ANIMAL rescue organisations are dealing with the large number of pets abandoned at the start and end of every year.
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Heaven Can Wait Animal Shelter wants animal lovers to step up and become foster carers to help with the yearly spike.
In December last year, 56 cats and 54 dogs ended up at the Tamworth Regional Council pound.
The numbers were similar in December 2014, with 40 cats and 63 dogs going through the pound.
Heaven Can Wait president Kate Davies said it’s the same thing every December and January.
“The last two months we’ve had a spike,” Ms Davies said.
“We’ve taken in a lot of cats and kittens – we had 12 last week and five the week before.
“Lots of people go away on holidays, dump their pets in the pound and have the opinion they can get a new one when they come back.”
Amber Johnston has been a foster carer with Heaven Can Wait for more than a year and a half.
In that time, she has fostered “well over 30 cats and dogs”, along with adopting a dog of her own.
“It’s rewarding to know I’m doing my part in saving a life,” Ms Johnston said.
“Foster carers offer them a temporary home until a forever home comes along.”
While there has been a spike in abandoned animals, there has also been an increase in adoptions.
“I think people are getting the message it is cheaper to adopt because they come with all their vet stuff done,” Ms Davies said.
“They are microchipped, up to date with their vaccinations, wormed, flea treated, desexed and have any other work they might need done.
“It’s easier than getting a free kitten off Facebook and doing the vet work yourself.”
For information about becoming a foster carer with the group, search for Heaven Can Wait Animal Shelter on Facebook.