Cost of living stress pushing owners to give up their pets

One in six pet owners are currently considering rehoming their pet due to cost-of-living pressures, reveals new research.

Commissioned by the Petstock Foundation in April, the research found that found one in six pet owners had seriously considered rehoming their pet due to financial pressures, despite 69 per cent describing their pets as family members.

Comedian and The Cheap Seats co-host Melanie Bracewell is supporting this year’s Petstock Foundation Adoption Month campaign as rescue shelters report growing pressure from rising living costs and increased pet surrenders.

Bracewell, who has adopted two dogs, Charles and Gigi, said rescue animals had transformed her life.

“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!”

The survey also found 31 per cent of pet owners had gone without groceries or other essentials to cover pet expenses, while 10 per cent had delayed routine or preventative veterinary care because of cost concerns.

The campaign comes as nearly 8,000 pets are available for adoption across Australia, while shelters face increasing costs for food, veterinary treatment and housing.

Bracewell said she adopted her second dog Gigi after hearing about her background.

“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.”

The Petstock Foundation aims to raise $170,000 across Australia and New Zealand through donations and sales of its “Buddy” plush toys to support more than 230 rescue partners.

Naomi Mancktelow, Community Engagement Lead at Petstock Foundation, said rescue organisations were under growing strain.

“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.

“Our focus on adoption this May, gives all Australians the opportunity to directly support local rescue groups with the resources they need most—from everyday care to essential desexing programs.”

Lara Shannon, Dog Behaviourist and Pet Health Expert, said many animals entering shelters were not being surrendered because of behavioural problems.

“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.”

The foundation said it had helped find homes for more than 41,000 rescue pets since it was established in 2007.

During May, Petstock stores across Australia and New Zealand will host adoption weekends, with some locations offering rescue pets for adoption or fostering in store.

To stay up to date on the latest industry headlines, sign up to the Pet Industry News e-newsletter.