Dogs need a home

The Lost Dogs' Home is reducing their fees for long term residents of the home. 68210. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

With just eight weeks left to Christmas, The Lost Dogs’ Home has left a special message for Santa and his elves, asking for all its ‘long-term resident’ doggos to find a home.

The The Lost Dogs’ Home classifies any animal a ‘long-term resident’ that has been with them for more than 30 days.

“While we absolutely adore all of our beautiful furry friends, we are determined that they spend Christmas Day (and beyond) with a loving family having fun unwrapping presents and doing ‘zoomies’ to their heart’s content,’’ said The Lost Dogs’ Home spokesperson Suzana Talevski.

“We currently have about 50 dogs that meet the 30-day criteria that would make beautiful family members.”

The The Lost Dogs’ Home has reduced adoption fees for these animals ongoing to help boost their chances of finding a home.

“We understand the cost of living is having an impact not only on those with pets but those considering adopting pets too,” Ms Talevski said.

“Although reduced adoption fees do make it easier to obtain a pet in the short term, we urge all those visiting our shelters to make sure they are well equipped to take care of pets for the long term too.”

According to new data from The Lost Dogs’ Home, 183 dogs and puppies (170 dogs and 13 puppies) have been surrendered since the start of August with the cost of living featuring strongly amongst the reasons pet owners were being compelled to give up their pets.

In comparison, 104 dogs and five puppies were surrendered in 2021, and 88 dogs and six puppies in 2020.

“Sadly, we have also seen more and more rabbits and ‘pocket pets’ being dumped on our doorsteps recently,” said Ms Talevski.

“And with kitten season just around the corner, it means our shelters are going feel the squeeze in a pretty big way.”