More than 70,000 dogs and cats are abandoned across New Zealand each year*, placing increasing pressure on shelters and rescue groups nationwide. In Auckland alone, 60% of animals entering local pounds were euthanised in FY25, up 12% from the previous year, with limited shelter capacity a key driver*.

To help address the growing challenge, SavourLife has launched a new national online pet adoption platform, designed to connect rescue groups with potential adopters and help animals find homes faster.

Already, 15 New Zealand rescue organisations have joined the platform in its first week, with 132 pets currently listed and waiting for forever homes.

SavourLife is the first in New Zealand to pair a national adoption platform with a 50% profit donation model. Every bag of pet food helps fund the rescue sector, creating a simple, sustainable way to help more pets find homes.

The mission-driven pet food company has already helped more than 95,000 rescue dogs across Australia and has donated over $11 million to Australian rescue organisations. With its expansion to New Zealand, SavourLife hopes to support the rehoming of more than 100,000 cats and dogs across Australia and New Zealand by the end of 2026.

SavourLife Founder Michael McTeigue said the new platform aims to make it easier for rescue animals to find loving homes while supporting the organisations caring for them. 

"Our mission has always been to reduce the number of adoptable dogs and cats being euthanised to zero. We understand the immense pressure on the New Zealand rescue community is under, and we want to provide the platform to bridge the gap between shelters and potential adopters. By providing a single place where people can browse pets from a range of local rescue organisations, we’re helping animals find homes faster - which in turn frees up space for the next animal in need."

SavourLife Pet Nutritionist Ashley Hartley said pets are increasingly being impacted by cost-of-living pressures, with more families struggling to care for their animals.

“I know how much we love our pets - they are truly part of the family. But with the current cost of living crisis, more families are being forced to make the heartbreaking decision to surrender their animals, and we are seeing adoption rates fall.”

“As a Kiwi, nutritionist and pet owner myself, I really care about the quality of the food that we’re providing. All premium pet food supports good nutrition and health – but SavourLife is the only one that also helps save lives by supporting rescue organisations.”

For Kiwis looking to support the mission, every purchase of SavourLife’s pet food helps fund local rescue organisations, with the brand available nationally at Farmland and Animates.

Potential adopters can start their journey today by visiting https://www.savour-life.co.nz/savourlife-pet-adoptions/.

ADOPTION MYTHS

MYTH: Rescue dogs are only available because of behavioural problems

TRUTH: Most rescue dogs are surrendered due to circumstances of the owner, not the dog’s behaviour.

Common reasons include housing issues, financial hardship, illness, relationship breakdowns, or lack of time. These dogs didn’t do anything wrong - they simply lost their safety net. Many were deeply loved family pets before their situation changed.

MYTH: You don’t know what you’re getting with a rescue dog

TRUTH: Rescue organisations carefully assess each dog’s personality, behaviour, and needs.

Rescues spend time observing dogs in foster homes or shelters and can tell you if a dog is good with kids, other animals, apartments, or active lifestyles. In many cases, you know more about a rescue dog’s temperament than a puppy, whose personality is still developing.

MYTH: Rescue dogs can’t be trained

TRUTH: Rescue dogs are often highly trainable - and many already know basic commands.

Dogs don’t lose their ability to learn just because they’ve changed homes. In fact, many rescue dogs are incredibly motivated to bond with their new owner, which makes training easier. With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, rescue dogs can learn just as quickly as any other dog - sometimes faster.

*Combined data from:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00480169.2025.2473347?src=#abstract

https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/content/dam/ac/docs/bylaws/animal-management-annual-report-2024-2025.pdf

https://www.spca.nz/Downloads/Assets/1298739/1/spca-year-in-review-2024-2025.pdf

About SavourLife

Founded by couple Michael and Kim McTeigue in 2013, SavourLife is a Sydney-based business inspired by a love for pets and a desire to make a difference. They make natural food and treats for dogs and cats and donate 50 per cent of the profits to smaller volunteer-run rescue groups, helping them save and rehome rescue animals. They have donated over $11 million to rescue groups across every state and territory in Australia, supporting the rehoming of over 95,000 dogs. It’s pet food with a purpose.

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