The inaugural Valentine’s Adoption Sale, a local animal welfare initiative, took place last month, with some heart-warming results.
The Animal Welfare League of Queensland (AWLQ) offered pets for adoption at a heavy discount from February 8 to 14.
Adult cat adoption cost just $29, and selected adult dogs were available at $99.
In total, 41 animals, including 22 cats, 9 kittens, and 10 dogs, were adopted from AWLQ’s Ipswich Rehoming Centre.
Ipswich City Council partnered with AWLQ, supporting and promoting the event to help limit veterinary euthanasia.
Mayor Teresa Harding said the partnership produced a “great” outcome that saved animals’ lives.
“The community plays a vital role in helping us to achieve this when they choose to adopt,” Mayor Harding said.
“There is no greater gift to an animal than a loving home. When you adopt a pet from the Ipswich Rehoming Centre, you give that animal a second chance at happiness.
“You’re also freeing up the facility and its people to care for more animals that need help, so you are saving two lives.”
AWLQ spokesperson Craig Montgomery said the organisation is expert at helping people find their perfect companion.
“We’ve been playing match-maker for more than 60 years, and as a result, we have re-homed more than 175,000 animals,” Mr Montgomery said.
“So you could say our success rate is pretty good.”
Microchipping and desexing “urgent”
Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully reminded all cat and dog owners to microchip their pets.
“There has been an increase in stray animals at the start of this year, so it is important to ensure your cats and dogs are microchipped and have a collar with ID and that these details are up to date,” Cr Tully said.
“Having microchipped pets mean owners can be reunited with their beloved animals as quickly as possible.”
Mr Montgomery urged owners to apply to desex their pets, especially cats.
“We strongly urge the community to have their pets desexed and if they need help with the cost of desexing, they can reach out to the National Desexing Network,” he said.
“We continue to see many kittens entering care due to cats not being desexed.”
Ipswich has an excellent foster carer community, with 109 animals currently in loving foster homes, Mr Montgomery added.
AWLQ works at the grassroots level to offer forward-thinking animal welfare, including community vet clinics, Getting to Zero (G2Z), Golden Hearts Seniors’ Pet Support Program, and the National Desexing Network (NDN).
For more information about how best to adopt a pet or animal in Ipswich, click here.
Council’s guide for lost or injured animals
If one of your animals has been lost, or you have found a lost or injured animal, quick action is key to finding your animal or reuniting an animal with its owner.
The Ipswich Pound and Animal Management Centre is located in West Ipswich, and provides safe and secure lodging for impounded and surrendered animals.
Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm and weekends from 10am to 5pm (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day public holidays).
AWLQ’s Ipswich Rehoming Centre is located at 6 Hooper Street, West Ipswich.
The Centre finds homes for all creatures great and small, providing a second chance to as many animals as possible.
That includes stray, unwanted, injured, abandoned, neglected, or abused animals.
To view animals currently available for adoption, please call into the shelter to meet them, or search online here.
The AWLQ Animal Rehoming Centre thoroughly checks and tests health and temperament before offering animals up for adoption.
They are all desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, worm and flea treated and are looking for a second chance at a happy and healthy life.
To contact the centre, call 3059 7131 or email ipsrehomingcentre@awlqld.com.au
Opening Hours: Pound Services
Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm
Weekends and public holidays 10am to 5pm
Opening Hours: Rehoming Centre Services
Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm
Weekends and public holidays 10am to 5pm
See also: Keeping pets cool over summer
