RSPCA will slash adoption costs this weekend to get animals into new homes

The RSPCA ACT will slash its pet adoption prices this weekend to get its animals into loving new homes, as its shelter is continuing to face a difficult year.

The shelter has been over capacity for the past year and a successful adoption push will free up space and resources to allow staff and volunteers to help more animals in need in the community.

The adoption drive will be held this Friday and Saturday (25-26 October), during which adoption fees will be $50 for adult dogs and cats while rabbits will be $20.

There are also roosters, fish and pigeons.

The animals available for adoption will be desexed and microchipped (excluding birds), have received their vaccinations and veterinary checks and undergone basic behavioural assessment.

RSPCA ACT CEO Michelle Robertson said her organisation currently has more than 248 animals in its care.

All through 2024, the RSPCA has had higher numbers of animals in care than in 2023 or 2022, while this year’s lot of animals also need more care and treatment, as many have had medical conditions or behavioural issues like not being well-socialised.

“So it is the higher numbers and the work required to get the animals adoption ready,” Ms Robertson said.

“[Also] we have a lot of people asking for help. There are a lot of people who want to surrender their animals, but we just don’t have the space.”

Adoption numbers have been low this year. In three weeks over September and October, only one animal was adopted on a Saturday.

“It’s very soul-destroying if you see just one animal being adopted out on a Saturday,” Ms Robertson said.

“We want to get them into homes.

“This year we’ve seen more puppies arrive in the past six months than in recent memory and about 100 more cats than this time last year.”

She also said she would love to offer these adoption prices all year round, “but we just couldn’t afford it”.

A fundraiser was held in October to generate money and the RSPCA has had good corporate support recently, which is helping to subsidise the cheap adoption costs.

When asked what she thought would happen with a full shelter and the Christmas season fast approaching, as it is usually a busy time for the RSPCA, she said, “That is certainly keeping me awake at night”.

“Our facilities are just not fit for purpose,” she said.

“It’s not just the space. Every animal requires vet care and our vet clinic is just not fit for purpose.

“I’m hoping that the more animals we get adopted now, the better it sets us up to support those additional animals that are going to be coming in over November and December.”

When asked what her message was for the ACT’s new government following the recent election, Ms Robertson said, “It would really be good if we had priority in getting the shelter finished”.

“I just want it built and finished so we can be in there … that is what our animals need. That is what the community needs.”

Ms Robertson also said she had heard some were worried that the RSPCA would be dropping their adoption standards this weekend, but she reassured the community that the same checks would apply.

“We are trying to find the right home for the right animal,” she said.

The RSPCA will not reserve animals on request nor put animals on hold. All adoptions must occur at RSPCA ACT at 12 Kirkpatrick St, Weston.

To view all animals available for adoption, visit RSPCA ACT or see them on the RSPCA’s Facebook page.