After hours event to highlight adoption opportunities at animal shelter

NORTHERN Rivers Animal Services will open its doors for an after hours business event aimed at highlighting its work caring for abused and abandoned animals across the region.

It is part of a Ballina Chamber of Commerce initiative which aims to support local business.

It will be held at the Shelter on Piper Drive on Thursday, February 5.

Northern Rivers Animal Services president Jo Parker said the event would give attendees a first-hand look at its operations.

“We can send out all the information we want, but it is always better for people to physically see what we do,” she said.

“This is something we have wanted to do with the business chamber for a while, and it will be great to take them on a little tour through the cat cottages and dog kennels.”

The not-for-profit, self-funded charity has operated from its current location for 10 years and holds adoption days on the first Saturday of each month.

It rehabilitates and rehomes animals that are lost, abandoned, surrendered or abused.

Parker said adoption was carefully managed to ensure the best outcomes for animals and owners.

“We provide an opportunity for people who are genuinely interested in adopting an animal,” she said.

“It’s quite an extensive application form that is reviewed, and our priority is making sure it’s the right fit for the animal.

“We’re always busy. Sometimes we have litters come in where animals have been dumped, which is really sad.

“We try to reinforce the commitment of having a pet — it’s a lifetime commitment which can be up to 20 years depending on the animal.”

The group is also seeking foster carers, particularly for traumatised cats needing one-on-one care.

To help boost adoptions, the shelter regularly features a “pet of the week” on social media, with the most recent being Chai, a five-year-old domestic short-haired cat with a blue, white and grey coat.

All animals are vet-checked, flea and worm treated, vaccinated, microchipped and desexed prior to adoption.

For more information, email [email protected] or download an adoption questionnaire at nras.org.au.

Registrations for the business chamber event are free and can be made at ballinachamber.com.au/events.