Home2Home Wins Innovation in Animal Welfare Award 2023

We’re taking a small zoomie break to share some exciting news!

PetRescue's assisted rehoming program, Home2Home, has been recognised with the Innovation in Animal Management and Welfare Award at the 2023 Big Hairy People and Pets Summit! 

This achievement reflects the program's outstanding success in creating positive outcomes for both pets and the people who love them.

Launched in 2020 as the pandemic presented an opportunity to fast-track an initiative to help slow the flow of pets entering rescue, Home2Home’s mission is simple: to offer a safe and supportive environment for pet owners looking to rehome their pets, safely and without judgement.

This compassionate approach not only reduces the stress on pets but also provides pet owners with the time and support they need during a difficult time.

By recognising the bond between people and pets, Home2Home has made a significant positive impact by supporting pet owners with kindness throughout their pet rehoming journey, whether that’s helping find new loving homes for pets or supporting pet owners to keep their pets, which is, without a doubt, the most ideal outcome.

Since its inception, Home2Home has been a game-changer in providing an alternative to surrendering. The program prevents pets from entering the shelter system, lightening the load for rescue organisations and leaving more space in rescue and foster networks for pets most in need.

By keeping pets that don't need immediate help out of the system, Home2Home plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of resources in the rescue community. This enables rescue organizations to focus their efforts on the most at-risk and vulnerable pets, ultimately saving more lives.

A future where every pet is safe, respected and loved.

We never imagined Home2Home would turn into the program it is today. In a world where every small, positive step forward counts, Home2Home stands as an example of how small, empathetic initiatives can lead to significant, far-reaching change. By recognising the deep bond between people and their pets, together, we can continue to prioritize the welfare of pets and the well-being of the people who love them and strengthen and support the entire rescue community.

With an estimated 100,000* healthy and rehomable pets being killed in Australian shelters each year, the Home2Home program is a testament to how collaboration can be used to improve animal welfare. It’s our hope that the program will be a game-changing option for councils, shelters and rescue groups who can replicate this model or adopt parts to fit their structures. And in doing so, we can work towards the same goal: to keep pets safe and in loving homes.

Meet some of the people and pets that have been supported through Home2Home.

Merry & Pippin

Sam left ‘The Shire’ brokenhearted, but he knew it was the right thing to do. Thanks to the support of Home2Home, he got to go on this journey with his best friends, Merry the cat and Pippin the dog.

Lenny

Emma and her family are a fantastic example of what can happen when people come together for a pet.

Pandora

Thanks to some valuable tips and support provided by Home2Home, Pandora now enjoys road trips with her human!

Arlo

With the right support for the pet and humans involved, there can be a happy ending for everyone!

Data from applications received between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023.

The Big Hairy People and Pets Summit & Workshops is hosted by AIAM, G2Z and AMRRIC. The theme for the conference in 2023 is Breaking Down Barriers and focuses on the programs, practices and strategies that involve and engage the community in managing their pets and the role that organisations play in providing support to both companion animals and the people who care for them.