The peak kitten and puppy season typically overlaps with the warmer summer months.
The centre has six long-stay animals in its care, including dogs, cats and a turtle.
Long-stays are animals that have been at SPCA shelters for more than 42 days.
One dog, Shorty, was adopted on March 29 after spending nearly the first 11 months of his life in SPCA care.
Luna, a 2-year-old dog, has been in SPCA care for 246 days.
She was transferred from Wellington’s SPCA centre at the start of the year to see if a change of scenery and new people would help, but she has received little interest.
Animal care team leader Catherine Wilson said Luna was “the sweetest girl”, and she was surprised she had not been adopted.
“She can be a little shy to start with, but once she gets to know you, she will be all over you; she’ll be your shadow.
“Luna has been going up to training and she is doing really, really well there. She is well-socialised around other dogs.”
Two other dogs, Hopper and Tubs, have been in care for 197 and 113 days, respectively.
Wilson said she did not know why some long-stay dogs at the centre received no interest, but being in care could be detrimental for some.
“Ideally, it is not great having them in the centre and, over time, they just get sick of being in here. They just want a family, and we want a family for them.
“You can just tell, they want to get in a home. It’s a 5-star resort here, but it is not a home, unfortunately.”
Over the past 12 months, SPCA Whanganui, which has only seven kennels, has cared for 181 dogs.
Flis-Pryce said that was why it relied heavily on foster families.
There are currently 19 dogs in care, with 11 based at the centre.
In an effort to reduce incoming cat numbers, SPCA Whanganui is offering free microchipping via appointment after a successful campaign in March.
The programme ends on April 12.
To book a microchipping or animal visit appointment, contact SPCA Whanganui at whanganui.info@spca.nz or call 06 345 3369.
Fin Ocheduszko Brown is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.
