Everybody knows how comforting it can be to have a loving pet welcome you home after a long day with all its associated stresses and tribulations. Their unconditional love can be the difference between somebody giving up for good or carrying on, because they’re needed by a beloved cat or dog. Sometimes, despite every good intention however, caring for a pet may be the first thing to suffer if a person experiences mental health hardship or illness.
Behind many animal welfare issues there are human issues, RSPCA WA CEO Ben Cave believes.
“When our inspectors attend reports of animal neglect and cruelty, they often find an overwhelmed owner who is struggling in other aspects of their life too,” he said.
“The inspector may be the first kind ear this person has encountered in a long time, and, while the animals are our priority, we take very seriously our responsibility to listen without judgement and link the owners up with appropriate support.
“On the flip side, we also see the incredible physical and mental health benefits of pet ownership.”
Research shows pets enhance social connectedness, lower blood pressure, and increase physical activity.
RSPCA WA CEO Ben Cave
“The human-animal bond can be incredibly powerful in combatting loneliness and social isolation, which we know are key risk factors for suicide,” said Mr Cave.
“RSPCA WA actively encourages senior members of the community in particular, who are vulnerable to social isolation, to consider adopting an older pet or becoming a foster carer, so they can enjoy the benefits of a pet without the long-term commitment.
“We also know pets help us cope with grief, stress and loss, and this is something we regularly hear from adopters and foster carers.”
Hayley Simich, of Burns Beach, says fostering has been instrumental in helping her overcome mental health struggles, after being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in 2012.
“When everything became too much and I had to leave school in Year 11, fostering became my reason to get out of bed in the morning. Taking the animals for their vet checks was a reason for me to leave the house,” she said.
Hayley Simich and 'foster fail' Gopher.
“Paying attention to what the animals needed instead of what I was feeling at the time was so grounding. It really was my saving grace.”
Hayley has fostered over 80 kittens for RSPCA WA. She says it has helped build her confidence, provided much-needed companionship and comfort, and a safe place to be herself.
Today, Hayley is studying to become a vet nurse. She says her experience as a foster carer really helped her get back on her feet.
Being a part of the RSPCA WA team is so much more than ‘just a job’.
“Having that strong sense of purpose is a key factor in wellbeing and performance among staff and volunteers,” Mr Cave said.
“We know helping others is a key driver of happiness.
“At RSPCA WA, we share successes and tangible results among staff and volunteers, which creates a strong culture and helps every member of the team feel valued.”
Volunteering at RSPCA WA very much ticks the boxes of ‘Act, Belong, Commit’ – volunteers are active, belong to a social cohort, and commit to the cause.
“The mental health benefits are a key reason we have some of the most loyal volunteers who have been with us for decades,” said Mr Cave.
RSPCA WA’s community outreach programs can be an invaluable lifeline to vulnerable segments of the community.
“Community Action Days offer free health checks and pet supplies to owners who are going through financial hardship,” Mr Cave said.
“RSPCA WA’s Pets in Crisis foster care service helps people experiencing family and domestic violence to escape those physically and mentally dangerous environments.
“We provide a unique and valuable service to the community for the benefit of animals and people alike.”
