Animal Welfare League
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Pet adoption
Cat adoption
Dog adoption
Rabbit adoption
Frequently asked questions
Find a vet
Help us help animals
Sponsor a pet
Donate items
Animal welfare education
Buy a gift for a shelter animal
Leave a legacy to animals in need
Do your own fundraising
Buy lottery tickets
Volunteer with our team
Become a foster carer
Pet boarding
Cat boarding
Dog boarding
Boarding services menu
House rules
Pet daycations
Terms and conditions
Pet cremations
Remembering your pet
Bringing them home
Equine cremation
Volunteer with our team
Frequently asked questions
Find a vet
Op shops
Donate items
Volunteer with our team
I've lost my pet
Hints and tips
List of found pets
List of pets found by councils
Lost pets noticeboard
I've found an animal
Lost pets noticeboard
I've found a cat
I've found a dog
Rehome your pet
Rehome your cat
Rehome your dog
Rehome your rabbit
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Pets and Mental Health

In the past few years, it has become clear there is an undeniable link between our pets and positive mental health. Research polled 1,000 Australian pet owners and found that 94% of people said that their pets help their overall mental health (Companion Animal Network, 2021).

There are so many different ways pets can benefit our mental health and contribute to our lives in a positive way.

Companionship

Many who live alone or who may spend a lot of time working from home alone find a companion animal beneficial. It makes you feel less alone and especially if you spend all day sitting at a desk, it encourages you to take breaks from your screen, stand up and move around.

Exercise

Dogs give us an excuse to get out and about, leave the house and get some exercise. Going for a walk or to the dog park for a run around is a great way to get out for some fresh air, move our body and keep up a daily routine.

Purpose

Caring for an animal gives us a sense of purpose and responsibility every day. We get to feed, walk and play with our pets. Studies have shown spoiling your pet with one-on-one time, grooming them or teaching them some new tricks is just as beneficial for them as it is for your mental health.

De-stress with your cat

One of the most relaxing things for cat owners is the sound of their cat purring in their lap which releases feel good hormones in our bodies that brings about bonding and helps us feel more positive. You can encourage this connection with your cat by laying a soft blanket over your lap. You can also play games with your cat with rattling toys or chasing feathers.

Click here for more enrichment ideas for your cat.

De-stress with your dog

Playing games with your dog can be mentally stimulating for both you and your dog. It is a great way to burn some energy and relieve stress. Once you’re all tuckered out, relaxing on the couch together, patting your dog or even looking into their eyes releases feel good hormones in our bodies that brings about bonding and helps us feel more optimistic.

Click here for more fun ways to interact with your dog.


Animal Welfare League

Animal Welfare League of South Australia Inc (AWL) brings together lost and abandoned pets and caring humans to create happy homes where everyone feels loved.

Contact
Animal Care Centre
1-19 Cormack Road,
Wingfield SA 5013
10am - 3pm
Tuesday - Sunday

Edinburgh North Shelter
4 Hewittson Road
Edinburgh North SA 5113
10am - 3pm
Tuesday - Sunday
P: 08 8348 1300
E: support@awl.org.au
Pet adoption
Cat adoption
Dog adoption
Rabbit adoption
Frequently asked questions
Find a vet
Help us help animals
Donate online
Sponsor a pet
Donate items
Leave a legacy to animals in need
Do your own fundraising
Buy lottery tickets
Volunteer with our team
Become a foster carer
Animal welfare education
Pet boarding
Make an enquiry
Cat boarding
Dog boarding
Boarding services menu
House rules
Pet daycations
Terms and conditions
Pet cremations
Make an enquiry
Remembering your pet
Bringing them home
Equine cremation
Volunteer with our team
Frequently asked questions
Find a vet
Op shops
Our locations
Donate items
Volunteer with our team
I've lost my pet
Hints and tips
Submit a lost pet report
List of found pets
List of pets found by councils
Lost pets noticeboard
I've found an animal
Lost pets noticeboard
I've found a cat
I've found a dog
Rehome my pet
Rehome your cat
Rehome your dog
Rehome your rabbit
About us
Who we are
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For the Love of Pets
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08 8348 1300
support@awl.org.au
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