This March 2024, the Petstock Foundation is celebrating a milestone 10 years of National Pet Adoption Month, an initiative that helps find loving homes for pets in need of adoption. 

Over the past 10 years, the Petstock Foundation’s National Pet Adoption Month has helped find loving homes for 40,000 rescue pets across Australia and New Zealand, but there are still more animals in need of homes.  

There are currently over 8,000 pets at shelters, rescue groups, pounds and vets across Australia awaiting adoption, and with the rising costs of everyday expenses, sadly it is predicted that this number will continue to rise.  

With a mission to improve the lives of people through the strong bond we experience with our pets, the Petstock Foundation is encouraging people to adopt or foster a pet this National Pet Adoption Month (NPAM), to open their hearts to a pet in need, and experience the positive impact a pet can bring to your life. 

According to the Petstock Foundation, research indicates that 36% of Australian adults have reported feeling lonely, showing we have a need for more connection and companionship in our communities.  

Universally, 97% of people agree that having a pet positively influences one’s life, and improves the mental health of the owner and those around them (95% agree). Pets are seen to offer emotional support (81%), companionship (80%), and are seen as family (76%).  

So, adopting a pet can not only give a pet in need a loving home, it can also improve our mental health by decreasing feelings of loneliness and social isolation. 

Related: Petstock launches debut designer collection at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week

These findings are supported by studies that show companion animals have been found to bring substantial health benefits to people both physically and mentally, and an association between all types of pet ownership and lower experiences of social isolation, particularly for children. 

If you’re considering adopting, like over 25% of Australians, but are hesitant about bringing an animal with poor behaviour traits into your home, fear not. 

“Many rescue animals have been surrendered for reasons other than their behaviour, and many have undertaken basic training, so I would encourage people to not be deterred from adopting for these reasons,” said Dr Kate Mornement, Animal Behaviourist and Petstock Foundation ambassador. 

“In my experience, an adopted animal can adjust and learn how to fit into your life, with a little training and patience.”  

Dr Mornement added that if an individual is still concerned, consider adopting a different kind of animal such as Guinea pigs, birds or rabbits. Adding that these also make wonderful pets, and are particularly great companions for children to help teach them kindness, compassion and how to care for animals.

“Or if you are not currently in a position to adopt, you could consider fostering a pet in need.” 

Fostering a pet or welcoming a different kind of animal into your family could provide immediate relief to the rescue community.  

There are currently over 7307 adoptable pets advertised as needing foster carers on the PetRescue website, which is currently Australia’s largest searchable database of rescue pets. There’s no shortage of different kinds of animals to consider welcoming into your home either.  

“Our family has fostered a number of dogs, as well as a small Conure parrot we fostered before we had kids. After that, we knew we were ready for a pet, and we adopted our foster dog Lenny, who is now a huge part of our family,” says Dr Kate. 

“There are so many wonderful benefits of pet ownership, including reducing feelings of loneliness, opening up opportunities for social interaction, and increased overall happiness,” said Jessica Curtis, Petstock Foundation Strategic Manager. 

“Pets and people truly are better together, and to get involved in National Pet Adoption Month, we’re asking Australians to adopt or foster a rescue animal, or donate to the Petstock Foundation to support rescue pet charities across Australia.”