Dog & Puppy Adoptions

• What you need to know
• How to go about the adoption process
• How much will it cost?
• Have you got everything you need?
• What to do if a problem occurs
• What to do after adopting
• Animals currently available for adoption

What you need to know

• Whangarei SPCA tries to ensure that all healthy unwanted animals coming into our care are offered for adoption to homes that we consider will be in the best interests of the animals and the new owner. The Whangarei SPCA reserves the right to refuse adoption

• You must have a fully fenced property to decrease the chance of the animals straying, unless you are on a working farm.

• If you wish to adopt a puppy under 6 months it is necessary for someone in your household to be home during the day. This is important both to supply regular small meals and for socialization and training.

• All dogs and puppies available for adoption have undergone a thorough veterinary check-up and are approved by our veterinarians.

• All animals are vaccinated and treated to eliminate worms and fleas. They are also microchipped prior to being adopted. Their temperament and behavioural habits are thoroughly tested to ensure that they will be adopted to homes that will best suit them.

• The Whangarei SPCA maintains a very strict policy on desexing and neuters both male and female dogs prior to adoption. This policy is strictly enforced as the Society’s contribution to reducing the misery of unwanted, surplus animals.

• If you are renting you will need written permission to have a dog from your landlord.

How to go about the adoption process

• Dogs and puppies available for adoption may be viewed in the Dog Adoption Unit at the Whangarei SPCA from 10am – 4pm Monday – Friday, 9am – 12 midday Saturday & Sunday. You can also view a selection of dogs we have available online.

• After completing the Dog Adoption Questionnaire our Adoption Team will be pleased to share with you all the information that is available about the animal’s background and to give you our assessment of its temperament. They can advise you and help you to select a suitable animal for your situation.

• Adoptees of dogs and puppies may be subject to a property check by an SPCA Inspector. This is simply to determine whether adequate fencing and kennel facilities exist. Our Adoption Team will arrange for an SPCA Inspector to perform a property check and the adoption process can continue after the Inspector’s approval. You do not need to be at home when the Inspector does their check.

• We will contact you with the decision on the property check and if approval has been given, the adoption process will continue and an appointment made to collect your new companion.

• With the adoption of dogs, it is necessary to arrange registration with your local council before the animal may be taken home.

• You will then be asked to sign a form to acknowledge your understanding of the full terms and conditions of adoption before you leave with your chosen one. There is an adoption fee to be paid

• A deposit of $30.00 is required to cover costs of the property check. This is not refunded should your property check fail, but will be taken off the adoption fee if all goes well.

How much will it cost

The Whangarei SPCA does not sell animals. We do ask for assistance to partially recover our costs. Unless otherwise advised, you will be asked to contribute only $110-$140 for a dog over 3 months.

The cost of preparing an animal for adoption includes veterinary checks, vaccination, microchipping and worming treatments, desexing charges and an apportioned share of attendants’ costs, food, other overheads and behavioual assessments.

If you wish to give a donation to further assist us with these costs, it would be greatly appreciated.

Have you got everything you need

Before you take your new companion home, our dog adoption staff will attend to any questions you may have. They will advise you on the rehoming period and general care, including food and any special dietary needs.

You are invited to visit our shop here at the centre to purchase essential items: collars, leads, water and food bowls, food and supplements: or even some desirable items such as grooming tools, toys and treats (including balls, chew items, etc.) that will help your chosen friend to settle in their new home.

What to do if a problem occurs

• Should your chosen animal not be compatible with your home situation, we require that you return it to us for rehoming. Following the initial two week post adoption period a refund will not be given

• Where all care has been taken to ensure the absolute health of adopted animals, there is always the possibility of a disease in incubation that will not manifest itself until after adoption. If, within the first two weeks, an illness occurs please contact us for advice and assistance.

It is understood that adoptive parents will:
• Abide by the animal protection and welfare laws of New Zealand
• Abide by the by-laws of local councils relating to dogs, which will be supplied by your local council when registration is completed
• Provide preventative veterinary care on an ongoing basis
• Assume full responsibility for the health and well-being of their adopted animal for the duration of its life

The Whangarei SPCA reserves the right to inspect and/or remove an animal if agreed conditions are not met.

What to do after adoption

Contact the dog adoption staff if you have any concerns. We highly recommend puppy preschool (contact your local vet clinic for the next class) and dog training contact www.wdta.org.nz

We wish you and your chosen companion animal friend a lifetime of joy