After hearing about the animals in RSPCA South Australia’s care who have waited for weeks and months to find new homes, a big-hearted animal lover has decided to boost their chances.

For one week, starting over the weekend and ending this Friday 20 September, the longtime RSPCA SA supporter (who has asked to remain anonymous) will cover half the adoption fee for all animals.

RSPCA SA Head of Animal Operations Billy Tubman says the generous offer could not have come at a better time, adding that adoptions will still follow all the usual protocols to ensure animals will fit in well with their new families.

“We’re hoping that people who may have been considering adding a new pet to their household will decide to put those thoughts into action,” Billy says.

“The best thing to do is to come in and meet the animals and talk with our staff about them.

“Plenty of heartwarming, lifelong bonds happen unexpectedly, with someone who perhaps had their sights set on one particular animal discovering that another is in fact the ideal companion for them.

“So many people have told us how glad they are to have made the effort to visit our facility on the fateful day when they met their now much-loved pet.”

Of the 535 animals in RSPCA SA care, 210 (40 per cent) of them are accommodated at the organisation’s new animal care centre at O’Halloran Hill. Of particular concern is the number of dogs and puppies in care, which has risen steeply following seizures by RSPCA SA inspectors due to welfare concerns.

“We always have to retain some capacity to accommodate these most-in-need animals coming in via our inspectorate, and in the past month alone we have had almost 200 animals come in after being seized by - or surrendered to - our inspectors,” Billy says.

“Inspectorate animals are held in protective custody pending the outcomes of investigations and court proceedings, hence the need to rehome adoption-ready animals as soon as possible, once they’ve passed our vet and behaviour assessments.

“Hopefully, over the coming week, this build-up of animals available to adopt will be cleared, meaning not only animals finding homes but also less pressure on the staff and volunteers caring for them.”

Among the canines looking for forever homes is two-year-old Teddy, who came into RSPCA SA care on 4 August after being found wandering in bushland at Crafers West. No-one came forward to claim the handsome and friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback cross, and no-one has yet stepped up to give him a new home.

All animals adopted from RSPCA SA are desexed, up-to-date with vaccinations, have received parasite preventative medication, are microchipped and have had their physical health and behaviour assessed. “The big difference when you adopt an animal from us compared to one you might adopt online, for example, is you find out exactly who you are adopting,” Billy says.

“We want these animals to find loving forever homes, and our policy is always to ensure adopters get all the information they need – and ongoing support once they’re home – to make the transition as smooth and rewarding as possible, for everyone.”

All dogs and cats adopted from RSPCA SA go home with a free bag of Royal Canin dry pet food.

FIND A PET TO ADOPT

Keep an eye on the Fleurieu App every Saturday as we show case two animals every week that need a new home.

Tallulah, Teddy (centre) and Gary are among the animals hoping to go home with someone special in the coming week.