Staff at the RSPCA Orange Shelter were bracing themselves for the calm before the storm at 9:30am on Friday morning.
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At 9:45am a crowd of people had gathered at the William street gate with leashes in hand and cat baskets under arm waiting to meet the available animals in the RSPCA’s Clear The Shelters campaign.
Shelters across Australia were hoping to find new homes for dogs, cats, goats and rats with a $29 adoption fee initiative from Friday – Sunday.
RSPCA Manager Rita Perkons called in all available staff to manage demand.
“Some of these pets have been here a while so we hope that this sale will act as an incentive,” Ms Perkons said.
“We also want people to think ‘am I the right family for this pet?’ ‘Is my garden secure?’ ‘Can I walk it regularly?’ ‘Will it suit my lifestyle?’”
Last year saw NSW rehome 753 animals during Clear the Shelters, which was 90 percent of available pets.
“It’s all about finding forever homes for all our animals and giving that extra incentive for people looking for a new pet a good reason to adopt, instead of shopping through online platforms or backyard breeders,” RSPCA NSW Manager Brendon Neilly said.
Normal procedures apply, including desexing and microchipping, vaccinations, veterinary checks and behavioural procedures, as well as one-on-one with prospective parents and pets.
Petbarn Orange is also offering $29 adoption fees this weekend.