General News
5 March, 2025
Adopt and give a rescue pet a home this March
Throughout March, National Pet Adoption Month urges Australians to welcome rescue pets into their homes.
In Horsham, Phoenix Animal Rescue and Horsham PAWS work tirelessly to find permanent or temporary homes for surrendered, abandoned or neglected animals.
Adoption transforms an animal’s life, as Phoenix Animal Rescue Horsham director Carolyn Stow stresses the importance of responsible pet ownership.
“Every animal we take in has a story: some come from pounds, some from private surrenders and others escape neglect,” Ms Stow said.
“No matter their past, they deserve a loving home.”
Petstock Horsham assistant manager Brad Millar highlighted the store’s role in supporting adoption efforts.
“Every March we take part in Petstock Foundation’s adoption campaign to encourage people to consider adopting or fostering pets in need,” Mr Millar said.
“On March 22 we’ll be running an adoption day in partnership with Phoenix Animal Rescue and Horsham PAWS.
“We hope to have some dogs in store, but we always have cats available for adoption.
“We have four cats in store at the moment.”
Mr Millar echoed the call for community involvement.
“Whether through adoption, fostering or donations, every bit of help makes a difference,” he said.
“The more we can raise awareness, the more pets we can find loving homes for.”
Phoenix Animal Rescue ensures each pet receives complete veterinary care before being adopted.
“We desex, microchip, vaccinate and treat all animals for fleas and worms,” Ms Stow said.
“Desexing prevents unwanted litters, and micro-chipping helps lost pets reunite with their families."
The organisation faces overwhelming pressure with more animals needing help than available homes.
“We feel exhausted,” Ms Stow said.
“We dream of a time when rescue groups like ours are no longer necessary, but we struggle to stay upright now.”
Fostering provides a critical solution for pets waiting for adoption.
Tina Gust, a volunteer with Phoenix Horsham, encourages locals to step up.
“If you can not adopt, fostering makes a huge difference," Ms Gust said.
"We need more foster carers in Horsham."
Unowned and wandering cats create another major challenge.
“Stray kittens flood our care,” Ms Stow said
“Owners must take responsibility.
"Desexing prevents unwanted litter and reduces the number of homeless cats."
Financial hardship forces many pet owners to surrender their animals.
RSPCA inspectorate team leader for north-west Victoria Karen Collier sees the impact firsthand.
“We receive 16 calls a day from people who can’t afford to keep their pets,” Ms Collier said.
“It’s heartbreaking, but it happens more often than ever.”
Neglect often stems from a lack of access to basic care.
“Many health issues like flea infestations, ringworm and poor dental health could be avoided,” Ms Collier said.
“We see rising cases of parvo virus and cat flu.
“In many situations, these animals suffer unnecessarily.”
Adoption benefits both pets and their new families.
“Matching the right pet with the right home matters,” Ms Stow said.
“Adopters must think carefully: a pet is a lifelong commitment, not a temporary decision.”
National Pet Adoption Month offers the perfect opportunity to choose adoption.
“So many incredible animals wait for homes,” Ms Stow said.
“Adopt, don’t shop.
"You’ll change their life and yours.”
