PETstock Assist, PETstock’s charity foundation, has announced its latest donation recipient, Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ).

The donation valued at $26,000 is part of PETstock Assist’s commitment to supporting grassroots organisations that improve the lives of pets and families in their communities.

This financial year, PETstock Assist has dispersed more than $630,000 to organisations across the country, including support to drought and bushfire affected communities and other rescue groups such as Animal Welfare League South Australia and Sydney Dogs and Cats Home.

AWLQ’s Communications and PR Manager, Craig Montgomery, says the donation they’ve received will go a long way in increasing access to vet care services for both shelter animals and community members previously unable to afford  treatment for their pets.

“We believe no suffering animal is ever to be turned away, despite the owner’s financial circumstances,” he says. “By providing essential vet care and services to owners we can work with the community to end overpopulation, provide emergency boarding for vulnerable pets and ultimately reduce surrender and euthanasia rates.”

With this donation, they have been able to purchase a range of veterinary equipment for  their Gold Coast Community Vet Clinic including an ultrasound machine, Coag DX Analyser and a surgical whiteboard.

“The number of animals that will benefit from receiving this donation is limitless. It will not only improve the community’s access to top tier care but also, thanks to cutting-edge technology, impact the patient’s outcome to provide a shorter and more comfortable rehabilitation period, improve the veterinary team’s efficiency and be more economically sustainable,” Craig said.

PETstock Assist Charity and Events Coordinator Jessica Guilfoyle says PETstock Assist and AWLQ have been long term partners.

“AWLQ partners with five PETstock Queensland stores to facilitate in store adoption of cats and kittens, which in the 2018-19 year, resulted in 222 successful adoptions,” she says. “This equipment will help AWLQ further its mission to rehabilitate and rehome animals and make a real difference to the health and happiness of both humans and pets on the Gold Coast.”

Better access to care and shorter rehabilitation periods will not only reduce surrender and euthanasia rates in the community, Jessica said, but also increase rehoming rates and reduce the pressure on AWLQ and its volunteers to provide emergency and recovery care.

“We are proud to be able to support forward thinking organisations like AWLQ who are making long term and sustainable changes to the face of animal rescue and welfare.” she said.