Animal Welfare League Queensland to hold mass adoption drive to find homes for hundreds of homeless dogs and cats in one weekend

A MASS adoption drive to 'empty the cages' at the Animal Welfare League's Gold Coast shelter this weekend could be an Australian-first if successful.

The AWLQ wants to empty its cages by 5pm Sunday. Pic: Glenn Hampson

A MASS adoption drive to 'empty the cages' at the Animal Welfare League this weekend could be an Australian-first if successful.

With the Gold Coast shelter full and a massive influx of hundreds more unwanted pets expected over Christmas, the Animal Welfare League has set it sights on finding it's 160 dog and cat residents forever homes in time for the holidays.

Never before has an Australian shelter attempted to empty all its pens in just two days and the AWL is drastically cutting the adoption prices to help its cause.

For those looking for a furry new best friend, dogs will cost just $99 - down from $250 to $400 - and cats will be $39, normally $200. A second cat can be purchased for $20.

AWLQ spokeswoman Brooke Whitney said while we would all be celebrating Christmas with our families, scores of animals would be spending it isolated and alone.

"Never before has a rehoming centre of AWLQ's size been able to adopt out all of its animals in a single weekend," she said.

"If you have been considering a pet for Christmas please choose to adopt. Not only will you save a life but you will make room in the shelter for another pet that needs our help."

The AWLQ wants to empty its cages by 5pm Sunday. Pic: Glenn Hampson

AWLQ campaign manager Zoe Hinds said it was a tricky time of year for the shelter because many people held off adopting during holiday season. It was compounded by kitten season and countless strays coming in after being scared by fireworks, storms and parties.

She said the AWLQ was on the cusp of having to make tough decisions about which strays it accepted for its rehoming program.

The adoption drive kicks off at the Gold Coast, Beenleigh and Ipswich shelters this Saturday with the aim of having empty pens by 5pm Sunday.

Those keen to keep track of the progress can follow live updates on Twitter @AWLQ, on the AWLQ Facebook page or at www.awlqld.com.au.

The Gold Coast shelter is located at Shelter Road, Coombabah.

See this Saturday's Gold Coast Eye for the 12 Strays of Christmas which aims is to shine a light on some of the pets waiting patiently for a family to call their own.