Finding your 'pawfect' pet match at the heart of 'Adopt, Don't Shop'
The WA Government has launched a major community awareness campaign to encourage people looking for a new pet to first consider adopting a dog or cat from an animal rescue organisation.
The 'Adopt, Don't Shop' campaign aims to link people with a pet that best suits their home and circumstances and highlights the significant benefits of opening your heart to a rescue pet.
In the lead up to the festive season and summer holidays, many people consider bringing a pet into their home because they have extra time off to help them settle in and create a strong bond with the animal.
With more animals being surrendered or abandoned, animal rescue organisations are busier than ever, with many dogs and cats waiting for a home.
Adopting or fostering a pet has the benefit of relieving pressure on rescue organisations that have many different types of dogs and cats needing a new family or owner.
Rescue animals are desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, checked by a vet and importantly their characteristics and behaviour are known to the rescue organisation to ensure their new home is the best fit for them and their new owner.
The campaign supports the Government's Stop Puppy Farming laws which are delivering important measures to combat the practice of puppy farming through a staged approach.
These include mandatory sterilisation, transitioning pet shops to adoption centres, breeder registration and establishing a centralised registration system, PetsWA.
People looking to find their perfect pet match, and find out more about responsible pet ownership, are encouraged to visit pets.wa.gov.au
Western Australians are urged to help spread the word about the joys of pet adoption by sharing their stories on social media using #AdoptDon'tShopWA, #PetsWA and #RescuePets.