Wanting to expand your family and thinking about adopting? Luckily there are a number of different organisations and resources available in NZ to help you find your paw-fect match. While it can be tempting to rush straight down to the nearest animal shelter, you’ll want to begin by learning about the various adoption options so you can determine which one is right for you and your family.
Where to Adopt a Pet: Know Your Pet Adoption Options
Posted by PetDirect on 21st Sep 2020
Where can I adopt a dog or cat?
Animals Shelters and Council Run Pounds
NZ has a large number of dogs and cats waiting to find their forever homes and many end up at shelters such as the SPCA or Council-run animal shelters. Because many shelters and pounds are over crowded, often they can only provide temporary homes for a certain number of days. That’s why these places are a great place to start your search for your new family member. The SPCA has over 40 locations NZ wide so chances are there is a centre not too far from you. You can also volunteer in their shelters and even foster animals which can be a great way to meet your forever pet. Search for your city's council website to find if they have an animal shelter/pound you can visit.
The adoption process:
Animal Shelters and Council-run pounds often have an adoption fee that can range anywhere from $100 to $300 or more. This usually includes the cost of spaying or neuter, microchipping and any vaccinations they may need. After viewing and choosing your animal you may be required to answer some questions, fill in some paper work and have a staff member come to your home to do a property inspection. The inspection is to make sure your property is pet safe. The SPCA list many of their available animals on their website, along with a small bio, so you can get to know a few of the animals before you go and meet them.
Private Animal Rescue Groups
Nowadays, it is common to see animal rescues being set up by members of the community. These organisations are run mostly on word of mouth, and rely heavily on foster families, donations and volunteers. Many of these organisations work together with one another to facilitate the rescue of animals across the country. If you’re not quite ready to adopt an animal your own, you can volunteer as a foster and temporarily care for an animal until they find their forever home.
Simply do a web search for 'animal rescue groups' to find one near you.
The adoption process
This will differ from organisation to organisation but, similar to animal shelters, there is usually a fee involved to cover any vet bills, spaying or neutering, vaccinations and microchipping. You will also be required to fill out an adoption application, and attend a meeting with either the organisation or foster family to see how you interact with the animal. Factors such as your living arrangement, whether you have any other pets or children and your work circumstances will all be taken into consideration. It is just as important that you are the right match for the pet as it is that the pet is the right match for you.
Breeders
If you’re looking for a specific breed but still like the idea of adopting, try contacting a few local breeders. It’s not uncommon for breeders to re-home their cats or dogs who have been spayed and are finished breeding. Before going down this route though, you may wish to research the pure-bred to make sure their temperament and care requirements fit into your lifestyle and match what you are looking for.
The adoption process
There is usually an adoption fee when it comes to breeders. This will vary from person to person, as will the adoption process. Some breeders may wish to have you fill out adoption forms and do a home visit, whereas some will have more of an informal approach. It’s always a good idea to ask the breeders adoption process when you are ringing around. You’ll also want to ask about any specifics you need to know about the breed, behaviour and health of the potential pet.
Work with your vet
Vets are often a wealth of knowledge when it comes to adoption options in your area. They may even know someone who is looking to re-home their pet, or a specific shelter/organisation that sounds like a good fit for you. They may have a bulletin board in their office where members of the community advertise pets that need a new home.
The adoption process
The process of adopting through your local vet will vary widely depending on the circumstance. For example, if your vet knows someone personally who is looking for a new and loving home for their pet, then the process may be fairly straight ford and free. If they set you up with a shelter, rescue organisation or breeder then you will like have to follow their regular process and pay the fees mentioned above.
Friends, Family and your Local Community
Maybe one of the easiest and first places to start your search for a new family member is asking around friends, family and members of the community. Someone is bound to know someone that has a pet in need of a new home. One of the benefits of this method is that it is easy to stay in contact after. The adoption process if you have any questions about the pet or any of the products that they liked before.It’s also great for the previous owner to know their pet is not too far and they may still wish to visit.
The adoption process
Again, this will vary depending on the circumstance but often adopting from a friend or family member can be more straightforward than a shelter or rescue group. You’ll still want to make sure you do your due diligence and visit the pet before deciding to adopt to make sure their temperament is right for your lifestyle. You’ll also want to ask any necessary questions such as whether they are okay with children or other pets or have any quirks that you need to be aware of. You will need to check whether they are spayed or neutered, up to date with vaccinations, microchipped and any other medical conditions that you need to be aware of.
What do I need for my new dog or puppy?
If you are bringing home a new dog or puppy you will want to have some items ready at home before they arrive. It can be quite overwhelming for a dog or puppy to be in a new home, so you'll want to make sure they have their own space and all the essentials:
- A cosy bed - you may want to get two, so you can put a bed in different areas around your home.
- Toys - find out if your new pooch had a favourite toy at the shelter or breeder and get something similar.
- Dog food - depending on their life stage you will want puppy food, adult food or senior food ready to go at home. Make sure to ask the shelter, breeder or previous owner if they have any allergies or specific diet needs.
- Food and water bowls
- Collar, leads and harnesses - it's not a bad idea to have two of each on hand in case one gets damaged or dirty and needs to be washed.
- Any training products such as a treat pouch, toilet training pads, or clicker.
- A few cleaning products on hand like poop bags, and stain/odour remover.
- Adding a Calming Diffuser to your home - These are vet recommended and proven to reduce any anxiety or stress your new dog may feel in the home.
Read more on our 'Puppy Guide - Getting started with your new puppy'.
What do I need for my new cat or kitten?
If you are bringing home a new cat or kitten you will want to have some items ready at home before they arrive. It can be quite overwhelming for a cat or kitten to be in a new home, so you'll want to make sure they have their own space and all the essentials:
- A cosy bed - cats can be particular about where they sleep so ask the previous owner or shelter what your cat's preference is. You may choose to go with a covered bed or classic style bed.
- Toys - it's a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your new feline, try a wand toy or plush toy. Make sure they have something they can play with when they are alone, like an enrichment toy.
- Food - depending on their life stage you will want kitten food, adult food or senior food ready to go at home. Make sure to ask the shelter, breeder or previous owner if they have any allergies or specific diet needs.
- Food and water bowls.
- Litter and a litter tray. It also helps to have a few cleaning products on hand like stain and odour remover, litter scoop and litterbox wipes.
- A Calming Diffuser - this is vet recommended and proven to reduce any anxiety or stress your new cat may feel in the home.
Read more on our 'Kitten Guide - Getting started with your new kitten'.
For help with any products or advice you may need for your new animal, don't hesitate to reach out to one of our customer service experts on 0800 200 240.