By Esther Lauaki
Moorabool residents looking for a new furry family member need look no further.
PETstock Bacchus Marsh and stores across the country will be hosting their fifth annual National Pet Adoption Day on February 9.
The initiative, run by PETstock’s charity arm PETstock Assist and leading adoption site PetRescue, is this year hoping to double the number of pets adopted during 2018 to 1000.
All breed labels will be removed from pets listed online in the week leading up to the day, to ensure as many loving pets of all types find the homes they deserve.
PETstock charity and events co-ordinator Jess Guilfoyle said she hopes the move will help people forget any preconceptions they have about rescue pets or breed characteristics and get to know the animals for who they are.
“Every pet is unique and individual, and I encourage people considering a new pet to keep an open mind – you may just be surprised by who you fall for,” Ms Guilfoyle said.
PetRescue co-founder Vickie Davy said that every year about 200,000 pets remain unclaimed in Australian pounds – a statistic she was determined to change.
“I hope by encouraging people to look for
an individual pet rather than a particular
breed we can educate people on the incredible benefits of adopting a pet in need,” Ms Davy said.
“Not all cute fluffy dogs are great with kids and overlooking a big boofy dog – who loves children and naps – may mean you miss out on the perfect family dog.”
National Pet Adoption Day starts at 10am.
Details: www.petrescue.com.au
