The message from the Campaspe Animal Shelter is “adopt, don’t shop” when in the market for a new pet this Christmas, according to Campase Shire Council manager of community safety and compliance James Maw.
“If you are searching for a pet, the shelter’s ‘Home for the Holidays’ adoption drive aims to get dogs and cats available for adoption into a nice home where they can spend Christmas Day and the holidays being loved with their new family,” Mr Maw said.
“When adopting pets over Christmas it is important to consider that you have the time and energy to look after them, and don’t forget to register your pet with council so if they are lost, there is a much bigger chance of you being reunited.”
Mr Maw said it was common to have a “pretty full” shelter during this time of the year and suggested people consider adopting larger breed of dog, who sometimes have trouble finding a final home.
“With kitten season in full swing there are lots of cats and kittens coming into the shelter and with the Christmas holidays dogs and cats are being surrendered by owners due to other commitments,” he said.
“Medium to large-breed dogs and puppies are unfortunately overlooked and often take longer to find a home due to their size and public perception of being difficult to own.
“The Campaspe Animal Shelter always has medium to large-breed dogs and puppies seeking homes, with a lot of them being gentle giants, and with the correct training are a great addition to a household.”
Quickly-filling shelters are a problem across the nation with the RSPCA receiving almost 100,000 animals in 2022.
“We are pleased to report that over the past 10 years we have helped 683,024 animals by rehoming them, reuniting them with their owners or releasing them back into the wild,” the RSPCA said.
“This includes 280,195 dogs and puppies, and 301,787 cats and kittens who were rehomed or reunited with their owners.”