Petbarn Foundation in partnership with SavourLife Adopt-a-dog has seen on average between 75-115% more dogs available for adoption in the last six months.

Australians love their pets and are ranked as the country with the highest pet ownership in the world, however, an increase in pet surrenders has seen the number of dogs and cats available for adoption skyrocket. I

n the last financial year, tens of thousands of dogs and cats have ended up in the care of rescue shelters throughout Australia.

This February, Petbarn Foundation is promoting Rescue Month, encouraging Australians who are thinking of adding a new furry member to their family, to adopt and give a pet a second chance at a loving home.

Since 2012, the Petbarn Foundation’s in-store adoption centres have helped 66,500 cats find their fur-ever home. Throughout 2023 Rescue Month, it’s aiming to bring that total to 67,000 and is urging potential pet parents to consider adoption.

“Sadly there has been a large spike in the number of pets being surrendered,” said Janelle Bloxsom, Petbarn Foundation Manager.

“For many Australians, pet ownership has been presented with new challenges due to the post-pandemic lifestyle changes, the increase in cost-of-living pressures and the rental market crisis forcing tenants to choose between their pets and a home.”

According to Bloxsom, February is a busy month for rescue groups across the country as the increase in pet surrenders is triggered by the post-holiday period.

“Unfortunately, there are so many animals to rescue, it’s at the point where they are at full capacity. Rescues often rely on donations and volunteers to operate and due to the influx of animals, there just isn’t enough time, money or resources to continue to take in unwanted animals.”

With pet surrenders increasing, the greater number of dogs that can be rehomed will help lessen the immense pressure the rescue groups are experiencing.

“Many of our rescue partners now face the most difficult circumstances they have ever faced, with a surge of abandonment and less enquiries for existing dogs, combined with difficulties in finding new foster carers, taking a huge toll on them,” said Michael McTeigue, SavourLife Founder and Managing Director.

“We’d like to acknowledge the tireless and often heartbreaking work that these rescue groups do, day after day, dog after dog.”

“We are thrilled to partner with the Petbarn Foundation again this year and together donate $200,000 between 20 of our incredible rescue partners across Australia to help them save and rehome more dogs.

All pets adopted in-store at Petbarn locations or from SavourLife Adopt-A-Dog rescue partners have been temperament tested, health checked, fully vaccinated and desexed so you know they are ready for their forever family.

During February, Petbarn Foundation and SavourLife are encouraging those who are thinking of adopting a dog to head to one of the participating Petbarn stores nationwide to meet some of the four-legged friends who could become their new pawfect family members.

“Our goal this February is to help our rescue partners save 200 pups from pounds who are at direct risk. We’re encouraging Aussies who are thinking about adding a dog to their family to consider adoption as their first choice,” added McTeigue.