Shire encourages pet adoption

THE Surf Coast Shire is encouraging people to give abandoned pets such as Rita the American bulldog new lives through adoption.

The council’s Ranger Services team waives first year registration fees for all animals which have proof of adoption from welfare or rescue centres.

The shire works in partnership with adoption agency Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) and Rita is one of 24 dogs and 168 cats at the shelter awaiting adoption and new beginnings.

“Staff and volunteers at GAWS do an amazing job every day with animals which are often in great need of some TLC,” Cr Margot Smith said.

“They provide great assistance taking on unclaimed animals from Surf Coast Shire and our rangers love supporting their work and seeing animals being adopted out to welcoming new homes.”

GAWS staff and volunteers aim to prepare all animals which go to the centre for new lives in a “forever home”. More than 2,200 animals have been given second chances through adoption during the past year.

All new animals are examined by a vet and given any required treatment, vaccinated and desexed. They are also microchipped, which is a requirement for registration.

GAWS chief executive officer Helen Cocks said the organisation was devoted to its mission.

“GAWS is committed to being a leading advocate for positive animal welfare in the region, reuniting lost animals with their owners and rehoming unclaimed or surrendered animals.

“Our extensive adoption and foster programs make GAWS a great place to start your search for your newest family member.”

During 2017-18, 46 per cent of dogs but only five per cent of cats that entered the service were reclaimed by owners, mainly because many more dogs than cats are microchipped.

GAWS and shire rangers are urging all pet owners to have their animals microchipped.

The shelter has more than 300 registered volunteers who contribute more than 58,000 hours each year. More than 170 foster carers open their hearts and homes to 1,500 animals each year.

The centre also handles guinea pigs, rabbits and birds.

People interested in meeting Rita or seeing animals up for adoption can phone 5248 2091 or head to gaws.org.au/adopt-a-pet. People seeking information on council animal registration can head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Community/Pets-and animals/Pet-registration.