Lowest prices may just be the beginning, but finding a new best friend could be the ending as RSPCA WA and Bunnings Malaga team up for an adoption drive.
From Saturday 21 October, adoption prices will be slashed on all animals looking for a new home.
A stall will be set up inside the Bunnings store for a week, showcasing the dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds currently available, with surprise 'adopt me' in-person appearances by hopeful dogs. People can also support the RSPCA by buying an iconic Bunnings sausage sizzle on Saturday.
Until 29 October, adoption fees will be reduced to $79.99 for cats, $99.99 for dogs and no fee for other animals. Cat Haven will also be joining in the adoption drive this weekend.
RSPCA WA Shelter Manager Emily Smith says if you've been thinking about getting a pet, now is the perfect time.
"We are at capacity at the moment, especially when it comes to dogs, without a single kennel spare," she said.
"We even have dogs living in the vet clinic and in the whelping kennel that we try and keep free for expectant mums.
"We are having to turn animals away every day because we physically don't have anywhere to house them – it's heartbreaking."
The cost of living and the housing crisis are having a big impact on intake numbers with nearly a third of requests from people looking to surrender their animals related to those issues.
An increase in cruelty investigations is also adding to the workload. In 2022-23 RSPCA investigated 7126 cases, nearly 700 more than the year before.
Emily said there are currently 52 animals available for adoption but a total of 263 in care.
'Sometimes people look at our adoption page and think the situation isn't too bad. But we have many more animals who aren't ready for adoption yet in our care too.
'That's why it's so important to find new families for the ones who are ready like long timer, two-year-old Georgina. This sweet natured girl has been at the shelter for 175 days, surrendered because her owners could no longer afford to care for her."
Emily thanked Bunnings Malaga for their support in the adoption drive.
'They really are the best 'across-the-road' neighbours we could have in Malaga. They are so generous and truly have a heart for animals.'
RSPCA WA's adoption processes and criteria will still apply during the reduced fee period. To view the animals currently available for adoption, go to rspcawa.org.au
