Petstock Foundation supports new owners of rescued Tasmanian puppy farm labradoodles

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The Petstock Foundation is supporting the new families of the more than two hundred labradoodle puppies rescued from a recently shut-down Tasmanian puppy farm.

In July this year, RSPCA Tasmania shut down the state’s largest puppy farm, rescuing 250 labradoodles.

The organisation had worked tirelessly to shut down the farm, eventually receiving a court order allowing them to do so.

Working with RSPCA Tasmania, the Foundation is giving $12,500 in vouchers to help the new pet owners.

The vouchers will help the families with the needed to welcome these pups into their homes.

“When the Petstock Foundation heard about the labradoodle puppies in Tasmania, we knew we wanted to help,” says Jessica Curtis, head of the Petstock Foundation.

“We are proud to support the RSPCA, who share our passion for the welfare of animals and pet adoption.

“Thank you to those who have welcomed a new labradoodle into their lives; we hope we have been able to assist as you care for your new family member.”

Each of the adopters received a $50 voucher from Petstock, redeemable for essential items like food, bedding, toys, and grooming products.

It’s a small gesture, but one that has been warmly received by the new pet parents, especially given the unique challenges these pups are likely to face as they adjust to life outside of the confines of a puppy farm.

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Overcoming the challenges of socialising former puppy farm dogs

The RSPCA says the labradoodle puppies are likely to need some extra patience and understanding from their new families. Dogs who have spent their early lives in a puppy farm often miss out on basic socialisation and can display anxious or skittish behaviour as they adjust to their new environments.

“The community and business support provided for the labradoodles rescued from the puppy farm has brought those who care about the plight of animals together in an unprecedented way for Tasmania,” says Andrea Dawkins, CEO of RSPCA Tasmania.

Dawkins adds that many of the puppies were “curious but unsocialised,” and adopters have already noticed the effects of their unusual backgrounds.

However, she is quick to note the appreciation felt by these new pet parents upon receiving the vouchers, which helps support them in the early days of settling in.

 

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Tips for socialising a former puppy farm dog

•Create a safe retreat: Having a comfortable, quiet place where the dog can feel secure is crucial as they adjust.

•Stick to routines: Regular feeding, playtime, and walks help foster a sense of security.

•Take it slow: New sounds, people, and experiences should be introduced at a pace that lets the dog feel comfortable.

→ Read our article on Lily, the rescued puppy farm dog and her incredible life

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Petstock Foundation’s commitment to animal welfare

The Petstock Foundation is no stranger to lending a helping hand to animals in need. Since 2007, the Foundation has been dedicated to supporting pet adoption and welfare efforts across Australia and New Zealand, having helped over 41,000 rescue pets find new homes. In March this year, during National Pet Adoption Month, Petstock raised over $99,000 for 119 rescue groups nationwide.

“Pet adoption is at the heart of everything we do at the Foundation, and we’re constantly looking for ways to support both rescue animals and the families that take them in,” says Curtis.

“From food to veterinary care, we’re committed to providing resources that can make all the difference to a pet’s new life.”

For Petstock, the chance to assist the new labradoodle adopters in Tasmania isn’t just a one-off. It’s part of a broader mission to improve the lives of rescue animals by bringing together community resources and support to help pets in need.

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A brighter future for the rescued labradoodles

Thanks to RSPCA Tasmania, the Petstock Foundation, and the community, all of the rescued labradoodle puppies are now in foster care or have been adopted.

Dawkins says that those in foster care already have adoptive families lined up, ensuring that each puppy will soon have a loving, permanent home.

“The foster carers and adopters were delighted with the vouchers, giving them the additional support needed to take on these curious but unsocialised dogs who had never experienced the life of a treasured companion animal prior to the puppy farm’s closure,” she says.

The puppies, once destined for a life in a breeding facility, now have a chance to live as cherished pets, with families who are prepared to give them a fresh start.

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Growing calls to end puppy farming in Australia

This heartwarming rescue also brings renewed attention to the ongoing issue of puppy farms across Australia. Puppy farms are known for their poor treatment of animals, often keeping dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions with minimal attention to their welfare. While states like Victoria have introduced stricter breeding laws, animal welfare advocates continue to call for a national approach to close the regulatory gaps that allow these operations to persist.

The closure of the Tasmanian farm and the subsequent rehoming of these labradoodles highlights the need for stronger protections for animals bred in facilities. Advocates argue that better laws and enforcement are needed to prevent such situations from occurring in the future.

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How you can help end puppy farming

•Adopt, don’t shop: Opting for a rescue pet rather than buying from a breeder can reduce demand for unethical puppy farms.

•Support animal welfare charities: Organisations like RSPCA and the Petstock Foundation rely on donations to fund rescues and provide care for animals in need.

•Spread awareness: Educating others about puppy farms and pushing for legislative reforms can contribute to the fight against these facilities.

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As the rescued labradoodles settle into their new lives, the Petstock Foundation, RSPCA Tasmania, and their new families know that these dogs will now experience the love and care they were previously denied.

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