With a combined total of 1,306 days in care, or more than three years, RSPCA WA has selected its 12 Strays of Christmas for 2024.
Every year, the animal welfare organisation highlights the plight of a dozen animals who have either been waiting a long time for adoption, or who are the kind of pet that's traditionally a bit harder to rehome.
Four dogs, four cats, a guinea pig, a rabbit, a horse (and her best friend), and a finch have made this year's list and all they want for Christmas is a loving home.
RSPCA WA Shelter Manager Emily Farrell said it's always hard to see animals overlooked but it hits a little harder at Christmas time.
"It's the time of year when we feel like everyone should have a shot at love and somewhere to belong - we want that for the animals too," Ms Farrell said.
"Take Daphne and Leticia for instance, they are two placid elderly mares who just need a quiet place to live out the last of their years, but they've been with us since January, waiting nearly a whole year for someone to choose them.
"There's Lana who has been at the animal care centre for nearly 150 days. She is energetic and needs some training, but she has so much love to give and really enjoys cuddles.
"And then there is Moto Moto the guinea pig who everyone thought would be adopted quickly given his confidence and luscious hair style, but he has been with us since August.
"It's so sad to come to work every day and see the same animals here. Our wish would be to see all our long-termers in a loving home for Christmas."
Ms Farrell said, while a pet should never be given as a surprise, this time of year can be a great time to adopt.
"A lot of people have time off work and kids are on school holidays so, if everyone in your house has agreed now's the time for a new family member, adopting in December can be great," she said.
"It generally means you can help your new pet settle in and spend time bonding."
To view all animals available for adoption, visit our adoption website.
If you're not in a position to adopt, you can still help abused, abandoned and neglected animals this Christmas by becoming a Guardian Angel to an animal at RSPCA WA.
12 Strays of Christmas
Daphne (and Leticia) – horse
- Sex/breed: female thoroughbred
- Age: 18 years
- Days in care: 324
- Daphne – and her best friend Leticia – are old mares who are looking for a retirement home where they can graze, rest, and be treated like royalty for the rest of their days.
Lana – dog
- Sex/breed: female mastiff
- Age: 2
- Days in care: 148
- Lana is a ball of energy who would suit an active family but she is also really affectionate and loves a cuddle.
Gomez – rabbit
- Sex/breed: Male gold domestic short haired
- Age: 2
- Days in care: 138
- Gomez is a cuddly rabbit who loves his food! He is looking for a family who will keep him busy with enrichment all day and provide a nice and secure hutch at night.
Moto Moto – guinea pig
- Sex/breed: male texel
- Age: 10 months
- Days in care: 132
- Moto Moto has a wicked hairstyle and great attitude to match. He is looking for a family who will take it slow with him and help him get used to cuddles.
Mindy – cat
- Sex/breed: female diluted tortoiseshell domestic short haired
- Age: 8
- Days in care: 113
- Mindy is shy at first but once she gets to know you she will be relaxed and easy-going. She likes scratches behind the ears and a nice place to nap.
Alexander McQueen – cat
- Sex/breed: male grey and white domestic short haired
- Age: 7
- Days in care: 97
- Alexander McQueen is full of confidence and spirit, and he is longing for a home to call his own. He will need to be the only cat in the home, but he is all you will need!
Imposter – cat
- Sex/breed: female tabby domestic short haired
- Age: 2
- Days in care: 91
- Imposter is calm yet playful, loves a sunny spot to snooze in, and a cozy lap for cuddles. She is a little wobbly on her feet so needs a quiet sanctuary to all home.
Chippie – dog
- Sex/breed: female Staffy
- Age: 1
- Days in care: 78
- Chippie loves her food – probably chippies too – and would love to go on lots of adventures with her new family.
Ryder – dog
- Sex/breed: male Staffy
- Age: 3
- Days in care: 57
- Ryder is a super smart and playful guy who needs a family ready to teach him new tricks and give him all the love he has been looking for.
Bruce – cat
- Sex/breed: male grey tabby domestic short haired
- Age: 3
- Days in care: 50
- Bruce is a laid-back guy with a heart of gold. He is always up for a scratch behind the ears but he just doesn't want to be picked up (which is fair).
Knox – dog
- Sex/breed: male American bulldog
- Age: 6
- Days in care: 49
- Knox is looking for a family, and preferably a female doggie best friend to give him all the attention and comfort he needs.
Lulu – bird
- Sex/breed: female Gouldian finch
- Age: 9 months
- Days in care: 29
- Lulu is a tiny bird with a big heart. She is friendly, curious and will bring joy into your home. She is looking for a family to keep her safe and loved.
