Hundreds of people turned out to help celebrate the 10th anniversary of the RSPCA Tuggerah Care Centre, which coincided with the 7,000th adoption from the animal shelter.
Over the past decade the Care Centre has found new homes for 93 birds, 1505 cats, 1775 kittens, 1145 dogs, 797 puppies, 539 guinea pigs, 969 rabbits, 174 rodents and three ferrets.
The lucky 7,000th animal to be re-homed was a loving four-year-old cat named Gracie, who was rescued by RSPCA inspectors from a terrible hoarding case in 2021.
Gracie is now settled with her new adoptive parents, Wendy and Richard, a retired couple from Chittaway Bay.
The 10-year festivities on May 2 were a fun family day with face painting for the children, pet care and behaviour advice and a chance for the public to mingle with the animals and find out first-hand about the RSPCA Tuggerah Care Centre.
“The day was just basically a community thank you for everyone who has supported us through the years,” said Centre Manager, Sara-Louise McCracken.
“We had lots of meet and greets on the day, and five more dogs were adopted into their new homes.
“Our centre is hugely important to the local community with such a broad spectrum of services that we cover.
“The reaction from the community has been brilliant, so positive, lots of encouraging words and congratulations.
“We’re proud of what we do here for the community; they know they can come in just for a chat and we get a lot of people who’ve lost their pets and we’re happy to provide that kind ear for them as well.
The RSPCA Tuggerah Care Centre offers a wide range of products and services including advice and support for pet owners, community education, grooming services, microchipping, retail and products and animal adoptions or fostering, with five more dogs being adopted on the day.
They also offer placements for practical experience in the Certificate II in Animal Studies, a school holiday program, volunteering opportunities and community events.
“One hundred percent of profits go back into the organisation to help animals in need,” McCracken said.
“It provides veterinary care, nutrition, shelter, rehabilitation and enrichment to every animal that comes through our doors.
The RSPCA Care Centre is inside the Tuggerah Homemaker Centre on the corner of Bryant Dr and Wyong Rd and is open seven days a week.
Sue Murray