Four-legged friends and fin-tailed creatures will descend on PETstock Sunbury and Gisborne stores.
The stores are taking part in the fifth annual National Pet Adoption Day on February 9. The initiative this year aims to double the number of pets adopted from 500 in 2018 to 1000.
Every year, about 200,000 pets remain unclaimed in Australian pounds.
PETstock’s Assist charity events co-ordinator Jess Guilfoyle said she hoped the National Pet Adoption day would encourage more Aussies to forget any preconceptions they have about rescued pets.
“Every pet is unique and individual and I encourage people considering a new pet to keep an open mind,” Ms Guilfoyle said.
“You may just be surprised by who you fall for. Love really does know no breed.”
PetRescue co-founder Vickie Davy said families wanting to adopt a pet should not be discouraged by the size, shape or type of animal.
“I hope by encouraging people to look for an individual pet rather than a particular breed we can educate people on the incredible benefits of adopting a pet in need,” Ms Davy said.
“National Pet Adoption Day is a fantastic opportunity for locals to find their perfect match.”
