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.
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.
She was 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.
Melanie’s support comes at a time when pet shelters are increasingly feeling the pinch amid soaring living costs. Rescue shelters around New Zealand are seeing an increase in pet owners being forced to surrender their pets.
Recent research showed almost one in three Kiwi pet owners are delaying essential veterinary care due to cost, while 15 percent have rehomed a pet because they could no longer afford care, while many more say they have reduced their own everyday spending to continue caring for their animals.
With the SPCA caring for more than 30,000 animals across New Zealand each year, slower adoptions and sustained intake are placing ongoing pressure on shelter capacity. 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.
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.
Dog behaviourist and pet health expert, Lara Shannon, said that 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 because the costs of caring for them are too high.
This means the pets available are already well-trained and simply need a loving home, so she encouraged people to adopt, donate or buy a plush Buddy pet toy, to help take the pressure off rescue shelters.
Petstock Foundation’s Community Engagement Lead, Naomi Mancktelow, added that potential pet parents can 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,” said Naomi.
“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 NZD 20 in Pet Cash to new adopters’ Petstock Rewards Membership accounts, to help start their adoption journey. Other initiatives at Petstock, such as Everyday Rewards points, offer rewards that can be used towards future purchases.
Animal lovers are encouraged to visit their local Petstock store in May to find a rescue pet in need of 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 help create a better future for all pets, people can also donate to the Petstock Foundation in-store or online or purchase a plush Buddy pet toy.
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