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Pets of the Homeless Australia hits new milestone in bid to help vulnerable Aussies
November 12, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
โ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ค๐ช๐ง ๐๐๐๐ฉ๐ช๐ง๐ ๐ค๐ฃ ๐ฅ๐๐ฉ๐จ ๐๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ช๐จ๐ฉ๐ง๐๐ก๐๐๐ฃ ๐๐๐ข๐๐ก๐ฎ ๐ก๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ฎ๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ข ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ฉ ๐๐ช๐จ๐ฉ๐ค๐๐ฎ ๐๐ช๐ง๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ค๐ง๐๐Update 14 November 2024
Pets of the Homeless has already reached more than $390,000 of the original $300,000 goal. Founder Yvonne says they ate very hopeful of going over $400,000 by the end of the week!
12 November 2024
As Australiaโs cost-of-living impact on pets increases, many owners face the heartbreaking dilemma of providing for their beloved companions, but in this challenge, charity Pets Of The Homeless (POTH) has achieved a significant milestone: distributing over two million meals to pets of individuals in need.
Founded nine years ago by Yvonne Hong, POTH began with a simple missionโto support vulnerable individuals and their pets during tough times.
Yvonneโs journey started on the streets of Melbourne, armed with a suitcase full of pet food and a real desire to give back.
“Pets play such an important role in our lives, and during times of hardship, their companionship can be a huge source of emotional support,โ she says.
โFor some people, their pets are all they have.โ
The Pets of the Homeless Pet Food Bank in Melbourne
In 2019, POTH established Victoriaโs first Pet Food Bank. Today, a dedicated network of volunteers packs over 44,000 meals monthly, distributing them through more than 65 community partners across the state.
Beyond food assistance, POTH provides veterinary care and safe shelter to those in need.
Reaching the two million meal mark is both a proud and somber achievement for the organisation.
“It reflects the increasing number of individuals who now depend on our assistance to keep their pets fed,โ Yvonne says.
“For many people needing support, they will choose to feed their pet before they feed themselves.โ
A homeless dog sits in the dirt outside a cafe (image supplied)
Helping vulnerable Australians with accessible and affordable pet care
One such individual is Markham Mackinnon, who, after losing his leg in an accident, relied on a Disability Support Pension.
His senior staffy, Ahsoka, became his steadfast companion. So Markham was distressed to find suspicious-looking lumps on Ahsoka.
“I was barely making ends meet as it was, so I didnโt know how I was going to cover her vet costs,โ he recalls.
Having previously accessed pet food through POTH, Markham reached out for assistance.
The charity covered the costs for Ahsokaโs two surgeries over several months, leading to her full recovery.
“Sheโs back acting like a puppy again,โ Markham adds while thanking the charity that made it possible.
Thanks to POTH, Markham was able to be reunited with his best mate (image supplied)
Cost-of-living impact on pets: ‘Never Tear Them Apart’ Giving Day Appeal
In response to the growing demand for their services, POTH has launched the โNever Tear Them Apartโ Giving Day Appeal.
Donations made until Wednesday, 13 November, will be tripled by generous gift matchers, aiming to raise $300,000.
โWe know our target is ambitious, especially during such a difficult time,โ Yvonne acknowledges.
โBut if our community rallies together, we will be able to focus all of our efforts on helping people and pets for an entire year. We couldnโt do this without their support.โ
โ To donate and contribute to their cause, visit the Pets of the Homeless website.
Key Facts
โข2 Million Meals Distributed: Pets Of The Homeless has provided over 2 million meals to pets of individuals in need.
โข44,000 Meals Monthly: The organisation distributes more than 44,000 meals each month through a network of over 65 community partners.
โขโNever Tear Them Apartโ Appeal: Donations made until 13 November will be tripled, with a fundraising goal of $300,000.
Impact of the cost-of-living crisis on pet ownership
We’ve previously written about how the rising cost of living in Australia is leading to a significant increase in pet surrenders.
Animal shelters are reporting record numbers, with many at or over capacity. The RSPCA says there is a staggering rise in abandonments, attributing it to financial pressures and a competitive rental market.
Sadly, pet owners have to choose between their own needs and those of their pets, leading to difficult decisions about surrendering their animals.
How to support Pets Of The Homeless
- DONATE: Contributions can be made through the POTH website, with current donations being tripled until 13 November.
- VOLUNTEER: Opportunities include packing meals, assisting with veterinary care, and providing safe shelter.
- FOSTER: Temporarily care for pets while their owners seek stable housing or recover from crises.
About Pets Of The Homeless
Pets Of The Homeless is an Australian charity dedicated to keeping vulnerable people and their pets together. This is done by alleviating the burden of providing essential pet care during times of hardship.
Their services include a Pet Food Bank, veterinary care, and safe shelter programs.
POTH remains committed to ensuring that no one has to choose between their own well-being and the companionship of their beloved pets.
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