Kudos to pet shelters, rescue groups, and volunteers for continuing to fight the good fight
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: 27 October 2022: In a post-lockdown year that has continued to be a challenge for rescue groups and animal shelters across the country, the Pet Insurance Australia Companion Animal Rescue Awards is thrilled to announce the WINNERS for 2022.
The Rescue Awards is a national program that celebrates and recognises achievements in rescue, sheltering, rehabilitation and rehoming of companion animals Australia-wide. The program is founded by Cathy Beer, a professional dog trainer and pet adoption advocate from Pets4Life, an independent education resource for cat and dog guardians.
“Post COVID surrender of ‘pandemic pets’ and spiralling cost of living has left animal shelters overflowing and rescue groups inundated with calls for help. Thanks to the incredible efforts of rescue organisations and their volunteers many animal lives have been saved, and their tireless effort deserves recognition,” said Cathy.
“The Rescue Awards has been very competitive with outstanding entries across 10 categories, which made it very challenging for the judges! Our amazing winners demonstrated excellence and innovation in their approach to improving the lives of companion animals during these difficult times.”
Following the announcement of the Finalists in September, one winner from each category was selected by an expert panel of 21 Judges. The winners were revealed on October 26 at 4 pm AEDT at a virtual Rescue Awards Ceremony produced and broadcasted nationally by Gold Rescue Partner Refuel Creative and supported by Real Pet Food Company’s brand, Ivory Coat.
Pet Insurance Australia returns as the Platinum Rescue Hero and Naming Partner in 2022. Pet Insurance Australia CEO Ali Osmani said,
“In another year of challenges for rescue groups and animal shelters, we are honoured and humbled to celebrate the achievements of these wonderful organisations and thousands of volunteers who work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome companion animals around the country. On behalf of the entire Pet Insurance Australia team, we congratulate the 2022 winners of the Companion Animal Rescue Awards.”
The Ivory Coat People’s Rescue Story and Ivory Coat Foster Carer Story award categories received hundreds of entries from Aussie pet guardians who shared their incredible, heart-warming stories about pet adoption and fostering. This year the entries included rescue rabbits, rats, a horse as well as many cats and dogs who have found their forever homes.
Cathy thanked Supporters for making the Rescue Awards possible by donating exciting Prizes and acknowledged the great efforts of rescue groups, animal shelters, companion animal welfare organisations and thousands of volunteers across the country.
Rescue Awards Ambassador Lara Shannon, certified dog trainer, animal welfare advocate, author of “Eat, Play Love your dog” and “World of Dogs”, and Host of Channel 10’s Pooches at Play, congratulated the winners and thanked rescue organisations and their volunteers for helping surrendered and abandoned pets get a second chance in a loving home.
2022 WINNERS
- Outstanding Rescue Group: The Rabbit Sanctuary (NSW)
- Outstanding New Rescue Group: Strong Hearts Rescue (VIC)
- Outstanding Animal Shelter: Just Cats Tasmania (TAS)
- Australian Pet Welfare Award for Councils: Goulburn Mulwaree Animal Shelter (NSW)
- Innovation in Companion Animal Welfare and Management: The Foster Carer Network 2.0 (The Rabbit Sanctuary, NSW)
- Working with the Community to Keep People and their Pets Together: Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR)’s Community Outreach Program (VIC)
- Volunteer of the Year: Kyla Grimmond from Rachie’s Ratirement Home (QLD)
- Refuel Creative Digital Marketing: Rachie’s Ratirement Home (QLD)
- Ivory Coat People’s Rescue Story: ‘Shirley, Bunny, Fargo and Lola and Kerry’ (Kerrie Harynes-Lovell, NSW), read their story
- Ivory Coat Foster Carer Story: ‘Choo Choo and Sharlene’ (Mrs Sharlene Simon, VIC), read their story
Special Foster Carer Award: ‘Roxy and others and Suzanne’ (Mrs Suzanne Theuns, NSW), read their story
Watch a recording of the virtual event. Find out more about our 2022 Winners.
