The RSPCA has three days to find loving homes for as many animals as possible as Clear the Shelter kicks off this Friday 21st, running through to Sunday 23rd February. During the three days, adoption fees for all creatures great and small will be reduced to $29[i] to encourage those thinking about adoption to finally take the plunge.
In Victoria, Clear the Shelter is running at all RSPCA Victoria locations and participating Petbarn stores. Last year, Clear the Shelter saw 531 dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs adopted into new homes across the state.
The Greyhound Adoption Program will also bring 25 dogs into RSPCA’s Burwood East shelter for adoption and there will be a strong presence from three Victorian rescue groups – Greyt Greys, Cocker Rescue and Bullterrier Rescue.
RSPCA Victoria CEO, Dr Liz Walker, said Clear the Shelter is an opportunity to promote adoption as the ideal way to welcome a pet into people’s lives.
“We have over 10,00 animals available for adoption each year. They all need someone to care for them and give them a second chance for a happy, healthy life. Clear the Shelter encourages people who are considering bringing a new pet into their home, to adopt rather than shop,” said Dr Walker.
“The reduced adoption fees aim to encourage people into our shelters to meet our animals. From there, all of our usual adoption processes apply, meaning our staff will be working very hard all weekend to ensure every animal goes to a perfectly suited, lifelong home.
“We monitor reduced adoption promotions carefully and have found that the price someone pays to acquire an animal has no impact on return rates and no negative impact on the animal’s welfare – this is supported by all available data[ii].”
“Our usual adoption prices only cover a fraction of the cost it takes to get an animal ready for adoption. While the $29 adoption fee certainly does capture attention, we firmly believe you cannot put a price on finding forever homes for animals. Promotions like Clear the Shelter are essential to help us appropriately rehome as many pets as possible.”
RSPCA Victoria currently has 344 available for adoption. More animals will become available over the weekend as their quarantine periods and vet checks are completed. Everything from dogs, cats, kittens, rabbits and guinea pigs will be looking for their purrfect homes. A raincheck voucher will be available for those who may miss out on the day.
All adoption animals are desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, health and behaviour checked.
[i] $29 adoption fee excludes livestock, ponies and horses. Please contact your local shelter for any restrictions.
