Christmas is just around the corner and Wagga Wagga City Council has a message for the local community – ‘adopt not shop’ if they are thinking about getting a new pet this holiday season.
The Glenfield Road Animal Shelter currently has several cats and dogs available to become your new furry family member through adoption.
Animal Welfare Supervisor Julie McPhail said residents can give an animal a second chance at a forever home by choosing to adopt from a council animal shelter, RSPCA shelter or approved rehoming organisation.
“We’re just asking people to ‘adopt, don’t shop’. There are plenty of rescue cats and rescue dogs that are absolutely gorgeous and beautiful who are needing a new home,” Ms McPhail said.
“It helps save a dog. It helps save a cat. It’s your personal choice, but we think with all the animals that are needing homes that we can find one that’s suitable and make it your new fur kid or part of your family.”
At Christmas time, people often welcome a new pet into their families or give a cat or dog as a gift to a loved one.
Ms McPhail said it is important to remember that cats and dogs, kittens and puppies should not be given as Christmas gifts unless it is a decision made by the person who is receiving it and the person who is giving it.
“They should become part of your family, so you’ve got to make sure everybody’s happy about it and you’re willing to give the constant support, financially and emotionally,” Ms McPhail said.
“Animals do require a lot of attention and you just need to make sure all involved are ready for that commitment.”
The Glenfield Road Animal Shelter’s aim is to reunite the animals which come into the facility with their owner.
If that is unsuccessful, the animal is then put up for adoption.
“Adoption is on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis,” Ms McPhail said. “We also like to make sure applicants understand the responsibilities of pet ownership and are making the right choice of pet.
“If they come looking for a little Chihuahua but they want to put an application in on a Great Dane, then we may have to have a bit of a chat.”
The adoption fee for each cat or dog, puppy or kitten, covers desexing, first vaccinations, microchipping, deworming, lifetime registration and an ID tag.
