RSPCA pet adoption rates boom during COVID-19 quarantine

Spending more time at home – often alone – is driving more South Australians than ever to adopt animals. And Bear is just one of many who have a new mum or dad.

Sherlz Crawford with her dog Bear, who she recently adopted from the RSPCA. Picture: Tait Schmaal

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While social isolation is keeping South Australian friends and families apart for now, there is one family member we can always turn to for comfort – our pets.

Which is why rescue organisation the RSPCA has recorded its highest number of animal adoptions in recent times.

“We couldn’t be more happy with the response we’ve had from the community,” said Tim Charles, head of animal operations at the RSPCA’s Lonsdale shelter. We have just passed more than 1000 animals adopted since COVID-19 began.”

One of the reasons for this success was a call-out by the RSPCA in February, offering reduced adoption fees to try to get as many animals into homes as possible. But with more surrenders coming in every day, it’s a constant battle.

“Our animal numbers have reduced greatly but we still have more than 400 animals in care,” Mr Charles said.

In keeping with government safety guidelines, the RSPCA has instigated an online booking system for people looking to adopt, to reduce the number of visitors to the shelter.

“People can keep an eye on our website, then make a booking and then come into the shelter,” Mr Charles said.

“There will be animals becoming available every day.”

Sherlz and Adrian Crawford adopted four-year-old Bear in March. The akita inu had been seized by an inspector and had spent 10 days at the shelter before the Crawfords saw him online.

“He’d been neglected; he was nervous and on medication,” Ms Crawford said. “As soon as I saw him I thought, ‘This dog can’t be left there, he has to come home’.”

Two months later, their “big goofball” has become a part of the family. “He knocks me over all the time when we’re playing and you think, ‘You idiot’,” Ms Crawford said with a laugh. “It’s like living with a semi-trailer because you have to wait for the rear end to finish following the front end.”

“He picks up things very quickly and he’s very eager to please,” Mr Crawford added. “We lost our last dog in December so Bear has really filled the gap.”