HORSHAM Paws president Penny Stemp says events like National Pet Adoption Day help reduce the number of animals that end up on the street.
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PETstock Horsham and Stawell will host Wimmera animal rescue groups in-store for the adoption day on February 15.
"The more people that shop (at pet stores instead of adopting), the more animals will be bred and the problem continues. It's supply and demand," Mrs Stemp said.
"Then animals are relinquished and abandoned pets that we deal with get left behind while people shop."
People may not always get the best deal when they shop for farmed animals either, Mrs Stemp said.
"When they shop (new owners) don't always always get them desexed, whereas when they adopt the deal is the animals are desexed, microchipped, given worming treatment, and vaccinated. That's all done as part of the adoption cost."
Horsham Paws has taken part in the PETstock event a few times before.
"We've had some really successful times at the PETstock adoption day and we would consider it a success if we were able to find homes for three cats," Ms Stemp said.
Mrs Stemp acknowledged that adoption wasn't possible for everyone but said there were other ways people could help homeless animals.
"If they can't foster or adopt we're always looking for people to be on the cleaning and playing roster in the cat or kitten room," she said.
"We do have our kitten sanctuary where the mothers get to go and have their babies in peace and quiet, and get to be loved while they bring them up.
"We have kittens in there that are up to about eight or nine weeks old and then they get moved onto foster care in homes, so they definitely get to stay with their mums if they come in with their mums.
"There's always donations we need to keep all the little critters fed and entertained, like food and worming treatments too."
Ms Stemp recommended anyone interested in learning more visit the Horsham Paws website.
Overall the past five Adoption Days have found homes for nearly 3000 animals across Australia, and this year PETstock Assist is aiming to find forever homes for another 1000 rescue pets across its 145 stores.
PetRescue co-founder, Vickie Davy, has seen firsthand the incredible bonds that form when new owners open their mind and adopt different.
"A lot of people start their search for a new pet with a certain type, breed, or age in mind. However, your perfect match might not be the pet you think," she said.
"If you have your hands full with kids, an older, more settled dog or cat may be a far better fit than a young, energetic puppy. Or, if it's your child's first pet, a smaller animal such as a guinea pig or reptile may be a better option and a great introduction to the responsibility of pet ownership."
Rescue pets receive extensive training and behavioural assessments before being rehomed, allowing potential owners to make an informed decision on the right pet for their lifestyle.
For more information on Adoption Day please visit petstock.com.au or to begin the search for your new family member, please visit petrescue.com.au
SAVE THE DATE:
What: PETstock Stawell National Pet Adoption Day
When: Saturday February 15, 2020
Time: 10am - 2pm
Where: PETstock Stawell, 1 Frayne Street, Stawell, and PETstock Horsham, 49-51 Urquhart Street, Horsham.
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