Media releases

All animals adopted in record result for RSPCA SA’s Clear the Shelter campaign

Staff and volunteers at RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter are celebrating today after every animal available to adopt during this weekend’s Clear the Shelter campaign found a new home.

The last animal adopted was seven-year-old Chester, a friendly cat with special needs due to chronic kidney disease. Despite his condition, he could have many years ahead with the right diet and ongoing veterinary care. His special needs were no deterrent for Cedar Nicol, who came to the Lonsdale shelter today to purchase supplies for her family’s two kittens.

“I wasn’t there to adopt a cat,” Ms Nicol said.

“But when I asked how the campaign had gone, and they told me Chester was the last cat still waiting for a new home, I had to take a look at him – and that was it.”

After a quick consultation with her husband Adam, Chester was soon on his way to his new home with Cedar, Adam and their two sons, 6-year-old Arlo and 8-year-old Cash. According to Ms Nicol, the whole family “adores animals” and Arlo has plans to be a vet.

Chester (pictured) is now getting to know his new family including his two fur-siblings, kittens Moe and Blaze, both
adopted from RSPCA. Ms Nicol reports he is settling in well.

RSPCA South Australia’s Head of Animal Operations Tim Charles said there were a few tears when Chester was finally adopted.

“He’s won a lot of hearts during his time with us, and to see him go home to such a loving family who know how to care for cats is really a dream come true for the staff and volunteers who have been caring for him,” Mr Charles said.

A total of 416 animals were adopted from RSPCA South Australia during the three-day, nationwide campaign. This compares to 249 animals adopted during the campaign last year.

According to Mr Charles, the significantly higher result this year is due to the high number of kittens that were ready for adoption over the weekend.

“We will have more animals available to adopt in coming days, but for now we are all exhausted and just enjoying the rare sight of empty animal enclosures,” Mr Charles said.

Animals available to adopt from RSPCA SA can be viewed HERE.