Three puppies found dumped in a Whyalla alleyway illustrate why RSPCA PetVille is a perfect place to purchase pet supplies, and a new online ordering system means those supplies can now be delivered to the doorstep at an affordable cost. The standard delivery fee is $4.95 for inner and outer metro areas. (Variable fees apply for customers in regional areas.)
According to RSPCA South Australia's Commercial Operations Manager Ben Dawson, the online store is all about making it easier for animal lovers to look after their pets while also contributing to the care of less fortunate animals.
"An online shopping facility has been in the pipeline for some time," Mr Dawson said.
"It's just a coincidence that this service has launched at a time when there's enormous demand for home deliveries due to a pandemic."
Competitive pricing is one incentive for shoppers, but for many the trigger is knowing that a percent of sales income goes towards the care of animals in need, such as the three Red Heeler cross puppies that recently came into RSPCA South Australia's care. Found in a malnourished state and still too young to adopt, the one male and two female puppies are now with a foster carer. By the time they are ready to find new homes, their care (including desexing, vaccinations, microchipping, parasite prevention and behaviour assessments) will have cost the charity close to $2000.
Pet owners placing online orders for the nutritious food, treats and enrichment toys available from RSPCA PetVille are left in no doubt about the difference their purchase has made for less fortunate animals. Every delivery comes with a personal thank-you note, written on behalf of the animals in RSPCA South Australia's care.
"There's definitely a feel-good factor when you know your purchase is helping vulnerable animals have second chances at life," Mr Dawson said.
"Added to this is the reassurance that every product sold at our outlet meets high standards for animal wellbeing.
"This is why we don't stock some items, such as anti-barking and slip-chain collars.
"We subscribe to the latest science on animal nutrition and behaviour, and products like those don't meet the criteria for best-practise animal care."
The Covid-19 outbreak has reduced the income streams needed to maintain the charity's vital work for animals, with RSPCA PetVille among the few funding sources to survive the current restrictions. The Hillcrest store remains open (with social distancing protocols in place) but all nine RSPCA South Australia Op Shops are closed and income from donations has dropped as financial hardship forces some people to tighten budgets.
The safety protocols designed to protect RSPCA PetVille staff and customers include a requirement to book an adoption appointment if wishing to adopt an RSPCA rescue cat or kitten from the store.
Since the Covid-19 restrictions came into force, RSPCA South Australia has found new homes for more than 1000 animals using the new booking system.
