World Animal Day on October 4 is about giving voices to animals around the world, to raise the status of animals and improve welfare standards.

Petbarn Mittagong is doing its bit to ensure happier animals in the Southern Highlands and will offer pet adoptions in store on Tuesday.

To celebrate World Animal Day, Petbarn Mittagong in partnership with RSPCA NSW will assist animals to find a forever home.

Petbarn Mittagong store manager Sean McKinley said World Animal Day was a fantastic way to celebrate the love and companionship that our furry friends provided us.

“It’s the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the number of animals that are without a home,” he said.

Sadly, thousands of animals in Australia are abandoned or lost. There are now Petbarn Adoption Centres in more than 97 stores across the country, that help to re-home pets to suitable owners and homes.

Sean said that the number of animals surrendered to animal shelters or abandoned was staggering.

“Whether it’s because the pet’s parents moved away or decided that having a pet didn’t work with their lifestyle, it’s worth remembering that often it’s not the ‘fault’ of the animal itself,” he said.

Sean said pets could teach us how to be more responsible, compassionate, empathetic, kind, loyal, help to improve our wellbeing, and keep us a little more active.

“We are imploring locals to consider pet adoption right now, so these pets will be able to have a warm and cosy home to celebrate Christmas in,” Sean said.

“Always remember – adopt, don’t shop.”

Petbarn will offer the pet adoption process in-store on October 4. The total adoption fee collected by Petbarn will be returned to the RSPCA. All cats are de-sexed, vaccinated and micro-chipped before being brought into store.

To find out more or to adopt a pet contact Petbarn Mittagong at Highlands Homemaker Centre, 205 Old Hume Highway on 4872 4928 or visit www.petbarn.com.au