Looking for a new fur-ever friend? RSPCA ACT is holding a two-day adoption blitz
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$50 adult dogs and cats and $20 pocket pets – this weekend RSPCA ACT is hoping to find a forever home for all of their furry, fluffy, and feathered residents.
This might just be the cutest adoption drive ever.
Holding a two-day blitz this Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October, RSPCA ACT is aiming to clear the shelter by offering discounts on adoption fees ahead of Christmas.
Dropping the fee of adult dogs and cats (aged over six months) to $50 and smaller pets (such as rabbits) to $20, the adoption push follows the success of the recent Give to Get Them Home fundraising day.
Is Oreo your new fur-ever friend?
With more than 240 animals currently in their care, the aim of the Clear the Shelter drive is to free up space and resources to allow RSPCA ACT staff and volunteers to help more animals in need in the community.
RSPCA ACT CEO Michelle Robertson says that she hopes that all of the animals for adoption will find new homes as the animal shelter prepares for their busiest time of year.
“This year we’ve seen more puppies arrive in the past six months than in recent memory and about 100 more cats than this time last year. Our adoption numbers have been painfully slow meaning that even our most adoptable animals are remaining in care for longer,” she explains.
“It is not only the volume and length of stay of animals that we are concerned about, but our infrastructure capacity. Our shelter is no longer fit for purpose seeing us constantly having to come up with new temporary ways to create more space.”
You’d be mad not to love Max.
During the drive, regular adoption processes will apply (which includes no holds) and all animals available for adoption will be desexed and microchipped (excluding birds). They will also have received their vaccinations, had veterinary checks and undergone basic behavioural assessment.
Michelle says that the RSPCA ACT’s excellent record of pairing pets with their ideal owners also won’t be sacrificed during the two-day campaign.
“Our adoption staff are brilliant, and they will be operating as normal over these days. The price will be lower than usual, but we want to make sure these animals who we’ve put lots and time and effort into rehabilitating, go to the right homes,” she says.
“For example, some of our animals may require a high level of exercise, specific ongoing care or a large space to occupy so if an applicant is unable provide these things into the future, we’ll recommend a different pet for that person to adopt.”
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Thinking of taking home a fur-ever friend? While the subsided adoption costs will ease some financial barriers, Michelle also wants to remind potential owners of the reality of owning a pet.
“Although I really want potential new owners to take advantage of this offer, it is so important to also consider the ongoing costs and care required like pet food, medical treatments, grooming and potential vet bills,” she says.
From Lola the adorable Boxer-cross who’s lived at the Weston shelter since early January this year to some very friendly felines including Eeyore, Billy Bob, and Benjimin, to view all animals available for adoption, visit rspca-act.org.au/adopt-pet
THE ESSENTIALS
What: RSPCA Clear The Shelter
When: Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October
Where: 12 Kirkpatrick Street, Weston
Web: rspca-act.org.au
Feature image: Lola. Photography: Jess Brown of JBR Pets.
