Abandoned animals can once again be adopted from the Dubbo City Animal Shelter by appointment only, after having ceased for more than eight months as a COVID-19 safety precaution.
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Animal Shelter Manager Kirra Larkin said fortunately during the time in which adoptions were not running most of their animals were able to be put into rescue groups.
However, the return of adoptions has received a warm welcome by the Animal Shelter staff.
"It's awesome," Miss Larkin said.
"We had a soft introduction into the return of adoptions, and adoptions have been running now for just short of two-weeks.
"We had our first six dogs up for adoption last week, three of which were adopted the next day."
Clare, Dusty and George are all currently still up for adoption with more to come throughout the month.
Miss Larkin said it is important for people wishing to adopt a pet from the Dubbo City Animal Shelter book an appointment via phone call.
"They will also need to sign in upon arrival," she said.
With the adoptions making a comeback just in time for Christmas, Miss Larkin is reminding residents to only consider adopting a pet if they are sure they can provide it with the care it requires.
"We do encourage adoptions," she said.
"We want people to adopt as opposed to shopping for an animal, so to speak, but it is important people are aware of the requirements of being a pet owner before adopting an animal," Miss Larkin said.
"It's important they understand that owning a pet doesn't only require you to feed them.
"Owning a pet comes with the responsibility of providing them with access to health care as well as ensuring they have the necessary procedures such as worming and vaccinations.
"The cost of owning a pet is something they need to consider."
Miss Larkin also encourages residents who may be planning of adopting a pet for another person as a Christmas gift, to ensure they are giving the animal to an owner who not only wants a pet but has the means to care and provide for it.
"It's important for people who are thinking about adopting a pet on behalf of someone else as a Christmas gift first considers if it is the right thing to do."
Residents can see the animals currently up for adoption on the Dubbo City Animal Shelter Facebook page.
All animals up for adoption come vaccinated, microchipped and desexed. If you are planning on adopting a pet, you can make an appointment by calling the shelter on 6801 4640.
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