This Thursday, for one day only, donations made to RSPCA WA will be doubled.
Generous individual donors and corporate partners have agreed to dollar match the first $63,000 in donations made during RSPCA WA's Give to Get Them Home fundraiser on 5 October.
The animal welfare charity said current economic conditions have left it feeling the pinch. Nearly a third of requests from people looking to surrender their animals this year related to cost-of-living and housing issues.
Executive Manager Animal and Enforcement Operations, Hannah Dreaver, said pet owners are telling the RSPCA they simply can't afford the basics like food and vet care.
'Many are also struggling to find animal-friendly rentals, and some have become homeless,' Hannah said.
'Although we would prefer that animals could stay with their owners, we know this isn't always possible. The result of pets having to be surrendered to us is heartbreaking for them, their families, and our staff and it also represents an ongoing financial burden for RSPCA WA,' Hannah said.
'Cost-of-living increases don't just impact households – our operating costs have gone up as well. It's a double whammy.'
An increase in cruelty investigations was also adding to the workload. In 2022-23 RSPCA investigated 7126 cases, nearly 700 more than the year before.
RSPCA WA relies on donations for around 80 per cent of the organisation's funding, and days like Give to Get Them Home are vital.
'Every donation is precious to us, but this is the one day of the year where people can really increase their impact,' Hannah said.
It means Western Australians can have twice the effect on the RSPCA's work in rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in need— animals like 2-year-old Georgina who was surrendered in April by owners who could no longer afford to care for her.
'Georgina is still waiting for her forever home – that's six months of RSPCA WA paying for her care while we wait for someone to adopt her,' Hannah said.
To donate on Thursday, go to rspcagivingday.com or call 9209 9311. Give to Get Them Home sponsors include Royal Canin, Peter Alexander and Elanco.
