Animal shelters in crisis: reduced adoption rates until tomorrow

by DOUGAL TSAKALOS-STEWART

Only a limited time rests for Sydneysiders to able to adopt cats and dogs in animal shelters for a reduced price, as part of council efforts to boost adoption rates.

Until tomorrow, 26 April, adoption fees will be cut from $399 to $199.50 for dogs and from $263 to $131.50 for cats in Sutherland Animal Shelter, where lost and abandoned pets in the City of Sydney area have been looked after since 2009.

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore said, “We know that shelters and rehoming organisations are currently in crisis across Sydney.”

“The cost of living, housing affordability and rental restrictions means the number of animals being surrendered has increased dramatically,” she continued.

The number of City of Sydney pets being kept in the shelter has almost doubled in the last two years, up from 44 dogs and 37 cats in 2021 to 84 dogs and 63 cats in 2023.

In a mayoral minute about responsible pet ownership in the council meeting held on April 8, the Lord Mayor said, “The increase in pet ownership during the Covid-19 pandemic, followed by the current cost of living and rental affordability crisis combined with the continued restrictions on pets in rentals, together with the declining rates of volunteers means most shelters and rehoming organisations are over capacity.”

According to a report by Animal Medicines Australia, the number of pet-owning households increased dramatically from 61 to 69 per cent nationally.

Yet only 11 per cent of greater Sydney rental listings are explicitly pet friendly, according to Domain.

During Covid, pet ownership households increased from 61 to 69 percent, according to Animal Medicines Australia. Coupled with yearly increases in rent, rental restrictions and the cost of living, the number of animals being surrendered has increased dramatically.

During the pandemic, pet ownership households increased from 61 to 69 percent, according to Animal Medicines Australia.

Coupled with yearly increases in rent, rental restrictions and the cost of living, the number of animals being surrendered has increased dramatically.

“We know how important pets are to people’s lives and wellbeing. We’re hoping that by reducing these fees, we can both reduce the cost of pet ownership and help to ease pressure on our shelters,” said the Lord Mayor.

Initial acquisition adoption fees can average up to $1200, with 20 per cent of non-pet owners citing this as a barrier in the report by Animal Medicines Australia, alongside ongoing costs and responsibility associated with pets.