The RSPCA Wants You to Adopt an Animal This Weekend

Because you're reading this, we know you're not someone who received a pet for Christmas, only to decide it wasn't for you. We know you're one of the good folks. You're probably wishing that you did receive a loveable animal as a gift, even if you already have one — or several — that you adore.

We understand your yearning, and so does the RSPCA. And, to find permanent homes for pups, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs and ponies surrendered into its care from all over the state, it's lowering the adoption fee to $29 this weekend.

The weekend-long initiative is called Clear the Shelters and will run from Friday, February 23 until Sunday, February 25. Although you can't put a price on the happiness a new four-legged friend will bring, it's hoped that the low adoption fee will encourage people who have been thinking about adding a pet to their fam (and have considered it thoroughly) to make the commitment this week. Last year, the RSPCA found new homes for 793 pets in NSW through the campaign.

This year, Clear the Shelters will run across Australia in all states except WA and Tasmania. The adoption fees — which usually range from $20–600 — help cover some of the costs of vaccines, training and microchipping for the animals.

Whether you're in NSW, Victoria or Queensland, there are hundreds of animals that need a new home full of love and pats. There's more to pet adoption than overdosing on cuteness, of course, with making the commitment to care for an animal is serious business. For further information, read RSPCA's FAQs and head to a shelter this weekend.