Coldstream: Animal Aid cats and kittens adopted thanks to Victorian coronavirus restrictions
The coronavirus has caused all sorts of problems. But the normally busy Coldstream Animal Aid has been cleared of all the cats and kittens adopted. And staff believe the virus is the reason.
Outer East
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The cat’s out of the bag — literally — and animals lovers at a Yarra Valley shelter are jumping for joy after finding homes for all their felines.
Staff out at Animal Aid in Coldstream announced on Friday they had officially cleared the cattery, with coronavirus restrictions believed to be responsible for the increase in pet adoptions.
In the past three weeks the non-profit has found homes for more than 400 animals from both its Coldstream and Gippsland shelters.
Events and Media manager Elle Ammann said adopters had taken home all the cats and kittens — including older animals and those with health issues.
“I think it is safe to say that the restrictions are responsible for the increase in adoptions,” Ms Ammann said.
“This is a huge increase on what we would usually expect at this, or any time of the year.”
She said while every case was different it came down to the fact everyone has more time.
“Introducing a new pet into your home takes time, time is needed for settling them in, bonding with the family, toilet training and establishing boundaries,” Ms Ammann said.
“It makes this the perfect time to adopt. We have spoken to a number of people who have been wanting to adopt for a very long time but have had obstacles such as future travel plans.”
Ms Ammann said while there had been some concern from the community about the sudden uptake in adoptions she said they were confident in our team’s ability to find the best possible homes for the animals in their care.
“We are maintaining the same careful processes, ensuring adopters are prepared for the new addition to their family and aware of the responsibilities involved with pet ownership,” she said.
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And while the cattery has been cleared, people are still pre-adopting before kittens have had their vaccinations and desexing surgery.
“We’re in the middle of kitten season,” she said.
Ms Ammann advised those who are looking at adopting to call ahead and talk to the staff at the shelter.