Campaspe Shire is significantly discounting the cost of cat adoption at its McKenzie Rd animal shelter as a result of being at — as its Facebook site describes it — “cat-pacity”.
The council, however, is still (in some situations) a more expensive option for adoption than the neighbouring Greater Shepparton Council — which is also discounting its cats due to high numbers at the shelter.
A Facebook advertisement announced that the Campaspe council would be “significantly reducing’’ adoption fees until the shelter was cleared.
Adult cats, six months or older, were being advertised for $50 and kittens (younger than six months) had a $130 price tagged attached.
Prior to the discount offer on Facebook the council website was offering adult cats (six months to seven years) for anything from $15-$108, while senior cats (seven years and above) went for $10-$50 and kittens for anything from $55 to $173.
Three-year-old domestic short hair cat, Frankie, is among the exceptions to the rule — she is being offered for adoption free.
Campaspe’s website said as Frankie had been at the shelter long term, her adoption fee has been waived to help get her into a loving home.
Greater Shepparton Council has slashed its cat adoption costs, now offering the house pets for anything from $20 to $50 — depending on the age of the cat.
Cats that are less than a year old were being advertised for $50, down from $100, while those aged one year or older cost just $20.
In Greater Shepparton that cost includes a veterinary check, vaccination, de-sexing and microchip identification, while desexing, worming and vaccination was a part of the Campaspe packages.
Before taking home the cat, however, Greater Shepparton applicants are required to complete a complicated animal adoption questionnaire. Applicants are then expected to complete a 30-minute meet and greet with the animal at the Wanganui Rd Shepparton Animal Shelter.
The questionnaire includes sections for applicants to explain their family dynamic, home lifestyle and current pets.
Animals available for adoption can be viewed by visiting the Shepparton Animal Shelter at 125 Wanganui Rd, Shepparton between 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
Animals available for adoption are also listed on council’s website http://www.greatershepparton.com.au/pets-for-sale
— Access to the Campaspe Animal Shelter is by appointment only.
Adoption appointments can be made from Monday to Friday (10am to 4pm) and Saturday 10am to noon).
Other services include surrenders, stray animals, reclaims and microchipping, with the team at the animal shelter available on 5480 3005 for appointments.