SPCA updates adoption fees to help animals in need

Across Aotearoa, SPCA cares for over 30,000 animals every year. This is only possible thanks to the generous support of donors, partners (both public and private), staff, volunteers, and fosterers. The annual operating costs of SPCA are approx. $65 million, with only 10% of that funding coming from the Government.

Government funding is specifically allocated for Inspectorate work and does not cover rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, community support, desexing, animal welfare education, or advocacy. In fact, government support pays for just 80% of Inspectorate services.

The remaining 90% of SPCA funding comes from adoption fees, donations, appeals, fundraising events, sponsorships, support from peer-to-peer fundraising activities, and our 90+ Op Shops around the country.

Fees are increasing for kitten and puppy adoptions. However, fees are to be reduced for older animals (cats over 10 years and dogs over 9 years), rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds.

Farm and other animals (like rats, birds, turtles and fish) will be adopted by koha/donation. For these animals, we know that there are less homes available than our adorable puppies and kittens, and want to ensure they don’t get overlooked.

Additionally, a 30% discount will be applied for long-stay animals (available for adoption for 42+ days), and a standing 15% multi-animal adoption discount, to help them find loving homes quicker.

SPCA wants to make adopting animals accessible, making sure every animal finds their forever home.

“Reducing fees for long-stay or older animals and asking for a koha for others does not compromise our quality of care or increase the risk of unsuitable adoptions. Our adoption process and vetting standards remain unchanged,” says Dr. Corey Regnerus-Kell, GM Animal Services.

"Updating our adoption fees is something within our control that can help us continue to provide the highest level of care for our animals. We are committed to making adoption accessible, and to ensuring every animal finds the right home. These changes will help us bridge a widening financial gap while promoting the adoption of animals who may have been overlooked or require special care such as horses, alpacas, goats, pigs, and others.

“By helping us find new homes faster, this also reduces the overall burden on SPCA from both a capacity and a cost perspective.