FUR babies big and small will descend on PETstock Echuca next month as part of the fifth annual National Pet Adoption Day (NPAD).
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
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.
In an Australian first, all breed labels will be removed from pets listed on petrescue.com.au in the week leading up to NPAD, to ensure as many loving pets of all types find the homes they deserve.
PETstock assist charity and events coordinator Jess Guilfoyle said she hoped the move would help Aussies forget any preconceptions they have about rescue pets or breed characteristics and get to know the animals for who they were.
‘‘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,’’ she said.
‘‘Love really does know no breed.’’
Animal behaviourist Kate Mornement said there were many more important factors than breed that determined a pet’s personality and temperament.
‘‘Personality and temperament are also influenced by previous experiences and individual differences. This is why you get so much variation both within and between breeds,’’ she said.
‘‘Many well socialised and trained pets find themselves in need of a new home.
‘‘Even those pets that may not have had a great start to life can become wonderful companions.
‘‘With some love and guidance, their personalities shine.’’
Every year about 200,000 pets remain unclaimed in Australian pounds, a statistic PetRescue co-founder Vickie Davy is 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,’’ she said.
‘‘Just like humans, personality is individual and it’s what’s on the inside that counts.
‘‘Breeds come in and out of fashion and unfortunately the stereotypes around them can lead to people choosing the wrong pet for their families.
‘‘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.
‘‘From couch potatoes to fitness fanatics and beer buddies, there’s a pet to suit every lifestyle and one of the biggest benefits to adopting is knowing that personality in advance.
‘‘National Pet Adoption Day is a fantastic opportunity for Echuca locals to find their perfect match.’’
National Pet Adoption Day will be held at PETstock Echuca on Saturday, February 9.
Pet lovers are encouraged to visit their local store to meet animals searching for their forever home and learn more about adoption.
11°C