PETS needing a loving home were not forgotten during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Despite all RSPCA NSW shelters and care centres being closed to the public from April 2, essential staff ensured all in-care and incoming animals were cared for.
Adoptions were moved to an online request system with RSPCA teams conducting interviews over the phone or via email before transporting the animal to their new home for a 'meet and greet'.
The Port Macquarie shelter adopted out 143 animals from April 2 to June 14 this year. Among them were 52 dogs, 77 cats and 14 other animals.
RSPCA spokesman Kieran Watson said during the pandemic the number of adoptions had decreased slightly in Port Macquarie.
"It is heartwarming to see Australians turn to animal companionship during these unprecedented times," he said.
"We were happy to be able to find homes for animals in need given the challenges surrounding the global pandemic with our Adopt from Home campaign.
"Although the process may have changed, our commitment to finding the right homes for the right animals did not, and we still vetted applications through a number of measures including online application forms, phone and video calls, and meeting the prospective buyers at their residence."
Coronavirus hasn't kept potential adoptees away from the RSPCA shelter in Port Macquarie with eight new homes found on Friday, June 26 alone. The shelter is currently housing two puppies, three kittens and three chickens.
During the Adopt From Home campaign from March to June there was 2655 animals adopted in NSW, down from 2795 adopted over the same period in 2019.
For animals available for adoption in Port Macquarie, click here.
What else is making news, sport?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.