Cats, Community and Reduced Fees: Inside Mornington Peninsula's May Adoption Event
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How can councils and rescue organisations work better together to help more pets stay safe? That was the conversation PetRescue brought to the Australian Institute of Animal Management (AIAM) Workshop, sharing insights from Australia's rescue community and practical ways to improve outcomes for pets.
As a supporting sponsor of the event, PetRescue joined council representatives and Animal Management Officers to explore the challenges facing animal welfare and the opportunities to create positive change through collaboration.
Representing PetRescue was Community Partnerships Manager Bella Fransz, who delivered an engaging presentation titled From Crisis to Placement: What Rescues Really Need From Councils.
Understanding the pressures facing rescue organisations
Rescue organisations play a vital role in keeping pets safe, but across Australia, many are facing increasing pressure.
Drawing on PetRescue's national data and insights from its rescue member community, Bella shared a picture of a sector navigating growing demand, rising costs, limited resources and an ageing volunteer workforce.
In 2026, 49% of pets listed on PetRescue were in the care of rescue groups, highlighting just how important these organisations are to Australia's animal welfare system.
At the same time, fewer pets are finding homes within the same timeframes, while rescue organisations increasingly have to make difficult decisions about which pets they can support.
Rescue organisations can't solve these challenges alone. They call for stronger partnerships, shared understanding and practical support across the animal welfare sector.
Small changes that can make a big difference
Bella's presentation focused on six practical ways councils can better support rescue organisations and improve outcomes for pets in their care.
From ensuring pets receive essential veterinary care before transfer, to sharing complete health and behaviour information, providing quality adoption photos and building stronger rescue partnerships, each recommendation offered a tangible way to ease the pressure on rescue organisations.
Importantly, the conversation also looked beyond rehoming.
One of the biggest opportunities is reducing the number of pets who need to enter the system in the first place. By prioritising reunification, supporting responsible pet guardianship and addressing barriers that prevent pets from returning home, councils can help more pets stay safe, and families stay together.
The practical takeaways resonated with the audience, with council representatives and Animal Management Officers photographing slides throughout the presentation and approaching Bella afterwards to thank her and continue the conversation.
Bridging the gap between councils and rescue
This collaborative approach is at the heart of PetRescue's Safe and Sound Pets program.
The program brings together councils, rescue organisations and communities to rethink how we support pets and the people who care for them, shifting the focus from responding to crisis towards preventing it wherever possible.
Events like the AIAM Workshop create valuable opportunities to bridge the worlds of local government and rescue, helping build shared understanding of the challenges each faces and the role everyone can play in creating better outcomes for pets.
For PetRescue, it was a wonderful opportunity to bring the experiences of our rescue member community into the room, share practical solutions and strengthen the connections that help keep pets safe.
And a special acknowledgement to Bella, who represented PetRescue, our rescue member community and the pets we're all working to protect with warmth, confidence and care.
Because when we work together, we can build a future where every pet is safe, respected and loved.
Learn more about PetRescue's Safe and Sound Pets program.
The Australian Institute of Animal Management (AIAM) Workshop was held in Hobart, Tasmania, on 26–28 October 2026.
