MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Gold Coast Mayor visits Animal Welfare League QLD to advocate pet adoption amid rising shelter rates
In a heartfelt show of support for local animal welfare, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate will visit Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) this Friday, 18 July, to raise awareness about the urgent need for pet adoptions as shelter numbers continue to rise.
AWLQ is facing a critical moment, with shelters nearing capacity due to a sharp increase in animal surrenders. The organisation is seeing more pets entering care each day—many of which have high veterinary or behavioural needs, or litters of young puppies and kittens requiring intensive support.
“We’re grateful to have Mayor Tate’s ongoing support,” said AWLQ CEO, Sam Jacklin. “His visit highlights the pressing need for adoptive and foster homes. With our shelters filling up faster than ever, community involvement is absolutely vital.”
During his visit to the AWLQ Coombabah shelter, Mayor Tate will tour the facilities, meet with staff and volunteers, and spend time with some of the animals currently waiting for their forever homes.
“Our wonderful community has always shown heart,” said Mayor Tate. “Now is the time to step up again and offer these pets the second chance they deserve.”
AWLQ offers a myriad of programs and services designed to support the community in times of need. In turn, the organisation relies on the generous support of the public to continue helping thousands of people and their pets every year.
Ways AWLQ supports the community include:
- Pet adoption: Over 3,200 animals were rehomed through the Coombabah shelter in the past financial year.
- Foster and surrender support: Compassionate counselling and guidance for individuals who can no longer care for their pets.
- Pet food assistance: A dedicated pet food bank provides essential supplies to struggling pet owners.
- Community Vet Clinics: Affordable veterinary care ensures pet owners can access vital health services for their animals.
- Specialised animal care: A growing number of high-need veterinary and behavioural cases, as well as resource-intensive puppies and kittens, are given expert, tailored care.
AWLQ closely monitors shelter capacity and intake to ensure every animal receives the attention and resources they need. However, the rising demand means support from the community—whether through adoption, fostering, donations, or spreading the word—is more important than ever.
To learn more about adoption or to view pets available for adoption, please visit www.awlqld.com.au/adopt.
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For all media enquiries and interview requests, please contact:
Caroline Esera
Marketing & Communications Manager
[email protected]
0431 658 934
About Animal Welfare League Queensland
Established in 1959, AWLQ is a leading name in animal welfare, providing a safe haven for over 11,000 stray and homeless animals each year. As Queensland’s voice for animal care, we are committed to prioritising the health and wellbeing of every animal entrusted to us. Beyond shelter services, we offer vital support and resources to help keep pets with their owners and advocate for legal changes benefiting animals. Our unique initiatives include Community Vet Clinics, the Getting 2 Zero model, the Golden HeartsTM Seniors’ Support Program, and the National Desexing Network.
