Shoalhaven Animal Shelter is currently over capacity and is seeking dedicated people who can provide loving new homes for the dogs currently in its care.
The Council-owned shelter at Nowra Hill has experienced an influx of dogs in recent months and is currently unable to accept any additional dogs for surrender.
Shoalhaven Animal Shelter Team Supervisor Sharon Johnson said there were a number of dogs on a waiting list to be surrendered to the shelter.
“There’s a range of reasons why we’re so full. There has been a lot of stray dogs whose owners aren’t retrieving them. We’ve also had more people wanting to surrender their dogs and sadly we do get dogs that have been abandoned by their owners,” Ms Johnson said.
“This is influenced by the rising cost of living, people realising a dog is not suitable for their circumstances, or they are moving away and are unable to take the dog with them.”
Despite being at capacity, the dogs are receiving high-quality care from the shelter’s dedicated team while they await new homes.
The shelter is offering discounted adoption fees for all adult dogs for the next two weeks.
Prospective owners must submit an application so staff can assess both the applicant’s and the animal’s suitability, helping ensure the best possible match.
“We want to connect the right people with the right pets. The dogs deserve safe, caring and supportive homes,” Ms Johnson said.
Shoalhaven residents considering adoption are encouraged to research the needs of individual dogs before applying. Dog ownership is a long-term commitment and some animals may require training or be better suited to specific family environments.
If an adoption is not the right fit, adoption fees are fully refunded within the first three weeks.
“Every dog has its own personality, energy level and needs, so there’s often a suitable match for a wide range of households and lifestyles,” she said.
“By adopting a dog, you’re giving that animal a second chance at a loving home. At the same time, you’re helping create space for another dog that needs our care.”
Some of the dogs available for adoption include:
- Agnes (pictured above left), an eight-year-old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Agnes enjoys a quieter lifestyle and would suit an older person looking for companionship. She also likes the company of other dogs. Watch a video about Agnes here.
- Bugsby (pictured above centre), a two-year-old male American Staffordshire Terrier and American Bulldog mix. Bugsby is a social and playful pup with lots of energy. He would suit an active family who can provide training. Happy to be your only dog or have a submissive female canine companion.
- Bowie (pictured above right), a four-year-old male German Shepherd and Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. Bowie was brought into the shelter after being hit by a car, leaving him with a fractured pelvis. This cannot be fixed by surgery and will eventually lead to arthritis and require pain management. Bowie is still active and will need daily exercise. Would suit a family with children aged over eight, who can provide plenty of training.
You can view the PetRescue profiles of Agnes, Bugsby and Bowie and other dogs available for adoption on the PetRescue website and also on the shelter’s Facebook page, which is updated every Wednesday.
