Media releases

RSPCA is on a mission to ‘Clear the Shelters’ this weekend with adoption fees reduced to $29 for all animals great and small nationwide[1]. The goal is to rehome as many animals as possible over the three-day adoption promotion.

All animals available to adopt from RSPCA are microchipped, desexed, fully vaccinated and vet checked. Last year, a record-breaking 2,792 animals found their furever homes across the country in the RSPCA’s most successful adoption promotion to date.

RSPCA South Australia’s Head of Animal Operations Tim Charles described the upcoming three days – beginning 10am on Friday and ending 4pm on Sunday – as “speed dating, with a twist”.

“This weekend we’re giving animal lovers the opportunity to either take animals into their homes and hearts for the first time, or add to their existing menagerie, for a tiny fraction of the usual adoption fee,” Mr Charles said.

“The $29 adoption fee does not come remotely close to covering the cost of treating and caring for the animals, but you can’t put a price on finding forever homes for animals in need.”

RSPCA South Australia has three shelters, located at Lonsdale, Whyalla and Port Lincoln. This weekend’s reduced adoption fee will apply at the Lonsdale shelter, in addition to RSPCA PetVille at Hillcrest and seven Petbarn stores located across the metropolitan area.

Although the RSPCA is drastically reducing adoption fees, normal adoption procedures will apply to help staff match animals with the right families. This includes behavioural assessments and one-on-ones with prospective adoptive parents and future fur-siblings.

RSPCA South Australia staff will be on-hand to provide practical advice about the animal’s temperament and care needs, and follow-up advice after adoption if needed.

While promoting the RSPCA’s “Adopt, don’t shop” message, Mr Charles emphasised that the decision to welcome an animal into the family should not be taken lightly.

“Animals bring enormous joy into many people’s lives, and the benefits of pet ownership for our physical and mental health are well proven. However, before taking on the responsibility of an animal’s care it’s very important to learn exactly what is involved.

“There’s a wealth of information out there, and a very good place to start would be RSPCA’s knowledgebase, which has excellent tips on how to care for all kinds of animals.”

RSPCA South Australia has almost 250 animals available for adoption. These include about 200 cats and kittens. Apart from cats, RSPCA South Australia also has rabbits, guinea pigs and goats – all hoping to go home with loving new owners this weekend. Anyone interested in adopting a dog is advised to come early. Improved dog management in SA, including mandatory microchipping, means there are now far fewer dogs coming to animal shelters.

Despite concerns expressed by some people, research has shown that low fee adoptions do not affect return rates or impact negatively on the welfare of the animals.[2][3]

“An adoption event like this weekend’s Clear the Shelter helps the RSPCA to find homes sooner, and this is a huge plus for the welfare of the animals involved,” Mr Charles said.

“While we provide the best care possible at our shelters, animals are always better off in a loving, knowledgeable home where they can receive the one-on-one attention they deserve.”

RSPCA South Australia’s Clear the Shelter Adoption Campaign – Friday 22 Feb until Sunday 24 Feb – will take place at the following locations and times: 

• RSPCA South Australia – 25 Meyer Road, Lonsdale
  • Friday: 10am to 4pm
  • Sat/Sun: 10am to 2pm
  • Phone: 1300 4 777 22

• RSPCA PetVille – 345 North-East Rd, Hillcrest
  • Friday: 9am to 6pm
  • Sat: 9am to 5pm
  • Sun: 11am to 5pm
  • Phone: (08) 8266 6582
  • www.rspcapetville.com.au/

• Pet Barns
  • Hendon (kittens only) – 113-115 Tapleys Hill Rd, Hendon. Ph 7087 2216
  • Holden Hill – 1/578 North East Road, Holden Hill. Ph 7087 2225
  • Melrose Park (kittens only) – Melrose Plaza – 9/1031 South Rd, Melrose Park. Ph 7087 2229
  • Mile End (kittens only) – 122-138 Railway Tce – Homemaker Centre, Mile End. Ph 8351 8130
  • Noarlunga (kittens only) – 84 Dyson Rd, Noarlunga Centre. Ph 7087 2219
  • Norwood (kittens only) – 31 The Parade, Norwood. Ph 8363 3255
  • Prospect (kittens only) – 3/252 Churchill Rd, Prospect. Ph 7087 2222

 

All animals available to adopt at RSPCA Lonsdale can be viewed here.

 

[1] Promotion excludes RSPCA Darwin and RSPCA Tasmania.

[2] http://www.aspcapro.org/resource/saving-lives-adoption-marketing-research-data/research-fee-waived-adoptions

[3] http://www.maddiesfund.org/the-truth-about-free-cat-adoptions.htm