Furry friends need love too

PetRescue-affiliated rescue groups will pay a visit to PETstock Belmont on Sunday February 4 from 10am-2pm to help rescued pets find families that will love them.

The initiative, led by PETstock’s charity foundation PETstock Assist, and its major charity partner, PetRescue, aims to raise awareness of pet adoption as part of their National Pet Adoption Day.

Gyton Grantley, host of Channel Ten’s Pooches at Play, has thrown his weight behind the national campaign encouraging Australians to adopt rather than shop for pets.

Gyton, who grew up with pets and now looks after the adorable chocolate Labrador George, said that close to 40 per cent of homes have pets and that he hopes to encourage as many owners as possible to consider adopting their next animal, instead of purchasing.

“The tide is turning when it comes to pet adoption thanks to the hard work of rescue organisations and the passionate people behind them,” Gyton said.

“Increasing numbers of Australians are realising there are tens of thousands of homeless pets out there waiting for someone to love them, and they’re choosing to adopt.

“But there’s still a lot more work to do. I’m encouraging all locals to attend National Pet Adoption Day at PETstock Belmont to learn more about local rescue pets and maybe even meet some beautiful pets up for adoption.”

Every year, approximately 200,000 healthy pets find themselves homeless in Australia’s pounds and shelters – a statistic PETstock and PetRescue are determined to change.

PETstock chief executive officer Shane Young said if just one in five pet seekers chose to adopt a pet instead of shop, pet homelessness would end in Australia.

“Our goal is for every rescue pet to find their forever home, and we’re getting closer,” he said.

For more information, visit petstock.com.au or petrescue.com.au.