New data highlights rising pressure on animal welfare organisations across New Zealand, as cost-of- living challenges impact both pet owners and adoption rates.
She’s used to bringing the laughs, but this May, Melanie Bracewell, comedian and co-host of The Cheap Seats, is lending her support to the Petstock Foundation to shed light on the life-changing impact of pet adoption, and the challenges rescue charities are facing.
Bracewell’s support comes at a time where pet shelters are increasingly feeling the pinch due to the soaring cost of living and the rapidly rising cost of expenses like petrol, groceries and health insurance. Rescue shelters around Aotearoa are seeing an increase in pet owners being forced to surrender their pets.
Recent research shows almost one in three Kiwi pet owners are delaying essential veterinary care due to cost, while 15% have rehomed a pet because they could no longer afford carewhile many more say they have reduced their own everyday spending to continue caring for their animals1.
This comes as demand on shelters continues to rise, with the SPCA caring for more than 30,000 animals across New Zealand each year2, with slower adoptions and sustained intake placing ongoing pressure on shelter capacity.
These pressures are being felt nationwide as organisations respond to continued high intake levels alongside rising operational costs. With less than 10% of SPCA funding coming from government sources, charities are increasingly reliant on adoption fees and public donations to bridge the gap between the true cost of care and available funding.
Adding to this demand, the recent Government decision to phase out greyhound racing in New Zealand is expected to result in an increased number of former racing dogs requiring rehoming over the coming years.
The initiative also aims to raise $170,000 across New Zealand and Australia through in-store and online donations, and sales of Petstock Foundation’s very own range of ‘Buddy’ plush pet toys, to support 230+ grassroots rescue partners and reduce pressure on rescue and rehoming services.
As a pet parent to two adopted dogs, Melanie is passionate about adoption, and the quirks of her adopted dogs, Charles and Gigi, make her laugh every day. Melanie says, “I adopted my dog Charles, a Maltese Shi-tzu, four years ago, and my life has changed for the better ever since. He is like the old man from the movie Up, that grumpy guy with a heart of gold and a sad back story. He also smiles with his bottom teeth - like me before I got braces!
“We decided to adopt Gigi when Pawsome Friends reached out again and shared her story. She came from a hoarder home with 35 other dogs, so that took a bit of adjusting, but she is so excitable and happy - she is the little kid who has given Charles a new lease on life. Seeing them together, and the joy that Charles and Gigi bring to my life is priceless.
“Having a rescue pet is rewarding in so many ways, and they also give you a way to build connections with other people, by telling their story. If someone comes up to me and asks about my dogs, I get to brag and say that I gave them a better life. I get to explain their little quirks. I love a dog with a backstory! I’m proud to partner with the Petstock Foundation to raise awareness for the importance of adoption, and how awesome it is to have a forever friend to share your life with.”
Petstock Foundation’s Adoption Month has been a National annual event for 12 years now and exists to inspire adoption and create a better future for pets and people across New Zealand, alongside local grassroots rescue charities.
Petstock Foundation’s Community Engagement Lead, Naomi Mancktelow explains, “We know from our work with over 230 grassroots rescue partners nationwide that the pressure they are facing to rescue and rehome abandoned animals is ever increasing, particularly with rising costs. Potential pet parents have the opportunity to give a rescue pet a new lease on life, while gaining a loyal buddy.
“Our focus on adoption this May, gives all New Zealander’s the opportunity to directly support local rescue groups with the resources they need most - from everyday care to essential desexing programs. These programs reduce unwanted litters, ease pressure on overstretched rescues, and bring us closer to a future with zero preventable animal euthanasia.”
During the month of May, Petstock is helping new pet parents manage cost of living pressures by adding $20 in Pet Cash to new adopter’s Petstock Rewards Membership accounts, to help start their adoption journey. Other initiatives at Petstock, like Everyday Rewards points, provide people with rewards that can be used towards future purchases.
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 May to find a rescue pet that needs a loving home. Each Petstock store will be hosting an Adoption Weekend on various weekends throughout May and 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, or purchase a plush Buddy pet toy. Visit www.petstock.com.nz/adopt to find out more.
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