With nearly 1 in 5 Australian households welcoming a new pet in recent years, the Petstock Foundation is calling on Australians to create a better future for pets this National Pet Adoption Month by considering adoption. Currently, more than 10,000 animals, ranging from cats and dogs to guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, and even larger pets like horses, are in search of loving homes.
According to the Petstock Pet Parent Report 2024, the most significant barrier to adoption is uncertainty about a pet’s history, with 53% of prospective adopters concerned about behavioural or medical issues. Education is key to overcoming these barriers.
Animal Behaviourist Lara Shannon explains, “Many rescue pets, including dogs, cats, and smaller animals, are already house-trained and have basic manners. Most of the time, adopting a pet isn’t starting from scratch—it’s about building on the great traits they already have.”
Lara also encourages adopters not to overlook larger pets or bonded pairs. "For example, larger dogs don’t necessarily need more exercise than small dogs—it depends on their breed, age and personality. And bonded pairs are perfect for those worried about leaving pets alone during the day, as they keep each other company.”
In a country where fewer than 10% of rental properties are pet-friendly, the campaign also acknowledges some of the accessibility issues for renters to adopt pets, but is happy to see some positive changes to policy.
Head of the Petstock Foundation, Jessica Curtis says, “Imagine a future where every family can include pets, no matter their housing situation. This is essential for the millions of Australians who want pets to be part of their lives.”
“With housing situations in mind, National Pet Adoption Month is a chance for Australians to consider not only traditional pets like dogs and cats, but also smaller companions like guinea pigs, birds and reptiles that may be easier for renters to adopt. Together, we can help create a better future for all pets and people,” says Curtis.
With 97% of Australians agreeing that pets positively impact their lives and 95% noting that pets improve their mental health, it’s clear that the human-animal bond is vital to wellbeing. Additionally, cats are increasingly thriving in unconventional environments, with 53% living in share houses and 51% in households with five or more people.
“Adoption doesn’t just change the life of the animal,” says Jessica. “It enriches families, and individual lives. It’s about building a better future together.”
In a 2022 study about pet ownership, it was found Australia's pet population was at 28.7 million with pets outnumbering people that year. Pets could be found in 6.9 million households, making up 69 per cent of all homes in Australia.
The Petstock Foundation exists to strengthen the rewarding bond between pets and
people and has found homes for more than 41,000 rescue pets since its inception in 2007.
Animal lovers are encouraged to visit their local Petstock store during March to find a rescue pet that needs a loving home. Across National Pet Adoption Weekend, Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd March, select stores will have rescue pets available for adoption or fostering in store.
To empower a better future for all pets, you can donate to the Petstock Foundation in-store or online. Visit www.petstock.com.au/adopt to find out more.
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B-Roll footage can be found HERE (Laura Byrne & family) and HERE (general).
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Interview footage of Petstock Foundation Ambassador Laura Byrne and Matty J can be found HERE.
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Images of Petstock Foundation Ambassador Laura Byrne and family can be found HERE.
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Interview footage of Jessica Curtis, Head of Petstock Foundation, can be found HERE.
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Images of case studies and their pets can be found HERE.
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Interview and B-Roll footage of case studies and their pets can be found HERE.
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Key Facts:
- 100,000 healthy pets are killed in Australia each year, most without having the chance to find a home
- Currently there are 10,000 pets available for adoption on one national registry, however it is an ever-changing landscape with pets being adopted and placed for adoption daily so the number could in fact be higher on any given day. In 2025, we have seen a 20 per cent increase on 2024 adoption numbers and with so many pets looking for a home, we encourage Australians to consider not just cats and dog, but the hundreds of rabbits, horses, birds, guinea pigs and ferrets available for adoption.
About us:
About the Petstock Foundation
The Petstock Foundation is a registered charity that exists to empower a better future for pets and people. Since its inception in 2007, the Foundation has raised more than $14 million to date and has found homes for more than 41,000 rescue pets. Petstock Foundation is contributed to by the fundraising initiatives of the Petstock Group, donations by business partners and team members as they come together for the pets that inspire them. 100% of funds raised go towards the Foundation to support its charitable partners and projects with all operating costs covered by the business.
Contact details:
For all media enquiries, please contact:
Emma McEvoy | 0426 793 890 emma.mcevoy@communicado.com.au
Elif Yilmaz | 0422 677 771 | elif.yilmaz@communicado.com.au
