New Bunnings dog hoodies to raise funds for pets needing forever homes
Hardware giant Bunnings Warehouse is launching stylish new dog streetwear, and your pet’s outfits will boost more than just style points.
Bunnings is partnering with PetRescue, a nationally recognized pet adoption platform, for another year of its Stores for Paws campaign.
The weekend-long event, running April 17-19, aims to raise money and awareness for local pet shelters through a nationwide sausage sizzle.
For the first time, a stylish, limited-edition Bunnings-branded hoodie for dogs is hitting stores and can be purchased for $10, with two dollars from every purchase donated to PetRescue.
Hoodie sizes will range from small to XX-large.
The Paws Shops campaign, which has already raised more than $500,000 for animal welfare organizations and facilitated the adoption of more than 700 pets, comes at a pivotal time for the pet adoption industry.
Data from PetRescue reveals that the amount of abandoned pets has reached a 20-year high, with more than 8,300 currently listed for adoption.
The hoodies and wedges will help cover basic expenses such as accommodation, food and veterinary care for pets waiting for their forever homes.
Bunnings community leader Michelle Walter said Paws Shops highlight the amazing work of local shelters and allow pet lovers to help.
“We love pets at Bunnings,” Ms Walter said.
“Our customers love bringing their dogs to our stores, and Stores for Paws aims to turn that love into real support for rescued pets.
“Whether it’s meeting adoptable pets, supporting a local fundraiser, or buying a hoodie.
“This initiative celebrates the incredible work done by local rescue groups as we help more pets find safe, loving homes.”
PetRescue general manager Patima Tantiprasut said the campaign was important to support organizations like hers, which spend $280,000 a day caring for cats and dogs.
“We are seeing increasing demand in the recovery sector due to the housing challenges, financial pressure and major life changes experienced by many Australians,” he said.
“The rescue community is completely on edge.
“They are left in the impossible position of deciding which pets they can save and which they do not have the capacity to adopt.
“This initiative comes at such a critical time that it is important that the recovery sector has this kind of support behind it and is recognized.”
Ms Tantiprasut said if even one per cent of Australians adopted it, it would mean a home for every pet in PetRescue’s care over the next three-and-a-half years.
One million pets have now found forever homes through PetRescue.
In addition to hoodies and hot dogs, Bunnings stores will host in-store events, pet adoption days and a pet-themed DIY workshop for kids.
