Three-day campaign to find loving homes for more than 30 puppies
The vet team at RSPCA South Australia's Animal Care Centre at O'Halloran Hill is busy desexing and vaccinating a lot of puppies this week as the charity prepares for an adoption blitz.
The three-day "Puppy Palooza" begins at the centre at 10am this Friday, with around 30 puppies waiting to meet their special someone who will give them a loving forever home.
The large number of puppies has accumulated over the past two months, primarily due to surrenders of litters and pregnant female dogs by owners who have been unable to care for the young families.
"We had a litter of ten puppies who were only four-weeks-old arrive in a washing basket last month without their mother, which is far from ideal for pups that young," RSPCA SA Head of Animal Operations Billy Tubman said.
"And we had a pregnant dog surrendered to us in May who gave birth to nine puppies at the end of June.
"They're now 12-weeks-old and will be available to adopt this weekend, and their Mum - Darla - found a new home last Saturday."
All the puppies have been living with RSPCA SA volunteer foster carers, who will bring those ready to find forever homes into the Animal Care Centre for the day while the adoption event is on and take them back home at night if they are not adopted.
"Like all young animals, puppies are especially vulnerable and can become stressed and tire easily," Billy said.
"Our foster and animal care teams will be closely monitoring how each puppy is faring to ensure they are getting the rest and quiet time they need."
Puppies are usually adorable and high maintenance in equal measure, and RSPCA SA encourages anyone interested in adopting one to first do their research about what is required for a happy and healthy puppyhood.
"Healthy and happy puppies will do puppy things, like dig up lawns, chew up shoes and poop where they're not supposed to, until they learn the preferred behaviours," Billy said.
"We want all these puppies to have kind and effective force-free training so that they grow up to be adored family members and a pleasure to take out in public.
"This doesn't happen without daily patient training, ideally under the supervision of qualified force-free trainers."
To help set adopted puppies up for success, RSPCA SA is halving the fee for one of its puppy training classes. In addition, anyone adopting a puppy has the option of purchasing a canine care pack (valued at $140) for just $49.95.
Puppies available to adopt can be viewed online. Prospective adopters are encouraged to check the site several times over the next week, as more puppies become available and go online.
All animals adopted from RSPCA SA are desexed, up-to-date with vaccinations, have received parasite preventative medication, are microchipped and have had their physical health and behaviour assessed.
Puppy Palooza
RSPCA SA - 9a Majors Rd, O'Halloran Hill (north-west corner Majors and South Roads)
Friday 27 Sept - 10am to 4pm
Saturday 28 Sept - 10am to 3pm
Sunday 29 Sept - 10am to 3pm
Photo (above): Simba is among the puppies needing a new home at RSPCA SA.
