The RSPCA WA is looking for homes for their 12 strays of Christmas.
Camera IconThe RSPCA WA is looking for homes for their 12 strays of Christmas. Credit: Supplied/Rachel Fenner

Make your home furever for a homeless animal this December with RSPCA WA’s 12 strays of Christmas

Staff WriterSouthern Gazette

PETS are a favourite Christmas present for young families and couples looking to welcome a new family member into their home.

But before you go knocking on the door of a breeder, think about how you can bring new joy into your home and save a life at the same time – there are hundreds of animals in shelters who would love nothing better than to cuddle up with you on a cold night and offer you their companionship.

Meet the animals looking for a home by clicking here.

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Quite simply, you can create your own Christmas Miracle.

The RSPCA shelter in Malaga has 292 in its care, including some in community foster care. This year alone, it has adopted 905 animals in need of a loving home.

In the year to June 30, 1804 were brought into RSPCA WA – of these, more than 40 per cent were surrendered to Inspectors.

Inspectors will recommend owners surrender their animals to RSPCA WA if it is evident that the owners are not able to provide the necessary basic needs or care for their pets.

“Animals who require rehabilitation can spend anywhere from eight weeks to several months or much longer in our care,” Maree Daniels, the RSPCA’s Executive Manager of Community Engagement, said.

“The cost of each animal’s treatment ranges from several hundreds of dollars to upwards of $6000, depending on their medical needs and behavioural rehabilitation.

“No matter how long it takes, RSPCA WA will explore all medical and behavioural avenues to ensure animals in our care are given the best chance of finding loving new homes.”

RSPCA WA has warned people against impulse purchasing a pet this Christmas – whether as a gift for someone else or for their own family.

They warn pets generally require a commitment of 12-15 years, and some even longer, so people need to take their short and long-term family circumstances into consideration before making the big commitment.

Of the pets that are surrendered, often it is because their owner cannot afford vet care.

People who aren’t in a position to adopt a new pet, but still want to help a homeless animal this Christmas can support RSPCA’s Guardian Angel Appeal.

Visit the Guardian Angel website and choose the type of animal you’d like to watch over this Christmas and you’ll be matched with an animal in care at RSPCA WA’s Animal Care Centre in Malaga.

You’ll then be able to log in to the Guardian Angel website to learn more about the animal who’ll have a safer and happier Christmas thanks to your kindness.

To adopt an animal: Call the adoptions team on (08) 9209 9300 or drop in to the Animal Care Centre in Malaga – open 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

To see all animals waiting for a second chance at RSPCA’s shelter, visit adoptapet.com.au