Petbarn has donated $100,000 to the RSPCA to help support older pets atRSPCA shelters across the country.

The donation from the company’s corporate charitable arm, Petbarn Foundation,will help the RSPCA offer subsidised adoptions for senior pets and to coverveterinary costs of older animals.

Richard Mussell, RSPCA Australia CEO, said the RSPCA cares for nearly 2,000senior animals every year and that it costs a lot of money to get an animalready for adoption.

“This can include providing vet checks, behaviour checks and rehabilitationwhen required, blood tests, parasite and other vital treatments, surgeries,vaccinations, foster care and transport. Sadly, older animals can requirequite a bit of veterinary attention due to some common health issues, such asdental disease, arthritis, and heart disease.”

Janelle Bloxsom, Manager of the Petbarn Foundation, said that one of the mainreasons senior pets are surrendered is because their elderly owners haveeither passed or moved to a nursing home where they can no longer be together.

“We know how deeply the bond can be between pets and their parents, to thinkabout an older animal being moved from a loving home at this late stage inlife is incredibly sad. We hope the $100,000 donation from the PetbarnFoundation will support the RSPCA in the wonderful work they do caring forsenior pets during this transition.”

Mussell said he encourages potential owners to keep senior pets in mind whenconsidering adopting a pet.

“Older pets are usually calmer and already well-adjusted to family life. Andwhile adult and older pets still love to play and need plenty of exercise,they often take life at a slower pace than puppies and kittens — which mightbe a better fit for you and your family!”

Tagged: Petbarn, RSPCA

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