Paw-fect job for animal lovers

NORTHERN Rivers Animal Services is urgently seeking volunteers and foster carers as the housing and economic crisis forces people to give up their pets.

Amy Gasnier, who is manager of the Ballina-based shelter, said the number of dogs and cats being surrendered fluctuates seasonally, with spikes around the festive season.

“During school holidays and Christmas lots of animals get adopted, but lots get surrendered,” she said.

“Different factors contribute.

“At the moment the housing crisis is really impacting us hard.

“There’s a really high number of animals being surrendered because people can’t find rental properties if they have pets, and the cost-of-living crisis is also contributing.

“People are doing it hard and they’re not able to afford extras.”

Gasnier said financial pressures are also making it hard to find volunteer foster carers.

“People don’t have the time or energy,” she said.

“They’re working very hard just to survive, so the thought of taking on an extra responsibility is overwhelming.

“But we supply everything to foster carers, so they don’t have any out of pocket expenses.

“At the moment we have a few key foster carers away, which makes it hard, and we don’t have a lot on our books.”

But those who do sign up usually find the experience extremely rewarding, Gasnier said.

“I think it’s the greatest thing that I have ever done,” she said.

“It’s amazing to be part of a community of like-minded people who are working for the same cause.

“What you get back from the animals is so rewarding — following their story and seeing the joy they get in being rehomed.

“Animals give unconditional love, they’re forgiving, resilient and inspiring.

“It gives you a purpose — you are changing lives.

“It might not be on a global level, it’s on a local level, but you know you have an impact on hundreds of lives.”