Animal shelters are witnessing a growing number of pet surrenders as Australians grapple with rising living costs, relocations and downsizing. More than 81,000 animals entered RSPCA shelters nationally in 2023-24, while Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) reported an 11.6 per cent increase in pet surrenders in the 2024 financial year.[1]
While most of these pets are finding new homes, experts warn that adopters often face challenges when it comes to their new pet’s health. Unknown medical histories, pre-existing conditions and adjustment issues can lead to unexpected healthcare costs for new owners.
Leading pet insurance provider Petsy says the health of rescue pets is often less clear-cut than adopters expect. Founder Monica Limanto says, “Shelters do an amazing job rescuing, assessing and caring for household animals. Most will provide health checks, vaccinations, parasite treatments and even behavioural assessments. But it’s important for adopters to understand that some chronic conditions, particularly in older pets, may not be immediately obvious.”
[1] https://rspca.sfo2.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/public/Uploads/annual-statistics/RSPCA-Australia-Annual-Statistics-2023-2024.pdf
Illness, not injury, drives most claims
Petsy’s national claims data shows illnesses make up 70 per cent of approved or partially approved claims. Among illness-related claims, gastrointestinal and digestive disorders are the most common at 23 per cent, followed by skin disorders at 14 per cent and ear conditions at 9 per cent.
Eye disorders, urinary and respiratory issues, as well as growths and cysts, also appear frequently, while a broad range of less common conditions — from neurological and oral health problems through to hormonal and blood disorders — make up the remainder. Some of these health issues may already be present in rescue pets but may only emerge as the animal settles into a new environment, diet and routine.
“It’s good practice to find out if treatment for any health conditions will be an out-of-pocket cost before signing the adoption papers. Asking questions up-front and speaking to your insurer during a cooling offer period (if applicable), can help avoid surprises down the track. In fact, Petsy walks owners through a pre-existing condition assessment that reveals what aspects of their new pet’s health care can be covered under their policy.”
Monica says a little preparation can give rescue-pet owners peace of mind. “One of the most compassionate you can do is adopt a pet – and adopters want transparency around their pet’s health and the associated costs. A health assessment, based on a vet check, can help adopters plan their pet’s healthcare and help them step into pet parenthood with transparency and confidence.”
“With summer approaching, when heat and allergens can flare up skin and digestive issues, and with shelters continuing to rehome thousands of animals each year, protecting both your pet and your finances is the best way to give a rescue their happily ever after.”
Petsy is offering rescue-pet adopters five practical tips to help prepare them for pet parenthood.
- Give your new rescue pet time to adjust. Your pet’s history might be unknown; it may have experienced stress, neglect or multiple homes. Try to give them a peaceful and comfortable space where they can retreat and let them adjust over time.
- Establish a gentle, predictable routine. Develop, and stick to, a routine for feeding, exercise and rest. This will help your pet feel secure, as it’s known that predictability reduces anxiety and helps build trust, especially for animals with uncertain backgrounds.
- Encourage good behaviour with positive reinforcement. Encourage your pet gently and use rewards – not punishment – to fine-tune their behaviour. Many rescue pets could be fearful or cautious, which is why patience and kindness are more effective for bonding.
- Socialise slowly. Introduce your pet to new people, other pets and environments gradually. Controlled, positive experiences will help them build confidence and adapt to their new life with minimal issues.
- Invest in health from day one. Arrange a comprehensive vet check within 30 days of adoption to find out if your pet has any pre-existing health conditions. Petsy’s pre-existing condition health assessment (https://petsy.com.au/understanding-pre-existing-conditions/) will give you a detailed understanding of any health conditions that will or won’t be covered by pet insurance.
See here for more information about Petsy’s pre-existing health assessment: https://petsy.com.au/understanding-pre-existing-conditions/.
About Petsy
Petsy has quickly become a leading pet insurance provider in Australia, dedicated exclusively to dogs and cats. It offers comprehensive coverage with annual limits of up to $30,000 and no sub-limits on claimable conditions, and its customisable policy options allow pet owners to tailor coverage to their specific needs. Petsy is also the preferred pet insurance provider to Costco members nationally. Petsy has been recognised for delivering outstanding value pet insurance through multiple awards, winning Canstar’s 2024 and 2025 Outstanding Value in Pet Insurance Award, MOZO’s 2024 and 2025 Experts Choice Awards, and WeMoney’s Best for Value Pet Insurance Award and Best for Young Pets Pet Insurance Award. Visit petsy.com.au.
ENDS