Hunter Valley Animal Facility and Rehoming Centre on the brink of closure due to financial struggles. The Hunter Valley Animal Facility and Rehoming Centre (HVAFARC) is facing its toughest challenge yet as it struggles to stay afloat due to a significant decline in funding.
- With only three months left in operational costs, the rescue is frantically fundraising to keep its gates open.
- The shelter is home to 30 dogs and 26 cats, and without this rescue, many animals may have nowhere else safe to go.
- Founders Peta Smith and Jade Luhr started the rescue five years ago with the intention of opening an animal rescue and shelter.
- The rescue requires about $10,000 in operation costs a month, including wages, insurance, rubbish removal, and costs of animal care.
The rescue’s founders, Peta Smith and Jade Luhr, are “devastated” at the prospect of shutting down due to financial struggles. “If we close, it will be heartbreaking not just for us but for the animals who rely on us,” said James Withers, a kennel attendant at the facility. “The animals are not just our pets, they are our responsibility,” he added. The rescue is facing a significant decline in funding, with community donations dropping significantly. “We have about three months left in operational costs in our budget,” said Peta Smith, the president of HVAFARC. “If we can’t raise adequate funds, we will have to reduce, downsize or close,” she added. The rescue requires about $10,000 in operation costs a month, including wages, insurance, rubbish removal, and costs of animal care. “We are just at a loss as to how we get the money in? How do we sustain it?” said Peta Smith. The rescue has received approval for a development application to house 100 animals at the back of her property, but that is a waning possibility after being weighed down by daily costs. The rescue is also facing an increase in demand for their services, with 10 to 15 requests for help on average each day. “That’s not just from members of the public, it is from real estate agents who have animals abandoned in houses to other animal welfare agencies asking for help,” said Peta Smith. The rescue partners with Happy Paws Happy Hearts, an Australia-wide organisation that connects socially isolated people and animals. Kennel attendant Leecy Withers with one of the young cats up for adoption.
| Donation options | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly donations | $20-$50 | Monthly |
| One-off donations | $20-$100 | One-off |
| Volunteering | – | – |
The rescue is facing a difficult decision, with no clear solution in sight. “We don’t know what this means for where we could go,” said Peta Smith. The rescue is counting on the community to help them stay afloat. “If you would like to donate to HVAFARC, please visit their website at hvafarc.com.au/donate,” said Peta Smith. The rescue is also looking for volunteers to help with daily tasks and events. “We are grateful for any help we can get,” said Peta Smith. The future of the rescue is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the animals are counting on the community to help them stay safe.
Meet the people behind the rescue
James and Leecy Withers are two of the kennel attendants at HVAFARC. “They are always the kids who would get into trouble for bringing home strays,” said Peta Smith. James Withers is passionate about animal welfare and has been working at the rescue for over two years. “He is always looking out for the animals and making sure they are happy and healthy,” said Leecy Withers. Leecy Withers has been working at the rescue for over three years and is also a volunteer. “She is always smiling and making the animals feel welcome,” said James Withers. The Withers siblings are dedicated to their work at the rescue and are always looking for ways to improve the lives of the animals. “They are an integral part of our team,” said Peta Smith. The rescue is not just about the animals, but also about the people who care for them. The founders of HVAFARC, Peta Smith and Jade Luhr, are also dedicated to their work. “They are the heart and soul of the rescue,” said Leecy Withers. The rescue is facing a difficult time, but the founders and staff are determined to keep the rescue going. “We will not give up,” said Peta Smith.
The impact of the rescue on the community
HVAFARC partners with Happy Paws Happy Hearts, an Australia-wide organisation that connects socially isolated people and animals. The rescue is also a vital part of the local community, providing a safe haven for abandoned and neglected animals. The rescue has received approval for a development application to house 100 animals at the back of her property, but that is a waning possibility after being weighed down by daily costs. The rescue is also facing an increase in demand for their services, with 10 to 15 requests for help on average each day. “That’s not just from members of the public, it is from real estate agents who have animals abandoned in houses to other animal welfare agencies asking for help,” said Peta Smith. The rescue is counting on the community to help them stay afloat. “If you would like to donate to HVAFARC, please visit their website at hvafarc.com.au/donate,” said Peta Smith. The rescue is also looking for volunteers to help with daily tasks and events. “We are grateful for any help we can get,” said Peta Smith. The future of the rescue is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the animals are counting on the community to help them stay safe.
What can you do to help?
If you would like to donate to HVAFARC, please visit their website at hvafarc.com.au/donate. You can also volunteer your time to help with daily tasks and events. The rescue is always looking for people to help with fundraising, social media, and other tasks. “We are grateful for any help we can get,” said Peta Smith. The future of the rescue is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the animals are counting on the community to help them stay safe.
Conclusion
The Hunter Valley Animal Facility and Rehoming Centre (HVAFARC) is facing a difficult time due to financial struggles. The rescue is counting on the community to help them stay afloat. If you would like to donate to HVAFARC, please visit their website at hvafarc.com.au/donate. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. The future of the rescue is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the animals are counting on the community to help them stay safe.
Help keep the animals safe
“If you’re going to do something, do it with passion and care.