AUSTRALIA-WIDE WINNERS FOR COMPANION ANIMAL RESCUE

517 entries received in inaugural companion animal rescue awards

Companion Animal Rescue Awards Founder Cathy Beer from Pets4Life is thrilled to announce the winners of the inaugural Companion Animal Rescue Awards, which celebrate and recognise inspiring examples of dedication to the rehabilitation and rehoming of companion animals Australia wide.

Winners were revealed at a live broadcast event on Friday, 12 October 2018 at the national headquarters of Jetpets, Awards Platinum Rescue Hero and naming Partner.

Jetpets Founder and Managing Director Sandy Matheson said, “Jetpets is proud to be the Platinum Partner of this year’s inaugural Companion Animal Rescue Awards. As a long standing pet industry participant and now reconfirmed in my time as an awards judge, I have a true appreciation of the amazing work done by so many individuals and various rescue groups across the country. On behalf of the Jetpets team, I would like to commend all the very worthy nominations and particularly congratulate the winners.”

Australia has over 900 rescue groups and animal shelters supported by thousands of volunteers¹.  Following the announcement of the finalists on 9 October 2018, one winner from each of the seven categories was selected by a panel of nine judges.

“The bar was set very high and we received many outstanding submissions from rescue groups and animal shelters across the nation,” said Cathy. “In a field of 200 registrations, a total of 89 rehoming organisations completed a submission for categories 1 to 6. The winners demonstrated their ability to not only provide excellent animal welfare outcomes but also ensure the sustainability of their organisation,” said Cathy.

For category 7, the Advocate® People’s Rescue Story received 428 entries from Aussie pet guardians who shared their stories about pet adoption and fostering.

Dan White, Brand Manager of Advocate® at Bayer said it was very difficult to choose the top 10 finalists, let alone a winner!

“The judging, although a lengthy process, has also been a thoroughly rewarding and uplifting one,” he said. “All of the stories – although different in a number of ways – have one thing in common: they truly inspire and demonstrate the difference a re-homed pet can make to an individual or people’s lives.  We’ve been absolutely privileged to have been involved.”

Cathy thanked Supporters for making the Rescue Awards possible and acknowledged the great efforts of rescue groups, animal shelters, and volunteers.

“These awards celebrate their hard work and success in giving companion animals a second chance in a loving home! A huge thank you to our Supporters!” she said.

Winners

Category 1: Outstanding Rescue Group – Saving Animals from Euthanasia (SAFE)

Category 2: Outstanding Animal Shelter – RSPCA QLD

Category 3: Outstanding Council Animal Shelter – Shire of Campaspe Animal Shelter

Category 4: Innovation in Rescue – Safe Pets Safe Families

Category 5: Community Education and Outreach Program – The Good Neighbour Project (Cat Protection Society NSW)

Category 6: Volunteer of the Year – Frances O’Connell (AWL South Australia)

Category 7: Advocate® People’s Rescue Story – Jason Vallas and his faithful dog, Diesel

 For more information/updates on the 2019 Awards, visit www.rescueawards.com.au, follow the Rescue Awards on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or sign up to the newsletter here.  #jetpetsrescueawards2018

 ¹ PetRescue.org.au

Photo: Rescue dog ‘Sahara’, Sandy Matheson of Jetpets and Rescue Awards Founder, Cathy Beer at the Winners’ Announcement event on Friday, 12 October 2018.

MEDIA CONTACT

 Cathy Beer, Pets4Life                                Caroline Zambrano, Pet Journo
0419 296 656                                                0403 550 730

cbeer@pets4life.com.au                             petjourno@gmail.com

Please visit the Awards Media Gallery for hi-res photos for the awards program. Photo credit to the Awards official photographer, Jo Lyons Photography.

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