Published on: 26 Feb, 2021
Gearing up for an even bigger and brighter future for at risk pets
A future where all pets are safe, respected and loved is something that we are all passionate about.
So much so that 16 years ago, three pet-loving volunteers, who had a life-changing desire to change the future for rescue pets joined forces and PetRescue was created.
Since then, we have come so far.
By harnessing emerging technology at the time to help create a movement, we now have a generation of pet lovers who embrace adoption. Through creating a platform, connection, community, accessibility and understanding of a rescue pets plight - adopting a homeless pet became a popular option. The impact has been game-changing.
Over 680,000 adoptions later and 30,000 visitors daily to petrescue.org.au, PetRescue has grown to be an incredible team of 16 dedicated staff that underpin this vital service for pets, rescue groups and the public.
Many of you have supported us over this journey and we are incredibly grateful for the faith you have shown in us and the commitment you have made to help animals.
And while there has been much progress and change already, systemic change is happening too slowly for our liking. Despite all this progress, pets are still being killed needlessly and this isn’t okay with us.
So this is where we find ourselves today, ready for the next challenge, still with a burning desire and intent to continue shaking up the animal welfare sector until we really do reach our goal of every pet being safe, respected and loved.
As with most small charities our Joint-CEOs, JB and Vix, have had to juggle multiple hats and roles over the years. Some of you may have met or seen Vix speaking at a conference or received a “love JB” email in your inbox. Simply experiencing the PetRescue website (JB's baby!) or accessing the vast library of content (much carefully curated by Vix!) or accessing a food donation program, or anything really, has all been possible under their guidance.
But with our big dreams and goals ahead, it’s time to ramp up PetRescue to the next chapter… Introducing Patima Tantiprasut - PetRescue’s new Managing Director.
It was actually three years ago when JB and Vix knew the next step needed to be taken to make this ambition become a reality. A new leader was needed to drive us to the next level of change we need to make.
It was a long lead time but finding that perfect person, who was equally as passionate about saving pets lives and who also had the grit, determination and skills to run a growing organisation was something that wasn’t going to be rushed.
The exciting news is that person is Patima. Joining PetRescue in February 2019 in the role of General Manager, her perfect fit made the decision for our future path easy. In February 2020, Patima was invited to join the Board and commenced transitioning to the position of Managing Director. JB and Vix are SO pleased she accepted the challenge!
JB and Vix can now transition out of the Joint-CEO role, but on a day-to-day basis many things will remain the same - JB’s emails will still arrive with all his love and Vix is still out there agitating for change for vulnerable pets (read more about her work for urban stray cats.)
But with the additional experience and skills that Patima brings (especially in design, tech and strategy) we are set to fast track the mission to save more lives. You have already heard about our goals and actions underway to transform the future for pets and with Patima on the team - our vision and pathway to get there couldn’t be clearer.
So thank you for being a much-valued member of the PetRescue community. Together, we are all playing important roles in helping vulnerable pets. This is an exciting time and with our collective knowledge, we will push boundaries and trial new ways, including how we think about and approach animal welfare. All of this for the 100,000* pets who need us most - to make changes to save their lives. It’s the next step on the journey.
As usual, if you have any questions please email us at members@petrescue.org.au or join the conversation on the members-only Facebook group.
We're excited to be taking steps to get closer to that day we all want to see - where every pet is safe and loved. And we are so glad to be in this together.
Introducing the new look PetRescue structure:
Pats ~ Patima Tantiprasut
Managing Director | Governance and Operations
Vix ~ Vickie Davy
Founding Director | Animal Welfare Strategy and Partnerships
JB ~ John Bishop
Founding Director | Technology Innovation