4 Paws Animal Rescue finds elderly pets new permanent homes after owners die, go into care

What happens to elderly pets when their owners pass away or go into aged care?

Rescuers say old pets are often dumped or misplaced and, as a result, many are euthanased instead of offered a second chance at life in a new home.

But Queensland animal rescue shelter 4 Paws is on a mission to change that, so elderly pets are not left homeless or unloved.

Old dogs dumped

Phoebe the miniature Maltese was taken to the pound on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, after being used as a breeder before her owners ditched her.

“She was a mess: shaking, she smelled, she was thin,” said carer Bev Fleming.

“It was like looking at a pink rat. They [vets] had to shave her because she was knotted from the tail all the way up.

“She was frightened and timid.