Adopting a best friend this Christmas

There are many beautiful cats and dogs currently at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter (GRAS), waiting to find their forever home, and Council is encouraging residents to visit the local shelter when searching for your next companion.

While it might be exciting to gift a pet to a family member or friend this Christmas, it is important to remember that animals are a lifelong commitment.

Animal Welfare Supervisor Julie McPhail says she would love our community to consider giving a rescue animal a second chance.

“The shelter has animals coming in all year around, not just Christmas,” Ms McPhail said.

“We currently have about 50 animals in the pound, which is about average. So far this year the shelter has had over one thousand animals surrendered or abandoned.”

“If you’re going to adopt an animal, or give one as a gift over Christmas, make sure the person receiving the animal is prepared to make a lifelong commitment.”

“We often get photo updates sent through from people who have adopted an animal from the shelter, and it’s really awesome and heart-warming to see these happy endings.”

Since its introduction in 2021, the NSW Government allows free lifetime pet registration for people who adopt a rescue dog or cat from council pounds, animal shelters and approved rehoming organisations.

Domestic cats and dogs must be lifetime registered by the time they are six months of age.

The adoption fee for each cat or dog, puppy or kitten from the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter covers desexing, first vaccination, microchipping, deworming, lifetime registration, ID tag, heartworm testing (dogs) and FIV testing (cats).

Ms McPhail says there are always beautiful cats and dogs at the shelter ready to be loved.

“There are so many animals that come through that are like diamonds in the rough. Animals that we often look at and think ‘why are you here? You’re so perfect.’

“Most of the animals here have had a rough start to life, but there is nothing wrong with them. Chances are that your best friend is waiting for you here if you are willing to put in the time and commitment.”

Animal Welfare Officer Courtney Krause says if you are not able or wanting to adopt a new pet, there are other ways you can support these local animals.

“We regularly accept donations from the community in support of the animals,” Ms Krause said.

“Items that are most valuable are treats, towels, toys, wet and dry food, and new collars. We don’t usually accept blankets or pillows, or anything else that might be polyester, or feather filled.”

In the lead up to Christmas, the shelter will also be accepting pet Christmas hampers donated by members of the public. These hampers can include any of the accepted items listed above.

Hampers can be donated at the Wagga Wagga City Council Customer Service Desk at the Civic Centre, or at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter office during opening hours.

Glenfield Road Animal Shelter is open from 1pm – 4:15pm Monday to Friday over the Christmas period (excluding public holidays), and 1pm – 4:15pm Monday to Saturday during the rest of the year.