Petstock Foundation celebrates another successful National Pet Adoption Month

The Petstock Foundation is celebrating an incredible National Pet Adoption Month (NPAM) with 850 rescue animals adopted into their forever homes across Australia. The nation rallied behind the initiative which urges Australians to consider adoption or fostering in an effort to help break the cycle of pet homelessness across the country.

This year, rescue cats again led the way with 789 adoptions, followed by a further 28 rescue dogs and 33 other animal types including a mix of birds, guinea pigs and rabbits. The Australia and New Zealand combined total found 980 rescue animals loving homes throughout March. In addition to successful adoptions, $364,847 was raised during National Pet Adoption Month and is to be distributed equally to partnering rescue groups across Australia and New Zealand.

Jessica Curtis, Head of the Petstock Foundation, says it’s amazing to see so many rescue animals, including different animal types such as birds and even guinea pigs find their forever homes during the Petstock Foundation’s National Pet Adoption Month.

“We are so grateful to everyone who chose to adopt or foster this March. We know that 97% of Australians agree that pets positively impact our lives, and we truly believe pets and people are better together.

“But our work doesn’t stop there! There are still animals in the tens of thousands, ranging from cats and dogs including large breeds, bonded pairs and seniors, to guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, and even horses and sheep that are in search of loving homes,” Jessica says.

While March brings national attention to pet adoption and fostering, the reality is that rescue groups work tirelessly every day to care for thousands of animals waiting for a second chance.

“During March we do see a rise in adoptions due to shining a light on the thousands of pets in need and the wonderful work of our adoption partners, however, we encourage pet adoptions year-round.

“We provide free space in selected stores across the country for our teams to work closely with their respective local rescue group 365 days of the year, and encourage anyone considering a pet to visit their local shelter or Petstock store to learn more about adoption or fostering,” Jessica says.

For the hundreds of people who adopted during National Pet Adoption Month, settling in can be an exciting but overwhelming time. Animal Behaviourist Lara Shannon shares some advice on how to welcome a rescue pet into your home.

“Bringing home a rescue pet is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s important to remember that they need time to adjust and settle in. Patience, structure and positive reinforcement goes a long way in helping your new pet feel safe and secure in their new environment,” Lara advises.

“Establishing a routine, providing enrichment, and using positive reinforcement is essential for setting up success with your rescue pet,” Lara says.

For over a decade, the Petstock Foundation’s National Pet Adoption Month has helped find loving homes for more than 41,000 rescue pets across Australia and New Zealand.

To empower a better future for all pets, you can donate to the Petstock Foundation in-store or online. Visit the Petstock Adoption Hub to find out more.