Source : Perth Now news
Hardware giant Bunnings Warehouse is launching chic new canine streetwear and your pet’s threads are raising more than just style points.
Bunnings is partnering up with PetRescue, a nationally recognised pet adoption platform, for another year of the Stores for Paws campaign.
The weekend long event, running April 17 to 19, aims to raise money and awareness for local pet shelters through a nationwide sausage sizzle.
For the first time, a snazzy limited edition Bunnings branded hoodie for dogs is hitting stores, available for $10 with two dollars of every purchase donated to PetRescue.
Hoodie sizes will range from small to XX-large.
The Stores for Paws campaign, which has already raised more than $500,000 for animal welfare organisations and facilitated the adoption of more than 700 pets, comes at a crucial time for the pet adoption sector.
Data from PetRescue reveals the amount of abandoned pets is at its highest in 20 years, with more than 8,300 currently listed for adoption.
The hoodies and snags will help cover essential costs for pets waiting for their forever home, such as accommodation, food and veterinary care.
Bunnings head of community Michelle Walter said Stores for Paws highlights the amazing work of local shelters and allows pet lovers to lend a hand.
“At Bunnings, we love pets,” Ms Walter said.
“Our customers love bringing their dogs into our stores, and Stores for Paws is about turning that love into real support for rescue pets.
“Whether that’s meeting adoptable pets, supporting a local fundraiser or picking up a hoodie.
“This initiative celebrates the incredible work local rescue groups do, while helping more pets find safe, loving homes.”
PetRescue chief executive Patima Tantiprasut said the campaign is important for supporting organisations such as hers, which on estimate spends $280,000 per day looking after cats and dogs.
“We’re seeing increasing demand across the rescue sector, driven by housing challenges, financial pressure and major life changes that many Aussies are experiencing,” she said.
“The rescue community is completely stretched.
“They’re getting put in the impossible position of deciding which pets they can save versus which they don’t have the capacity to take in.
“This initiative comes at such a crucial time, it’s important for the rescue sector to have this kind of support behind them and the recognition.”
Ms Tantiprasut said if even one per cent of Australians adopted, it would mean a home for every pet in PetRescue’s care for the next three and a half years.
One million pets have now found their forever homes through PetRescue.
In addition to hoodies and hotdogs, Bunnings stores will be running in-store activities, pet adoption days, and a pet themed kids D.I.Y workshop.
