Media releases

Staff and volunteers at RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter are gearing up for a major initiative starting this Thursday to find good homes for fifty dogs currently up for adoption.

The adoption fee has been slashed to just $50, with all dogs desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and vetchecked. RSPCA South Australia spokesperson Carolyn Jones said the charity was overstretched caring for more than 100 dogs, and the fifty that are ready to be adopted need homes now.

“We’re calling on our community to rally and spread the word, because the current situation is not viable – Lonsdale is over capacity, and these animals need to be living in loving homes, not a shelter,” Ms Jones said.

“While we’ve dropped the adoption fee, all the usual checks and follow-ups will be done to make sure the adoption is a good fit, but what we want people to do, if they’ve been considering adding a dog to their household, is to come along and meet these dogs – with so many available, there’s a good chance they’ll
meet their perfect match.”

Three of the 50 dogs put on their best “choose me” faces – from left, Rocky, Seven and Toby.

The three-day adoption event will be one of the last big dog adoption events to be held at the Lonsdale shelter, as RSPCA SA begins counting down to the 2024 opening of a new animal care campus, being built at O’Halloran Hill. According to Ms Jones, one of the main reasons for the relocation is the sub-standard, circa 1979 kennels in which dogs live at Lonsdale.

“Despite those outdated kennels, our shelter is a happy place of first meetings with animals who end up being lifelong companions – the countless emails and letters from overjoyed adopters is testament to the powerful connections people make with rescue animals they’ve welcomed into their hearts and homes.

“With Thursday being a public holiday to mark the Queen’s passing, what nicer way is there to celebrate her Majesty’s life and her renown love of dogs than by giving one of these fabulous fifty a loving home.”

Most of the dogs available to adopt are larger breeds and include an Akita Inu, a Maremma cross, a Border Collie and a bonded pair of German Shorthaired Pointers. The longest term resident is Ned, who arrived at the Lonsdale shelter in mid-November, having been surrendered along with five other dogs to an RSPCA inspector. All were neglected and living in squalor. According to the dog-care team, Ned has gone from extreme anxiety to more relaxed, and now enjoys lazing on his bed under a heat lamp.

“Ned’s a work in progress, he’s definitely looking for someone special who understands dogs,” Ms Jones said. “Knowing the situation he’s come from, it would lift us all to see this dear boy go to a good home this week.”

Online bookings are required for Thursday and Friday, but no booking is required on Saturday – anyone interested in adopting a dog (or another species) can come at 9am up until 2pm.