pet owners should come prepared for weather as there could be waiting times.

For the FAQs, please visit www.awlnsw.com.au

Media Announcement, 5th September 2023

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The Australian Institute of Animal Management (AIAM) recognises and celebrates the achievement and contribution of dedicated Animal Management Officers, Animal Welfare staff, Volunteers, teams and programs across Australia with awards for:

✔️ Leader of the Year

✔️ Animal Care/Shelter Professional of the year

✔️ Innovation in Animal Management & Welfare

✔️ Companion Animal Outreach Program of the Year

✔️ Community Engagement & Education Program

✔️ Collaboration in Animal Management & Welfare

✔️ Workplace Wellbeing Program

✔️ Regional and Remote Animal Management Program or Initiative

If you know someone or run a program that deserves to be recognised then nominate them for an Award!

Entries close 8 September 2023.

How to participate

#1. Nominate

Anyone can nominate fellow workmates or programs for the Companion Animal Management and Sheltering Awards, and you can even nominate your own programs.

It may be someone who has influenced you, someone you work with, or an individual who has implemented great work in another Local Government area or Rehoming Organisation that has had positive and influential results in their community.

To nominate, read the information about the relevant award below and tell us about the person or program you are nominating.

Submissions should be a maximum of two pages long, and sent to the Awards Coordinator, Tina Martin at tinaqld@aiam.org.au

#2. Assessment

An Awards Sub-Committee made up of members of the AIAM Board and representatives from G2Z and AMRRIC will review nominations based on the selection criteria, and select a winner for each category.

All nominees will receive a certificate acknowledging their nomination.

Winners will be announced and trophies will be presented at the Big Hairy People & Pets Summit and Workshops, where recipients will be able to give a brief oral presentation (3-5 minutes) about the topic of their nomination.

#3. Recognition

All award winners will receive an engraved trophy to proudly display their achievement, with winners announced at the Big Hairy People and Pets Summit. 

Winners will have the opportunity to deliver a webinar for Australian Institute of Animal Management or Getting2Zero featuring their program or initiative.
Winners of the three individual awards, Animal Management Officer of the Year, Leader of the Year, and Animal Care/Shelter Professional of the Year will also receive complimentary registration for the next AIAM Workshops or Getting2Zero Summit. Submissions will be added to the AIAM website to join past winners and inspire others.

For the Companion Animal Management and Sheltering Awards criteria please visit https://bit.ly/3QD3NnT

AIAM, G2Z and AMRRIC invite you to participate in the Big Hairy People and Pets Summit & Workshops on the Gold Coast from 10 - 14 October 2023.

The theme for this year’s conference is Breaking Down Barriers.

In 2023, the focus will be on the programs, practices and strategies that involve and engage the community in managing their pets. We will be looking at the role that organisations play in providing support to both companion animals and the people who care for them.

To attend the event you must register via this link.