Rescuing Love

Pet Insurance Australia catches up with Cathy Beer, the brainchild of the Jetpets Companion Animals Recuse Awards, to discuss why being owned by a rescue pet is such a wonderful experience.

Any pet owner who has enjoyed the experience of rescuing a furrrever friend knows first-hand the absolute joy and emotion involved when adopting a pet. For Cathy Beer, this love for animal adoption led to a career in pet welfare and developing the popular Australian-first rescue awards – Jetpets Companion Animal Rescue Awards.

The statistics speak for themselves – around 186,000 pet are left, unclaimed in shelters across Australia every year!

“The good news is there are over 1,000 rescue groups and animals shelters with thousands of volunteers who give those pets a second chance in a loving home,” Cathy says. “ As a pet adopter myself, I can say rescuing an animal is a very rewarding experience. At home, we now have two long term foster doggies, ‘Fluffy’ and ‘Twinkle’ and they bring much joy and energy to our home.”

Cathy isn’t the only one. The 2018 awards uncovered some seriously tear-evoking stories featuring rescue pets and their loving owners, and showcased the incredible bond and love these pets offer to their human companions.

“A great example is the story of Jason and Diesel, Our 2018 winner of the Advocate^® People’s Rescue Story award,” Cathy smiles. “Declared a ‘dangerous dog’, Diesel was saved from being destroyed by Forever Friends Animal Rescue on the condition he received 12 months of positive training. Diesel went on to top his obedience class and then became a therapy dog for Head Space in Victoria. Jason was devastated after the loss of three friends in a nasty car accident. Diesel has been a wonderful companion and comfort to Jason.”

It’s stories like these that are warming the hearts of pet owners worldwide and documenting the true nature and unconditional love our companion animals possess.

Thinking of Rescuing a Pet?

If you are considering rescuing a pet there are some steps to contemplate before heading out to your local shelter. Basic things such as your lifestyle and future plans is important to examine. A pet can be a 16+ year commitment. Be realistic. If you are desperate to be a pet owner and get your weekly dose of animal love, but it just doesn’t’ stack-up to actually own a pet, consider volunteering at your local shelter.

“Before you adopt a pet, I suggest not to worry about what the animal looks like or the breed, instead look for a pet that fits in well with your family and lifestyle,” Cathy suggests. “However, if you are looking for a specific breed there are rescue groups who specialise in a particular breed.”

Cathy also advises pet owners to ask lots of questions and come prepared with all the information in regards to the type of pet you require – other pets, family friendly, one person home etc.

“If you have a cat and thinking of adopting a dog, ask the rescue group or animal shelter for a dog that is well socialised with cats and vice versa if you have a dog and thinking of getting a cat,” she recommends.

How to Choose a Good Rescue Organisation?

It’s also paramount that you source a good rescue pet from a good organisation. Most rescue groups and animal shelters are ethical and very well established organisations. However, Cathy does warn, like with all organisations, some are not what they seem.

“There are a few ‘bad apples’ out there former rescue group ‘Story Book Farm’ where the RSPCA Qld found and seized many severely neglected and disabled animals,” Cathy says. “I expect a good rescue group or animal shelter will ask you a few questions and not pressure you into adopting a particular animal.”

Cathy advises a few things to look out for when choosing to adopt from an ethical rehoming organisation:

• You can meet the animal in person.
• Animal is vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped and de-sexed prior to adoption
• Take home the animal for a trial
• Post adoption support to help you settle in your pet
• The animal is well looked after

PIA is thrilled to be a Gold Rescue Partner of the Jetpets Companion Animal Rescue Awards 2019. Have you adopted or fostered a pet?  Share your happy ‘tail’ with the nation and enter the Advocate^® People’s Rescue Story before 30 June to win fabulous prizes for your pet and your favourite rehoming organisation. Enter now!

We offer award-winning* pet insurance policies to protect your furry friend’s health and wellbeing. Get a quote today and give your pets the care they deserve.