Adopt ‘different’

Xane Shepard, Zara Leslie and pooch Charlie are looking forward to Ocean Grove PETstock''s Pet Adoption Day. (Picture Justin Flynn)

March is national pet adoption month and PETstock Ocean Grove is gearing up for its inaugural event.

Australians are being asked to ‘adopt different’ this March and adopt a new way of thinking when it comes to rescue pets.

They are being urged to reconsider any biases, dismiss unfair stereotypes and make considered, sustainable choices on what pet is truly the best fit for their lifestyle.

PETstock Ocean Grove store manager Zara Leslie adopted Charlie when she was working at the Corio store.

“I just looked at him and that was enough,” she said.

“He had four brothers and they all came into the Corio store I was working for at the time and we had them all day so we were playing with them and I was ‘oh I have to get you’.”

Pet adoption day is on March 13 and pet rescue groups such as GAWS and Forever Friends will team up with PETStock to encourage pet adoption.

Since 2014 PETStock Assist has been able to rehome 12,000 animals.

“It’s about raising awareness for people on how to adopt,” Zara said.

“Getting rid of the stereotypes that they are all badly done by. It’s a sustainable choice to find the best fit for the family’s lifestyle as well.

“People will be able to come into the store and have a look at all the different animals that the rescue groups will have.

“We want to encourage people to adopt rather than going through private sales. There’s training and care tips from the rescue groups.”

For a list of local PETStock stores that will be holding a pet adoption day, go to petstock.com.au.