By Victoria Stone-Meadows
RSPCA Victoria is encouraging people to adopt shelter animals by having their ‘Time to Go Home’ campaign and discounting adoption fees over this coming weekend.
The RSPCA shelter in Pearcedale cares for over 2000 lost, runaway or abandoned animals each year with more than 1000 cats and more than 500 dogs last year alone.
Adoption rates at the Pearcedale RSPCA centre are good, with last year seeing over 1800 animals find their forever-homes including 28 guinea pigs adopted, 135 rabbits and 9 horses, 580 dogs and 1260 cats.
During the promotional period from Thursday 24 November to Sunday 27 November, adoption fees for all animals at all RSPCA centres in Victoria will be reduced depending on how long they have been in shelters for.
RSPCA Victoria CEO, Dr Liz Walker, said while the animals are safe and cared for with the RSPCA, they deserve the love of a home and family.
“As much as we love caring for animals, these pets belong in a family home, not in a shelter environment,” Dr Walker said.
“We would certainly like to see healthy animals spending no more than three weeks with us before they are adopted.
“That’s why we are reducing the adoption fees progressively more for those who have been with us the longest.”
Animals that have been in RSPCA care up to 20 days will have a 20 per cent discount; those who have been between 21 and 50 days will attract a 50 per cent discount; and those 51 days or more will be available at a 70 per cent discount.
Dogs and cats over the age of ten will remain fee free for adoption as is usual RSPCA policy.
The Adoption Centre at the Pearcedale RSPCA is open every Monday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm, and is located at 1030 Robinsons Road, Pearcedale.
For more animals currently ready to be adopted from the Pearcedale RSPCA, check out the gallery at www.cranbourne.starcommunity.com.au or www.rspcavic.org.
