At least once a day for the last few months we’ve had phone calls from people looking to buy puppies and kittens (followed by angry comments like “well you’re not a pet shop then are you?!”). Sadly, the frequency of these calls increased tenfold in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
So we just wanted to clarify - we do not, have not, and will not sell animals.
For us, this is an ethical issue. Animals in pet stores have long been associated with irresponsible breeding practices like puppy farms, over-breeding, and keeping them in inhumane conditions (shout out to stores like Animates and PetStock who now work to adopt instead). We also firmly believe that pets shouldn’t be a spur of the moment decision, and having animals available to purchase and take home then and there is sending the wrong message.
Often, people purchasing these animals on a whim have not considered the level of commitment, financial requirements and lifestyle changes that come with a new pet, and after the novelty of a new puppy or kitten fades results in an animal that isn’t cared for properly or ends up being abandoned (side note - if you find yourself in a position where you can no longer care for your pet PLEASE contact your local SPCA or animal rescue organisation to give them a second chance at a long and happy life).
Whether you choose to adopt or go through a reputable, registered breeder, there are many things that should be considered before going ahead. Adoption agencies and responsible breeders will assess your lifestyle, property and level of experience to determine whether that particular animal will be suited to you or not (if you’re a first-time dog owner, live alone in a rented apartment and work 8-10 hours a day then that husky pup isn’t for you). We love Pet Rescue’s ’10 Golden Rules’:
- Why do you want to adopt a pet? Because you can give it everything it needs or it's just an impulse thought?
- Are you ready to make a long term commitment to this animal? This means for its entire life!
- Do you know what type of pet is right for you or your family?
- Can you afford a pet? That includes its food, shelter and health
- Will you make sure you allocate quality time with your pet every day?
- Who will pay for your pets health challenges?
- Are you willing to put the time, effort and money into training your pet?
- Will you bother to pet-proof your home and garden?
- Is your home adequate for a pet and if you rent your home will your landlord allow you to have a pet?
- Does everyone in your family want to add a pet to the mix?
If you’re looking to adopt a pet in Wellington, here’s a few we recommend in no particular order (please note there are A LOT of other rescue/rehoming organisations doing amazing work in New Zealand, we’re just listing a few Wellington ones). Adopting through an organisation like these ensures the animals have been rehabilitated, vet-checked, de-sexed, microchipped and vaccinated. If you know of any others that deserve a shout out then leave a comment below!
- SPCA
- The Kitten Inn
- Cats Protection Wellington
- Upper Hutt Animal Rescue Society
- HUHA
- Feral Nation
- Paw Justice Pet Rescue
- Loose Leash Cat Rescue
- ARAN Animal Rescue NZ
- KittyCat Rehoming
- Outpawed
- Ellie's Canine Rescue & Rehome
Dog bless
A
Hey, you left out Outpawed, they do rescue and rehoming for stray colony cats and kittens in Wellington and Palmerston North
Hi there – your link to Paw Justice doesn’t work – I’ve googled it and it should be www.pawjustice.co.nz.
Cheers.
Completely agree with everything you said, and breaks my heart to even see a pet shop selling animals to whoever comes in for a quick dollar. And don’t get me started on trade me pets section of free pets for offer. Please adopt don’t shop there are so many beautiful animals to give a home to after a long decision. Thank you for your words.
May I simply just say what a relief to discover someone that really knows what they’re discussing on the internet. You definitely know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people must look at this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you are not more popular given that you surely have the gift.