CONNIE SAVAGE
The RSPCA’s Big Adopt Out returns to Brisbane for it’s seventh year this Saturday, bringing animal rescue groups from across Queensland together to rehome hundreds of animals.
There will be around 300 cats and dogs up for adoption at the event, as well as a range of pet products and services on display.
RSPCA Queensland spokesperson Michael Beatty said it was important for the RSPCA and other rescue organisations to work together through events such as the Big Adopt Out to increase the chances of adoption.
“Although Big Adopt Out is run by the RSPCA, there are heaps of other rescue organisations involved,” Mr Beatty said.
“We work with them on a year-long basis,” he said.
“Often, animals that we can’t accommodate will go to another rescue and the same goes vice versa.”
“We all work together to increase the chances of a mistreated or abandoned animal being rehomed.”
Mr Beatty said the event also catered for existing pet owners and people who were just thinking about adopting a pet.
“The RSPCA will have a couple of our vets and behavioural experts on site,” Mr Beatty said.
“If you’re having a problem with your pet and you want a few pointers, there is the opportunity to seek advice,” he said.
“Come along and have a look; you don’t have to adopt but could learn something about your pet or about adopting in the future.”
One of the RSPCA Queensland’s adoption hopefuls is Sugar, an eight-year-old American Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
RSPCA Queensland describes Sugar as being “sweet just like her name” and, being an older lady, Sugar needs an easy-going household.
Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge (SCARS) operations manager Penny Brischke said Big Adopt Out was an important way to increase adoptions and raise awareness about the refuge.
“We’ve been attending for four years,” Ms Brischke said.
“While our dogs were popular during the first few events, this year we will be bringing along some cats and kittens,” she said.
Ms Brischke said there was a process potential new owners needed to undergo before adopting.
“We have a questionnaire on our websites for applicants to fill out,” Ms Brischke said.
“This will ensure we match our animals with the perfect new owner,” she said.
One of the SCARS felines who will be attending the Big Adopt Out is Freddie, a five-year-old semi-long hair cat.
Freddie is described by SCARS as an “adorable boy that loves to seek attention and is very affectionate”.
SEQ K9 Rescue Inc president Lisa Barton said the event showcased dogs that were usually overlooked.
“We find that some dogs may be overlooked because of things such as colour or breed,” Ms Barton said.
“The day gives us a chance for these dogs to be met in person by potential adopters, which allows their individual personalities to really shine through,” she said.
Ms Barton said SEQ K9 Rescue Inc hoped to help people find the right dog for their family.
“We ask potential adoptees things like what type of dog they are looking for in relation to things like size, energy level and breed preference,” Ms Barton said.
“We make sure they have enough time to walk and interact with the dog, and of course check things like yard size and any potential allergies,” she said.
“If someone is interested in a puppy, we also make sure they can commit to looking after a dog for around the next 15 years.”
Ms Barton said SEQ K9 Rescue Inc would be available on the day to answer any questions potential adopters, volunteers or pet owners might have.
“We are more than happy to share training advice and explain to adopters what to expect when a new dog joins the family,” Ms Barton said.
“Our foster carers also love talking about what they do and can chat about dogs in their care.”
One of the dogs available for meet and greets with SEQ K9 Rescue Inc on the day is Marley, a five-year-old Wolfhound mix.
Marley is described by SEQ K9 Rescue Inc as a dog who loves to snuggle with his owners, but who is up and ready to go as soon as he hears the word “walk”.
Big Adopt Out takes place from 9am to 2pm this Saturday at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
Entry is free.
Visit www.bigadoptout.com.au for more information and to view the adoption requirements.