The Petstock Foundation partners with ambassador Laura Byrne to create a better future for all pets during National Pet Adoption Month (March 2025). - The Petstock Foundation

3 Mar 2025 6:13 AM

With nearly 1 in 5 Australian households welcoming a new pet in recent years, the Petstock Foundation is calling on Australians to create a better future for pets this National Pet Adoption Month by considering adoption. Currently, more than 10,000 animals, ranging from cats and dogs to guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, and even larger pets like horses, are in search of loving homes.

 

According to the Petstock Pet Parent Report 2024, the most significant barrier to adoption is uncertainty about a pet’s history, with 53% of prospective adopters concerned about behavioural or medical issues. Education is key to overcoming these barriers.

 

Leading podcaster and reality TV star Laura Byrne, has partnered with Petstock Foundation for the second time as an ambassador for National Pet Adoption Month 2025. Laura says, “There are so many pets that need a loving home and I think there is a deep sense of appreciation and love that comes from adopting a rescue animal rather than ‘buying’ an animal. I really want to change the stigma that rescue animals come with behavioural issues or past traumas - as often they have the most beautiful temperament.

 

“Last year, we added a sassy rescue kitten named Raspberry to our family. She quickly became queen of our household and sleeps in our daughter Lola’s bed most nights. We were so proud of how well she settled in, becoming best of pals with our rescue dog Buster who has been with us since 2016. The kids love having animals and I think it gives them such a good sense of responsibility as they help to take care of them. It really is something special”

 

Animal Behaviourist Lara Shannon explains, “Many rescue pets, including dogs, cats, and smaller animals, are already house-trained and have basic manners. Most of the time, adopting a pet isn’t starting from scratch—it’s about building on the great traits they already have.”

 

Lara also encourages adopters not to overlook larger pets or bonded pairs, "For example, larger dogs don’t necessarily need more exercise than small dogs—it depends on their breed, age and personality. Bonded pairs are also perfect for those worried about leaving pets alone during the day, as they keep each other company.”

 

Head of Petstock Foundation, Jessica Curtis encourages potential pet parents to consider different breeds of pet, depending on what their individual living circumstances allow: “With housing situations in mind, National Pet Adoption Month is a chance for Australians to consider not only traditional pets like dogs and cats, but also smaller companions like guinea pigs, birds and reptiles that may be easier for renters to adopt. Together, we can help create a better future for all pets and people.” 

 

With 97% of Australians agreeing that pets positively impact their lives and 95% noting that pets improve their mental health, it’s clear that the human-animal bond is vital to wellbeing. Additionally, cats are increasingly thriving in unconventional environments, with 53% living in share houses and 51% in households with five or more people.

 

“Adoption doesn’t just change the life of the animal,” says Jessica. “It enriches families, and individual lives. It’s about building a better future together.”

 

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 March to find a rescue pet that needs a loving home. Across National Pet Adoption Weekend, Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd March, 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. Visit www.petstock.com.au/adopt to find out more.

 

• Petstock Foundation Ambassador Laura Byrne Q&A Backgrounder can be found HERE.

• B-Roll footage can be found HERE (Laura Byrne & family) and HERE (general).

• Interview footage of Petstock Foundation Ambassador Laura Byrne and Matty J can be found HERE.

• Images of Petstock Foundation Ambassador Laura Byrne and family can be found HERE.

• Interview footage of Jessica Curtis, Head of Petstock Foundation, can be found HERE.
  

 

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Key Facts:

• 100,000 healthy pets are killed in Australia each year, most without having the chance to find a home
• Currently there are 10,000 pets available for adoption on one national registry, however it is an ever-changing landscape with pets being adopted and placed for adoption daily so the number could in fact be higher on any given day. In 2025, we have seen a 20 per cent increase on 2024 adoption numbers and with so many pets looking for a home, we encourage Australians to consider not just cats and dog, but the hundreds of rabbits, horses, birds, guinea pigs and ferrets available for adoption.

About us:

About the Petstock Foundation

The Petstock Foundation is a registered charity that exists to empower a better future for pets and people. Since its inception in 2007, the Foundation has raised more than $14 million to date and has found homes for more than 41,000 rescue pets. Petstock Foundation is contributed to by the fundraising initiatives of the Petstock Group, donations by business partners and team members as they come together for the pets that inspire them. 100% of funds raised go towards the Foundation to support its charitable partners and projects with all operating costs covered by the business.

Contact details:

For all media enquiries, please contact:

Elif Yilmaz | 0422 677 771 | [email protected] 

Emma McEvoy | 0426 793 890 [email protected]

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