Adopt-a-pet drive a success

Graeme Hall with son Preston, 6, and dog Buddy. PHOTO / DUNCAN BROWN

All kinds of animals were given a loving family and permanent home this holiday season, as the annual Hawke's Bay Today adopt-a-pet campaign proved a success.

The campaign involved publishing a daily profile and photo of individual animals up for adoption from the Napier, Central Hawke's Bay and the Hastings and Districts SPCA.

The Hastings and Districts SPCA fundraising manager, Faye Johnson, said "the campaign was done well and has had a positive impact on their adoption rates".

From December 20 they have had 24 pets adopted, with a total of 22 cats and kittens and two dogs all going to suitable homes.

"The amount of adoptions we have had is really good considering we can often struggle at this time of the year with people away on holiday."

Graeme Hall adopted Buddy who was one of the dogs published in our campaign from the Hastings and Districts SPCA.

Mr Hall said he was "a beautiful dog who came in a great condition."

"Buddy fits in well at home and all is going very well."

He recommends adopting from the SPCA and says he made the "right decision".

Napier SPCA animal attendant, Joy Frutiger, also said it was a success.

At least half of the Napier SPCA adoptions were through the newspaper campaign "having a very positive impact on the shelter".

"We had everybody calling up about the dogs and kittens and most found homes just two days after being in the newspaper."

The local SPCAs appreciate all the support, as it comes at a time when they need it the most. About 300 animals come in to the SPCA care between December and March - which is the peak of kitten season.

The campaign had been a "great help" to all the shelters, with the goal of increasing adoption rates proving a success.

The Hastings and Districts SPCA noticed an improvement on last year saying, "it was much busier at the shelter this year".

Although there are still animals in need of adoption the campaign has given the local SPCAs a good start to the new year, which will hopefully only continue.