Last updated: 22 Jul, 2019
Published on: 18 Aug, 2014
Volunteer and Advocate
Power to the pet-loving people!
You don’t have to be the Wonder Woman or Iron Man of animal carers to help save the lives of rescue pets in your community. The evidence of the volunteer and advocate's influence is all around us as pet lovers across the nation are now driving a shift towards pro-adoption and no-kill programs.
But while companion animals are still being killed in Australia's pounds (56% of cats and 25% of dogs), we desperately need more pet advocates taking action. Read on to discover the five powers you possess to save lives in your community.
1. Foster a rescue pet
Opening your heart and home to a foster pet is the most rewarding way you can help save the lives of lost and abandoned dogs, cats and other companion animals in your community. As a foster carer, you give them the very best chance of finding happiness and a human to love, by making the transition from pound to forever home as stress-free as possible. Find out more about pet foster care.
2. Give some time, love, food and blankets
Shelters rely on an army of pet-loving volunteers to exercise their dogs, clean, feed and spend time with their rescue animals. And many shelters and rescue groups will also gladly accept donations of pet food, toys and blankets. Find your local shelter or rescue group in our Rescue Directory and ask them how you can help out.
From time to time, PetRescue also puts a call-out on our Facebook page for volunteers to assist with adoption campaigns, programs and events.
3. Quiz your local council on pound policy
Statistics show that over 40% of all pets entering Australia's pounds are killed because homes aren't found for them. But you can help drive these figures down by asking your community pound just four basic questions. Check out the life-saving checklist.
4. Get in the know
One of the most effective ways you can help drive the revolution for saving pets in your local community is by becoming an informed animal advocate. PetRescue urge all keen pet lovers to get informed about the No Kill Movement and Humane Cat Management, and attend events, such as Getting 2 Zero to learn from those who know how to achieve positive results for pets.
5. Share and champion adoption
Playing the role of pet matchmaker is a fun and easy way to save lives. Every time you share a furry face from the PetRescue pages using our social media links, you give a rescue pet a voice and a chance of finding their forever home. You might even help someone you know discover the joy and unconditional love a rescue pet brings. Find out how to start sharing.