Help ‘Santa Paws’ come to the Ballarat Animal Shelter this Christmas

Christmas is approaching and the Ballarat Animal Shelter is calling on the community to help spread some Christmas cheer to their furry residents.  

The annual drive is seeking donations of items to help care for the shelter’s animals, as well as treats and toys to make their holiday season a happy one.  

The Ballarat Animal Shelter also partners with local not-for-profit agencies, such as the SoupBus, which allows them to also share pet food with people that use their service and have pets, to ensure no animal goes hungry.  

Craig Schepis from the SoupBus said they are incredibly grateful for the fabulous support received from the Ballarat Animal Shelter staff.  

“Without the support of the Ballarat Animal Shelter many homeless and people in need that attend the SoupBus would not be able to feed their animals,” he said.  

Donations can be dropped off at the Ballarat Animal Shelter (Gillingham Place, off Gillies Street, Alfredton) between 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday and from 8am – 12pm on Saturdays.  

A special donation drop-off point has been established at the Ballarat Town Hall between 8.30am – 5pm Monday to Friday, and between 10am – 4pm Saturday and Sundays. Donations will be gratefully received until 21 December 2023.  

Items specifically needed are:

• Treats for cats and dogs, things like pigs ears, peanut butter and sardines.  
• Sealed wet or dry food for cats and dogs that the Ballarat Animal Shelter can both use and share with local not-for-profit agencies.  
• Toys for cats and dogs, tug toys, soft toys and interactive toys are best.  
• Pre-loved towels, flat sheets and blankets to be used as bedding for the animals.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said each year he is amazed at the generosity of the animal-loving Ballarat.  

“This year, we have a longer donation period in the hope that we gather as many treats, toys and food as possible. That way we can share the festive spirit with our furry friends right across Ballarat including through other local not-for-profit agencies,” he said.  

“We know that many people are currently doing it tough, so we appreciate any donations we may receive.”  

The Ballarat Animal Shelter is a not-for-profit facility and relies on the generosity of an animal-loving Ballarat community. While the City of Ballarat budget provides for a standard diet of Royal Canin dry food for both dogs and cats, and wet food as an additional treat, donations are always extremely welcome.

Since January 2023 a total of 2,195 animals have passed through the shelter, this included 1,101 dogs and puppies, 1,073 cats and kittens and 21 guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens and ponies.

The Ballarat Animal Shelter currently has more than 60 dogs available for adoption. If your family is able to support a canine companion, why not consider adopting a pet this December.  

Stay tuned for Ballarat’s Christmas dog adoption drive, commencing in December.  

To see the many wonderful furry companions available for adoption at Ballarat now, visit PetRescue.