Permanent homes required for adopt-a-pet campaign

Cats, dogs, bunnies, and even the odd chicken, as well as other animals are expected to find homes during this summer, with the annual adopt-a-pet campaign.

The three local SPCA shelters; Hastings and Districts, Napier and Central Hawke's Bay are inundated with pets during this time of year, with each one in desperate need of a permanent, loving home.

SPCA Napier Centre Manager, Bruce Wills said they tend to full up fairly quickly, with 120 animals currently in their care.

"It is quite an involved process to get animals to the stage of adoption. It can take up to three to four weeks before they are ready."

Central Hawke's Bay SPCA centre manager Renee Hickey said although they struggle at times, they always seem to find homes all around New Zealand for their animals.

"Usually by this time of year, we have got 60 animals but at the moment, we have got 27, which is not too bad for this time of year. Although, we are inundated with kittens, as it is kitten season and we have an awful lot of puppies."

SPCA Hastings and Districts Centre Manager, Cynthia Repko said they have a very good success rate with puppies and kittens.

"But the elderly residents seem to be overlooked."

With the holiday season well under way, the SPCA are experiencing an increasingly high amount of welfare cases.

"We have frequent phone calls from the public asking us to take stray, unwanted animals," Miss Repko said. said.

While all three SPCA shelters urge people to consider adopting a pet, the public needs to be aware of the commitment involved.

"It is not just a Christmas present or for 2 months, it can be up to 15 years plus. A lot of commitment is involved, including love, care and exercise, as well as a financial contribution. These are things that we ask the public to consider when adopting a pet," Miss Repko said.

Hawke's Bay Today will be featuring a daily profile of individual animals up for adoption from the Napier, Central Hawke's Bay and the Hastings and Districts SPCA, beginning today over the Christmas and New Year period.