What’s really behind Australia’s falling pet adoption rates?
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Helping pets find new homes saves lives. But helping them stay in the homes they already have can be just as life-changing.
And we're seeing encouraging signs that this approach to animal welfare is gaining momentum.
Government grant programs in New South Wales and Victoria are recognising the importance of prevention, supporting initiatives that help pets and their people stay together before they reach a point of crisis.
It's a positive step towards a future where animal welfare isn't just about responding when pets need help, but preventing the circumstances that put them at risk in the first place.
What does this mean?
Both states have included prevention initiatives in their animal welfare grant funding, creating opportunities for eligible rescue organisations and charities to deliver programs that support pets and their people before they reach a point of crisis.
In Victoria, Round 14 of the Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program specifically recognises initiatives that help prevent pet surrender by addressing challenges such as behavioural concerns, financial hardship and housing difficulties.
In NSW, the Companion Animal Welfare and Rehoming Grant Program also recognises projects that help prevent pets from entering the rehoming system, alongside initiatives supporting veterinary care, reunification and adoption.
It's an important acknowledgement that animal welfare isn't just about rescue and adoption. It's also about what we can do to help pets stay safely with the people who love them.
Why does this matter?
For many pets entering the rescue system, the circumstances aren't simply about someone no longer wanting their pet.
Financial hardship, housing insecurity, unexpected veterinary costs and a lack of accessible support can leave loving pet guardians facing heartbreaking decisions.
But with the right help, at the right time, some of these separations can be prevented.
By recognising prevention as an area worthy of funding, these grant programs create opportunities for rescue organisations to expand their impact beyond traditional rescue and adoption.
And that's a win for pets, people and the rescue sector.
There's no place like home 💚
At PetRescue, we believe the best outcome for a pet isn't always finding a new home. Sometimes, it's helping them stay in the one they already have.
That's the thinking behind There's No Place Like Home, our commitment to prevention, early intervention and keeping pets and people together wherever possible.
Through programs that provide practical support, strengthen communities and create pathways to help before a crisis, we're working towards a future where fewer pets need to enter the rescue system.
Seeing prevention recognised in government funding is an encouraging sign of progress towards a more proactive, compassionate approach to animal welfare.
Find out more about the grants
Victoria: Round 14 of the Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program is open until 2 November 2026. View the Victorian Government grant information.
New South Wales: Round 2 of the Companion Animal Welfare and Rehoming Grant Program closed on 9 October 2026. Learn more about the NSW grant program.
Learn more about PetRescue's There's No Place Like Home initiative and our work to help pets and people stay together.
