Foster carers needed as animal rescue faces ‘worst situation’ in years due to cost-of-living crisis

A regional animal rescue group is desperate for more foster carers as it faces the “worst situation” in years, with the cost-of-living crisis sending the number of surrendered pets soaring.

Saving Animals From Euthanasia is calling for as many new foster carers as possible, with an influx of pets coming to it across all 11 branches in the State.

SAFE Bunbury made a plea for help recently as the organisation received nine dogs needing housing in just a single day.

SAFE founder Sue Hedley said the situation had reached “epidemic proportions” across the nation.

Ms Hedley founded SAFE in 2003, and has helped countless animals find their permanent homes.

But she feels the situation is now worse than ever.

“I think the big difference is there are now relinquishments from people who wouldn’t have normally given up their pets,” she said.

“I choose to look at it like a pendulum swing. It’s gone full one way during COVID, with every animal being given a home, to full the other way now. But I’m trusting it’s going to balance back.”

Ms Hedley said getting more people involved in the foster program was vital to alleviate the pressure the SAFE faced.

“It’s not a lifetime commitment,” she said.

“Even just caring for an animal on a one-off occasion is a real goal too, and it could be anyone. The foster care program really opens up amazing doors for people.

“It’s a win for the people as well as for the animals, and as we know in life, the more we give, the more we receive back.”

Operations manager Sarah Norton said the current situation was the worst the rescue had been in — and it was not just limited to SAFE, with animal rescue organisations all over the country affected.

“It’s just got worse and worse,” she said.

“And it’s not just Bunbury, it’s everywhere — most rescues are putting out these calls because we are all in trouble.”

Ms Norton said the rescue supported its foster carers by covering vaccinations, microchipping and sterilisation as a base.

SAFE was recently awarded $50,000 by the State Government as part of a push to reduce vet costs for pet owners across the country.

Ms Norton said the funds were a great asset to the rescue, helping current owners sterilise and microchip their pets.

“What we are hoping will happen is if we can get these owned pets desexed, we’ve taken 13 puppies out of the equation that are never going to come to SAFE because they are unwanted,” she said.

To learn more or to become a foster carer, visit safe.org.au/foster.