GV Pet Adoption and Rehoming dog co-ordinator Steph Sparrow with nine-month-old blue heeler Rusty, who was recently surrendered to the rescue.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Local animal rescues are struggling to keep up with demand as more dogs are surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them.
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GV Pet Adoption and Rehoming co-ordinator Steph Sparrow said they were seeing a “massive influx” of dogs.
“Shelters are full, pounds full,” she said.
“There is such a demand at the moment.”
GV Pet Adoption is trying to meet the needs of the local area by providing another option for owners who can no longer keep their dogs.
“We’re trying to keep dogs out of the pound,” she said.
Ms Sparrow said dogs were being surrendered for a range of reasons, including relationship breakdowns, changing family circumstances and owners struggling to meet their needs.
The rescue has seen many high-energy breeds, including cattle dogs, kelpies and Labradors, prompting Ms Sparrow to urge prospective owners to consider whether a breed suited their lifestyle.
“If you’re not high energy yourself, or you’ve got a small yard or a small apartment, don’t go get a cattle dog or a kelpie,” she said.
“I just wish people did their research and knew it was a lifelong commitment.”
Nine-month-old blue heeler Rusty is heading off to training to increase his chances of being adopted.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
She said owners also needed to consider their budget, with food, veterinary bills and training all adding up.
“It’s not just buying the dog; it’s the ongoing cost,” she said.
“I think so many dogs are coming in due to lack of education,” she said.
With no physical shelter, the not-for-profit relies on foster carers to provide homes for dogs while they wait for permanent adoption.
“We are always after more foster carers,” Ms Sparrow said.
“We couldn’t do it without them.
“We can’t take on a dog unless we have a place for it to go.”
Foster carers generally look after dogs for about a month, although placements can range from two weeks to a year.
GV Pet Adoption provides the supplies needed to care for the dogs, while foster carers need to have their own home and transport to take dogs to appointments such as vet visits.
“We encourage everyone to apply to foster because we can always see if a dog comes along that’s suitable,” Ms Sparrow said.
Ms Sparrow has personally fostered 60 dogs.
“It’s a really fun way to give back to the community,” she said.
If you are unable to foster or adopt, Ms Sparrow said there were other ways to help.
Towels and bedding can be donated at Shepparton Petstock, while volunteers are also needed to help GV Pet Adoption.
“We need all the help we can get,” Ms Sparrow said.
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