Petbarn Foundation’s Tree of Hope Appeal has returned with endurance athlete Nedd Brockmann and his rescue dog Dougie at its centre, as research highlights the sacrifices Australian pet owners are making to keep their animals fed and cared for.
The State of Sacrifice Report 2026 found that 77 per cent of pet owners had cut back on their own needs for their pets. More than half had reduced essential spending, one in four had skipped meals to afford pet food and 31 per cent had delayed paying a household bill.
Despite the pressure, only 20 per cent of Australians know that support such as pet food banks and financial assistance programmes is available.
Petbarn Foundation appeal highlights pressure on owners
Brockmann, named the 2026 Young Australian of the Year, said his bond with Dougie had shaped his decision to support the campaign.
He found the border collie-kelpie cross during the Covid period after deciding to adopt a dog. Dougie was tied to a post and covered in fleas.
“He was just tied to a post, which looked like for a solid six months, just covered in fleas, very docile,” Brockmann said. “It broke my heart.”
Dougie was taken home, but Brockmann soon realised the dog had suffered neglect and appeared to have separation anxiety. Building trust, he said, required patience rather than an expectation that the animal would immediately feel safe.
Now six, Dougie is a much-loved part of Brockmann’s life. The athlete said caring for him had changed his outlook and made him more selfless.
“I don’t do a single thing in my life where I don’t think about Dougie,” he said.
Brockmann said the report’s findings were difficult but understandable, as owners prioritised animals that depended on them.
“If my dog’s hungry and I’m hungry, but I sit here and he’s not gonna give up on me, then I’m feeding him, so it makes sense,” he said. “It doesn’t make it any easier, though.”
The financial strain is also being felt by rescue organisations. A national survey conducted with the Animal Rescue Cooperative found that 80 per cent had seen more pets surrendered because of financial hardship.
Some 76 per cent of rescue groups and community partners were at or near capacity, while 69 per cent had experienced a fall in donations over the previous year.
Nearly three-quarters reported an increase in people experiencing homelessness seeking help for their pets. More than three in four organisations also believed concern for a pet’s safety could prevent people experiencing domestic violence from leaving.
Brockmann, who has worked in the homelessness sector, said shame could stop people from seeking assistance.
“You don’t want to ask people for help. It’s like you lose a bit of dignity,” he said. “Putting yourself on the line, saying, ‘I’m not good, I need help,’ whether that’s for them or for their pet, it’s not a great position to be in.”
Petbarn Foundation manager Janelle Miller said many owners regarded their animals as family and would sacrifice their own needs to protect them.
“Tree of Hope is about bringing communities together to ease that burden, helping people and their pets through difficult times and keeping pets with the families who love them,” she said.
The appeal is seeking to raise $1.8 million for more than 80 pet-related charities across Australia. Since 2012, the Petbarn Foundation has raised more than $40 million for food, shelter, veterinary care and community support.
Brockmann said support was available and people should not feel ashamed about using it. He added that anyone able to contribute had an opportunity to help pets and their owners through the appeal.
