18 Mar 2026
Petbarn Foundation and animal lovers across the country are celebrating a major milestone, with more than 90,000 rescue pets helped across Australia over the past five years through the Foundation’s programs. The figure is equivalent of around 50 animals every day finding safety, care and a pathway to a loving home.
The milestone comes as Australians once again showed strong support for rescue adoption during the Petbarn Foundation’s latestRescue Mission, with 2,570 dogs and cats finding loving homes.
Petbarn stores across the country partnered with local rescue organisations to connect thousands of rescue pets with new families, helping relieve pressure on shelters while encouraging more Australians to consider adoption.
Adding to the momentum, Young Australian of the Year Nedd Brockmann and his rescue dog Dougie joined the Petbarn Foundation as Chief Rescue Officer. The pair continue to share their rescue journey to inspire more Australians to consider adoption and support community initiatives, including the inaugural Petbarn Foundation Rescue Run Club.
Since launching in 2012, the Petbarn Foundation has played a significant role in supporting Australia’s rescue sector, helping thousands of animals find homes while providing vital support to rescue organisations and shelters nationwide.
To date, the Foundation has donated $16 million directly to Australian rescue shelters, including the RSPCA nationally, and help care for an estimated 320,000 rescue pets.
Since 2021, Rescue Mission in partnership with SavourLife adopt-a-dog has helped more than 3,500 dogs find homes, while Petbarn’s in‑store adoption centres have facilitated the adoption of more than 86,600 cats since 2012.
Janelle Miller, Petbarn Foundation Manager, reflects on the milestone, highlighting the powerful role everyday Australians play in helping rescue pets find their furever home.
“Behind every rescue pet is a community of people who care. Rescue groups across Australia are doing incredible work under immense pressure, and it’s the kindness of everyday Australians - adopting, fostering, volunteering and supporting their local rescues - that helps turn second chances into new beginning” Miller says.
Reaching more than 90,000 rescue pets helped in just five years is an incredible milestone, and it’s one that belongs to the entire rescue community - the tireless rescue groups working on the frontlines, our dedicated store teams, and the thousands of Australians who continue to open their homes and hearts to animals in need,” adds Miller.
“Every adoption, every foster home and every act of support helps change the future for a rescue pet. It’s proof that when communities come together for animals, truly life-changing outcomes are possible.”
As the demand for rescue support continues to grow, the Petbarn Foundation says the milestone highlights both the impact of collective action and the ongoing need for Australians to keep supporting rescue groups through adoption, fostering, volunteering and donations.
To learn more about the incredible work of the Petbarn Foundation visit petbarn.com.au/services/pet-foundation
About the Petbarn Foundation:
Founded in 2012, the Petbarn Foundation is a national charity that has donated $34 Million to provide critical support to pet welfare programs and charity organisations throughout Australia. The Petbarn Foundation is supported by Petbarn, Greencross Vets and The Animal Referral & Emergency Network (AREN) which are owned by Greencross Pet Wellness Company.
With a focus on enriching the lives of pets and the people who love them, the Foundation is built around a “Five R’s Philosophy”:
Reduce the number of pets that are euthanised each year
Rescue pets in crisis and encourage Australians to think of adoption first
Rehabilitate pets with behavioural issues to ensure they can remain part of a loving family
Responsible pet ownership
Relieve some of the stresses, strains and hardships people face through the calming influence of pets
Donations to The Petbarn Foundation go directly to support people and pets in need -https://www.petbarn.com.au/services/pet-foundation