New data from PetRescue reveals that large dogs take nearly twice as long to be adopted and receive 78% fewer enquiries than smaller dogs on average, with over 1,000 large dogs, primarily adults, currently available for adoption through the animal welfare charity.

In response, online pet supplies retailer Pet Circle, Australia has partnered with the organisation to launch a national adoption campaign titled ‘Looking for Love.’ The initiative aims to rehome over 100 large dogs by the end of June 2025. As part of the campaign, Pet Circle is offering $100 vouchers to the first 200 adopters of large dogs through PetRescue between May 13 and June 13, 2025.

Head Vet at Pet Circle, Teagan Lever, said: “There is a misconception that large dogs are more challenging to care for but that’s really not the case. They can be the most loving companions and it’s just a matter of finding a dog whose personality and needs fit your lifestyle and family.

“At Pet Circle, we believe every dog, no matter their size, deserves a chance at a loving home. By teaming up with PetRescue we hope to help big dogs find the families they’re meant to be with,” Lever stated.

Managing Director and CEO at PetRescue, Patima Tantiprasut, said: “While ‘dogs’ are the most popular pet search on PetRescue, it’s heartbreaking to see that big dogs can be waiting almost twice as long to find a home when compared to the average time it takes the smaller ones.

“This campaign encourages people to look beyond appearance alone when considering a pet, and instead, focusing on their individual personality. It might surprise many that a big friendly giant might actually be the most suitable and compatible companion for their lifestyle and household.”

“With the help of amazing partners like Pet Circle, we can give them the chance to be seen and adopted. The data tells us that big dogs need an even bigger boost to generate more interest. We want to share far and wide that these special ones are looking for love too, and that they have big love to give in return,” Tantiprasut said.

Among the large dogs awaiting adoption is Chloe, who has been at the Shoalhaven Animal Shelter for over 650 days.