Animal welfare organisations across the state have united under the banner of Mission Adoptable to promote pet adoption for animals in need of a home.
Running from Saturday, October 1 to Sunday, October 9, Mission Adoptable seeks to rehome some of the growing number of animals in shelters, which are reaching breaking point due to increased pressures including fewer reclamations of lost pets, rising costs and a reduction in adoption applications.
Dog surrenders have also increased over the past financial year due to owner homelessness, lack of suitable accommodation and inability to care for or feed animals.
Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) CEO Helen Cocks said her organisation hoped the promotion could reduce the number of animals in its care and make way for more animals in need.
“GAWS is at capacity with beautiful animals in need of forever homes,” she said.
“We are hopeful that by joining forces with other Victorian animal welfare organisations in Mission Adoptable we can encourage those considering adopting a pet, to do so now, to help take pressure off shelters around the state and to give thousands of animals the loving home they deserve.
Animals adopted from organisations such as GAWS are behaviour checked, microchipped, vaccinated and desexed, and for the period of Mission Adoptable GAWS has extended its weekend opening hours to 10am-3.15pm and offered a reduced adoption fee.
Ms Cocks said she hoped the promotions would encourage members of the community to come in and apply to adopt one of the many adult dogs, cats and rabbits GAWS has available.
“At GAWS, we have many dogs, cats and small pets in our care – some who have been with us for months – waiting to be adopted.”
