Melanie Bracewell and Petstock Foundation encourage pet adoption this May

Comedian Melanie Bracewell is lending her support to Petstock Foundation to celebrate the impact of pet adoption and raise awareness of the challenges facing rescue charities.

The campaign is for Petstock’s Adoption Month which runs annually in May and aims to inspire adoption and create a better future for pets and people across Aotearoa, alongside local grassroots rescue charities.

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 range of ‘Buddy’ plush pet toys aims.

Rising pressure

This year’s focus follows data which highlights rising pressure on animal welfare organisations across Aotearoa, as cost of living challenges impact pet owners and adoption rates.

Almost one in third Kiwi pet owners are delaying essential veterinary care due to costs, while 15% have rehomed a pet because they could no longer afford to care for it. Others reported reducing their everyday spending in order to care for their animals.

Pressure on rescue shelters also continues to rise, with the SPCA caring for more than 30,000 animals across New Zealand each year.

Protect our pets

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.

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.

Dog behaviourist and pet health expert, Lara Shannon says, “The cost of living crisis means so many pets who have been abandoned have not been given up for adoption due to behavioural issues, but rather the costs to care for them are too high. This means the pets available are already well trained and are simply in need of a loving home. This May, we are asking people to adopt, donate or buy a plush Buddy pet toy, to help take the pressure off rescue shelters.”

Passionate advocate

As a pet parent to two adopted dogs, Bracewell is passionate about adoption.

“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!” she says.

“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.”

A loyal buddy

Petstock Foundation’s community engagement lead Naomi Mancktelow says: “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.”

We’re a big fan of pets and the joy they bring to our lives. Check out our Top Dogs column on our sister site NZ Marketing, which celebrates our pawsome office mates.