Love for Long-stays : SPCA launches campaign for its long stay animals across New Zealand

This year has been another challenging year for animal adoptions, with many animals spending a long time in SPCA care before finding their new families. Some have been waiting more than 42 days — and in many cases, much longer.

SPCA has once again launched its long stay campaign where New Zealanders can adopt long- stay animals for a koha, with the campaign running from 6 July to 2 August.

One of these special souls is Azul, who has been in Wellington Centre’s care for 470 days, nearly close to a year and a half in care. Although in a loving foster home, the Centre team would love nothing better than to find Azul the home she deserves.

Wellington SPCA Centre Manager, Archie Pararasasingam, says when Azul first arrived into foster care, she didn’t know how to play with toys.

“It was such a moment to see her figure it out and play with them for the first time,” Archie says.

“Azul’s fosterer has been fantastic with her. It's great for Azul to get that consistency and support until she finds that special family who is ready to see what we all see, a personality worth the wait.”

“The fosterers refer to Azul as ‘Judy’ sometimes. It’s a little nickname he gave her, because her face is a little wrinkly, and she’s such a dame, they call her Judy, after Dame Judy Dench.

“One of her favourite things is toilet paper rolls, which is quite fitting as she does resemble the rolly dog from the toilet paper ads sometimes.”

Other long- stay animals in SPCA’s care include a dog, Ash, from Greymouth, a dog, Arthur, from Christchurch, and a rabbit, Biscoff, from Nelson. In total, over 200 long-stay animals are looking for their happy forever after.

SPCA CEO Todd Westwood says animals get overlooked for a number of different reasons.

“Others have been passed by because of their age, appearance, sometimes shy personalities or medical needs,” says Todd.

“But each one comes with a unique past and a tremendous amount of love to give. With understanding, patience, and the right environment, they can thrive and form incredibly strong bonds with their new families.”

While some animals have simply been overlooked for the younger or more outgoing pets in the shelter, others require extra support due to age, health, behavioural needs, or the financial considerations of ongoing care.

“Those extra needs make the bond even more meaningful,” says Todd. “This campaign is about finding the right homes — not just any homes — for these animals. We will continue to carefully assess every application to ensure each animal’s individual needs can be met, and we end up with a happy match.”

To ensure cost is not a barrier for the right adopter, SPCA is introducing a donation/koha model for animals who have been available for adoption for more than 42 days. This will replace standard adoption fees for the duration of the campaign.

All SPCA animals come desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, health checked, and prepared for life as a pet by SPCA staff and foster families. Cats and dogs also receive additional support, including three months of free SPCA Pet Insurance, Purina food vouchers, and a Petdirect discount to help set them up with nutritious food, treats, and essentials.

Todd says New Zealander’s can make a meaningful difference to animals in need.

“You can help rewrite their story by opening your heart and home — or simply by sharing their profiles so they can reach the people who may be the perfect match.”