For the past six years, PETstock Assist has rehomed more than 12,000 pets over National Pet Adoption Days.
This year, with pet adoptions at an "unprecedented" high, a month-long campaign will focus on sourcing homes for pets and sharing education and training tips for new owners returning to their post-lockdown lives.
Goulburn Valley Pet Adoption and Rehoming rescue coordinator Tilliah Brooks said there had been "a surge" in people wanting to adopt through the coronavirus pandemic last year.
“It was really positive to see people were turning to adoption and trying to educate themselves more about making a more ethical decision when wanting to get a new pet,” she said.
This year, Ms Brooks hoped National Pet Adoption Day - the highlight of the month-long campaign - would encourage Shepparton residents to continue adopting at high levels.
“National Pet Adoption Day is a way to bring to the forefront of people's minds that adoption is the best way to go about getting a new pet,” she said.
“You're giving a pet a second chance . . . because they've come from a home where they weren't able to receive the love and care that every pet deserves.
“And you're stopping the process of overbreeding where pets are ending up in pounds and being put down.”
The campaign will also assist Goulburn Valley residents to help change stereotypes surrounding pet adoption in Australia, and make sustainable, informed choices about which pet is best for them.
PETstock Assist charity and events lead Jessica Curtis said the campaign encouraged everyone to think differently about breaking the cycle of pet homelessness.
“Those who choose to adopt not shop play a critical role in reducing the number of animals inneed,” she said.
“After all time high adoption rates in 2020, this year is truly a celebration of these owners and the commitment they’ve made to their animals.”
On Saturday, March 13 PETstock Shepparton will host Goulburn Valley Pet Adoption and Rehoming in-store as part of National Pet Adoption Day.
Last year, 13 pets were adopted in one day, which PETstock hopes to surpass in 2021.
Volunteers will be in attendance to provide education and training tips for new rescue pet owners, and pets will be available for adoption or fostering.
“It's about making people aware of adopting a foster pet, and if they're not ready to get their own pet, to know they can become a foster carer as well,” PETstock manager Katie Higgins said.
New pet owners and animal lovers in Shepparton are encouraged to engage with PETstock and rescue groups through March for further information on the adoption or fostering process.
For more details, visit petstock.com.au
