Led by the Petstock Foundation, Petstock’s annual Pet Adoption Month has a goal of raising $150,000 by the end of May.
Developed 12 years ago, the campaign sees Petstock stores across Australia and New Zealand call on local shoppers to add $2 on to their purchase or to buy ‘Buddy’, the company’s range of $15 dog plush pet toys.
One hundred per cent of the funds raised through this campaigning will contribute to supporting more than 230 grassroots rescue partners.
Seymour Petstock store manager Brendan O’Brien said the local community had consistently backed Pet Adoption Month.
“This community is amazing — any fundraising (campaign) that we get, this community just goes above and beyond,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We have people who will come in and donate multiple times. They really get behind it.”
Alongside local stores’ fundraising efforts, the campaign also spotlights a need for change.
With nearly 8000 pets up for adoption across Australia on PetRescue, Petstock is hoping to highlight the hardships animal shelters face.
“It’s incredibly important to raise awareness about rescuing or fostering pets because there are thousands of animals across Australia waiting for really loving homes,” Petstock Foundation community engagement lead Naomi Mancktelow said.
“We’re always excited to host our Petstock Foundation National Pet Adoption Month to help get the word out around some of the stresses in the rescue sector and just how amazing adopting these animals can be for families.”
Despite cost-of-living pressures, Mr O’Brien said the local community was already showing significant support for the cause.
“When people know where it’s going and that it’s for a good cause, they don’t really miss that extra $2,” he said.
“These shelters and foster carers are doing it just as tough as anyone else — they’re running off skin and bones a lot of the time, so if they can get a little bit of help, it’s really important.”
He said, along with the local community, the Seymour store’s staff members also got on board with the campaign, with many being personally involved in fostering or rescuing animals.
“The best thing about it is that all of our staff really get behind it, they really enjoy it and really push it,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We raised several thousands of dollars last year, and I’d like to beat that this time.”
Ms Mancktelow said the organisation was grateful for the support shown from communities across the country.
“For those of our passionate communities that have already donated, purchased a Foundation ‘Buddy’ or are heading into our stores throughout the month to see if there’s a forever friend to welcome home, thank you so much,” she said.
“We’re so grateful for your support and we’re looking forward to celebrating a successful national Pet Adoption Month in May.”
The Seymour store is also fundraising through a raffle, where shoppers can win a hamper filled with cat and dog supplies.
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