Rescue Awards Finalists 2022

As the Ambassador for The Companion Animal Rescue Awards, I’m su-paw-excited to congratulate the  2022 FINALISTS, from rescue groups and animal shelters and pounds, to companion animal welfare organisations across the country that are working to improve and save the lives of thousands of companion pets in need.

A need which is even greater than ever as animal shelters and rescue groups across the country struggle to be able to cope with the influx of surrenders post pandemic as people return to ‘normal’ life and no longer have the time to commit to a pet.

This is a situation that is not only heartbreaking, but reinforces why it is so important to consider if and what pet is right for your lifestyle, not only at the time but in the future, and be prepared to put in the required time, love, training, and have the financial capacity, to properly care for a pet for life.

That’s why the Rescue Awards are so important, as they not only celebrate and recognise the achievements in the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of companion animals, but also shine a light on an industry that needs our support more than ever.

Recognising commitment and care

The Rescue Awards Finalists in 2022 have demonstrated their tireless effort to not only rehome pets but also work with their community to help keep people and their pets together in difficult times, which plays a vital role in helping keep pets out of the shelter system.

Now in its fifth year, the Pet Insurance Australia Rescue Awards is managed by Pets4Life, and is not only open to industry and local government’s working in the space, but also the hardworking volunteers and foster carers, as well as people who have adopted a companion animal to share their stories as well.

Congratulations to those who have made it this far – I look forward to finding our who our winners will be at the virtual Rescue Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 26 October at 4pm AEDT.

Rescue Awards Finalists 2022

• Outstanding Rescue Group: Lamb Care Australia (VIC), Small Paws Animal Rescue (QLD), The Rabbit Sanctuary (NSW)
• Outstanding New Rescue Group: Big Dollan’s Fur Rescue (VIC), Lake Road Veterinary Rescue (NSW), Strong Hearts Cat Rescue (VIC),
• Outstanding Animal Shelter: Greyhound Rescue (NSW), Just Cats (TAS), SAFE Animal Rehoming (NSW)
• Australian Pet Welfare Foundation Award for Councils: City of Cockburn (WA), Goulburn Mulwaree Animal Shelter (NSW), City of Palmerston (NT)
• Innovation in Companion Animal Welfare and Management: Greyhound Rescue (NSW), The Rabbit Sanctuary (NSW)
• Working with the Community to keep People and their Pets Together: Mildura Loves Pets (VIC), Second Chance Animal Rescue (VIC), The Rainbow Paws Program (ACT)
• Volunteer of the Year: Kate Button (Greyhound Rescue NSW), Maxine Cooper (Greyhound Rescue NSW), Tara Doherty (Rachie’s Ratirement Home QLD), Amy Gasnier (Northern Rivers Animal Services NSW), Kyla Grimmond (Rachie’s Ratirement Home QLD)
• Refuel Creative Digital Marketing: Rachie’s Ratirement Home (QLD)
• Ivory Coat People’s Rescue Story: Find out the 10 finalists here.
• Ivory Coat Foster Carer Story: Find out the 5 finalists here.
• Plus a Special Foster Carer Award: Roxy and Others and Suzanne, read their story here.

More information about the Companion Animal Rescue Awards, visit their website.  Follow their Facebook page as well to join in the celebration and watch the special live streaming event via the Rescue Awards Facebook page at @rescueawards.

Photo Credit: Jo Lyons Photography

Lara Shannon is a certified dog behaviourist and trainer, pet food nutrition specialist, Executive Producer and Host of Pooches at Play on Channel 10 and editor of Poochesatplay.com. Lara also runs her own dog training business in Melbourne’s Bayside area and is the Author of World of Dogs and Eat, Play, Love (Your Dog).