NEXT time you are thinking of adding a new canine or feline member to your family, don’t comb the classifieds – call the Port Macquarie Animal Welfare Service.
Established in 2005, PMAWS is a registered-not-for profit volunteer association established in 2006 to help improve animal welfare in the Hastings/Port Macquarie region.
Workers and foster carers are unpaid and PMAWS does not receive any government funding. They have to rely on fund-raising from markets, street stalls and raffles to pay the bills.
Spokeswoman Wendy Le Cussan said they currently have available for adoption 14 dogs and 24 cats and kittens, but there are more pets awaiting vet checks and desexing not yet included in that number.
Ages range from a 12-week-old kelpie-cross puppy to a 12-year-old corgi-cross.
All pets available are listed on www.petrescue.com.au You can also meet some of the animals at the cat open days on the first Saturday of the month and dog open days on the fourth Saturday of the month at Petstock on Lake Road.
Wendy said there were many reasons dogs and cats were surrendered, ranging from relationship break-ups to moving from a house into a unit.
All the animals PMAWS rescued are cared for by volunteer carers, who go out of their way to ensure the pet and prospective new owner are a good match. There is also a two-week trial period during which the new owner can return the pet if it is not working out.
PMAWS is always looking for volunteer foster carers. You must be over 18 and have suitable secure premises.
Look-out for PMAWS fund-raising stalls in Port Macquarie outside the Commonwealth Bank, IGA at Growers Market, Settlement City, and the Town Green market days (next on Saturday 7 June).
As well as the petrescue website listings, inquiries can also be directed to PMAWS president Nigel on 6584 6142, 0403 504 711, secretary Wendy on 0418 233 633 and, for cats, to Leonie on 6581 4776, 0405 138 825.
New Rescue Me section
TO support PMAWS in its good work, the Independent has started a new monthly section, Rescue Me, which will profile some of the pets available for adoption each month. The first Rescue Me is in this issue on page ??.
