A new report by Foodbank has revealed that pet owners living in food insecure households are resorting to self-sacrifice to protect the welfare of their pets, with almost a quarter (24 per cent) skipping meals so their pets can eat.
Despite continued cost of living pressures, surrendering pets is an absolute last resort with 14 per cent of pet owners in food insecure households reported giving up a pet during the previous 12 months. As low as this is, it is still twice the national average for Australian households (7 per cent).
The Foodbank Paws in Need: Pet Hunger Report, supported by Mars Petcare Australia, a long-standing donor to Foodbank with brands such as Pedigree and Whiskas, reveals that half (56 per cent) of food insecure households in the past 12 months own a pet, higher than the Australian average (48 per cent).
According to survey respondents, pets play a crucial role in their lives. They offer companionship, emotional support, increased social interaction and a sense of security and purpose – all of which can be otherwise challenging for those doing it tough.
Foodbank Australia CEO Brianna Casey said families facing food insecurity struggled to provide proper nutrition for themselves, let alone their pets, which could lead to significant health and wellbeing consequences for pet owners and their pets.
“We have heard previously that parents skip meals in order to ensure their children can eat, but we are now hearing this sacrifice extends to the welfare of pets, who are very much-loved family members,” said Casey.
Mars Petcare Australia GM Craig Sargeant said, pets played a valuable role in Australian households, particularly households in need.
“We are proud to support Foodbank in highlighting the struggle that pet parents in food insecure households are facing. This includes continuing our donation program with Foodbank focused on keeping pets healthy and remaining in loving homes.
“Last year, Mars Petcare Australia donated more than 148,000 kilograms of pet food to Foodbank to help the many households in needs and it’s something we will build on even more this year, to help pet parents in food insecure households and the pets that mean so much to them,” said Sargeant.
In 2023, Foodbank provided over 430,000 kilograms of pet food, valued at over $6 million, yet the research revealed that only 9 per cent of pet owners from food insecure households are aware that pet food is available as a part of food relief services.
“This figure is staggering and shouldn’t be happening. We want people to know if they are doing it tough, if they have pets, we can help them and their pets by heading to the Find Food button on our website to find a service near you that can assist,” said Casey.
As part of Mars Petcare Australia’s ongoing support of Foodbank Australia to assist Australians experiencing food insecurity, Mars Petcare Associates will be donating time on National Pet Day to make essential pet food hampers including Pedigree, Greenies, Whiskas and My Dog.
