Tyler Redway
FELINE friends will put on a show for pet lovers at PetStock Mount Gambier in March as a part of adoption month.
Joining with Wet Noses Animal Rescue shelter, the annual tradition will promote adoption as an option for people considering a new pet.
The rescue organisation has had new additions continuously flowing in since October.
Wet Noses Animal Rescue volunteer Maxine Spence said both kittens and adult cats have been surrendered due to different circumstances.
“We have about 35 kittens in our care at the moment…it’s the revolving door as usual,” Ms Spence said.
Despite ongoing concerns from community members surrounding pet adoption, Ms Spence said she believed many aspiring pet owners were planning for the long term.
“Adoption month is more about promoting adopt rather than shop as well as providing care for new adoptions as soon as possible,” she said.
With quarantine and lockdowns across the State ending, Ms Spence said more people are choosing to adopt a pet and become more active with them outside of work hours.
She added foster carers were also in dire need due to the continuing increase in stray cats having litters throughout Mount Gambier and surrounding areas.
“Foster caring can be challenging in some ways but for people who are semi-retired or are still active in the community, it can be a great opportunity for them because it means they are able to go on holidays without worrying about someone looking after their pets,” she said.
“We don’t have many long term foster carers but people like them are so committed and are always reliable.”
PetStock Mount Gambier franchisee Janelle Croucher said it was important for local pet shops to support community rescue organisations while also helping residents find the right pet for them.
“We have been partnered with Wet Noses since we opened and also allow them to use our vet services,” Ms Croucher said.
“It is good because we have kittens on display here in our shop and people become more aware they need homes.”
Ms Croucher said stray cats remained an issue within the community due to the animals not being desexed or microchipped despite new laws put in place in recent years.
“We have a lot of strays and it is about trying to get them into a home and spreading the message about responsible pet ownership,” she said.
“It has been a good partnership with Wet Noses and we really encourage people to come in on the day and see what kittens are on offer.”
PetStock and Wet Noses adoption month blitz will be held on March 19.
