Adopt, don’t shop: Give a pet in need a loving home

Amid the cost-of-living crisis, recent research from the Petstock Foundation found one in six pet owners had seriously considered rehoming their pets.

This pressure is trickling down to shelters, with nearly 8000 pets available for adoption.

Petstock Shepparton manager Maddy Cox said pet adoption gave animals a better future.

“Pet adoption is so important because there are too many animals that haven't got homes,” Miss Cox said.

“Unfortunately, many people out there can't afford to own their pets any more.”

Miss Cox said that Shepparton’s Petstock would mainly have cats up for adoption during the weekend event.

“We always say to everyone, adopt, don't shop,” she said.

“I've grown up with pound dogs my whole life, and they've been the best dogs.”

Dog behaviourist and pet health expert Lara Shannon said many pets were being surrendered to shelters due to financial pressures rather than behavioural problems.

“The pets available are already well trained and are simply in need of a loving home,” she said.

“This May, we are asking people to adopt, donate or buy a plush Buddy pet toy, to help take the pressure off rescue shelters.”

The Petstock Foundation hopes to raise $150,000 nationally through donations and sales of its Buddy plush pet toys.

Since launching in 2007, the Petstock Foundation has helped find homes for more than 41,000 rescue pets.

Animal lovers are encouraged to visit their local Petstock store during May to find a rescue pet that needs a home.

Find out more at petstock.com.au/adopt.