May your Christmas be furry and bright

The Ballarat Animal Shelter has more than 40 dogs available for adoption today.  

The Shelter would like to see as many of these dogs spend Christmas in their new family home as possible.  

Pets are for life, so it is important that you have thoroughly reviewed the responsibilities of pet ownership, before adopting a dog for Christmas, or indeed any time of year.  

It is important to think about your new pet, and what your animal’s day-to-day life will be after the Christmas holidays are over.  

Potential adoptions should visit the Ballarat Animal Shelter to discuss their requirements and find the paw-fect match for your family and lifestyle.  

The Ballarat Animal Shelter staff will take into consideration factors such as;  

• How often you are home.  
• How active your lifestyle is.
• Do you have children or other pets at home.  
• Do you want a dog to cuddle or be independent.  

This will allow you to be matched with the best canine companion for you.  

There is a rehoming fee of $410 for all dogs at the Animal Shelter.  Which includes all the necessary veterinary checks, microchipping, registration and de-sexing if required.  

Don’t forget, with Christmas just around the corner it’s important to remember to keep our pets safe this festive season.  

Be mindful that some food can be dangerous to animals, keep things like cooked bones and chocolate away from the family pet. Also, it is best to keep decorations and presents away from inquisitive animals, with many items being choking hazards.  

There are more than 40 dogs ready for new homes, why not consider the energic and loving, Coco who is an almost 2-year-old pure-bred Koolie, she is incredibly loyal and needs plenty of exercise and would love long hikes or daily runs.  

Or perhaps, the more snuggly Sharni might be your pick. She is a 7-year-old Shepherd, who loves humans, a game of fetch, belly rubs and a nap at your feet.  

City of Ballarat Councillor, Cr Amy Johnson said pets are an important part of many families festive seasons.

“It is important to remember that a pet is not just for Christmas, but for life, so make sure you consider the responsibilities of pet ownership,” she said.

If you are not able to adopt a pet this festive season, you can contribute to the Ballarat Animal Shelter’s Christmas Donation Drive and help bring some cheer to a cat or dog’s holiday season. See the full list of items to donate here.

Donations can be made at the Ballarat Animal Shelter (Gillingham Place, off Gillies Street, Alfredton) between 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday and from 8:00am to 12:00pm on Saturdays.  

A special donation drop-off point has been established at the Ballarat Town Hall between 8:30am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday, and between 10:00am – 4:00pm Saturday and Sundays.  

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