Newry’s USPCA helping to find pets their perfect match
If you’re thinking of getting a new pet, the USPCA has made an appeal for animal lovers to adopt from the charity.
However, they have urged those looking to give a dog (or cat) a home to think carefully before committing.
The organisations’ Director of Operations and Development, Siobhan McHaffie; Animal Care & Rehoming manager Deirdre McArdle; and marketing manager Nikkita Heywood spoke to the Newry Reporter about the matter and the importance of donations.
Adopting & Rehoming
One of the most important things to consider before thinking of adopting is if your lifestyle and personality suits your companion.
Your future companion may not enjoy the long wait before you arrive home from work, whereas some would enjoy the peace and quiet.
Some may need more than a few walks per day, so if you prefer the comfort of the couch rather than the early morning walks, maybe you should reconsider.
Deirdre added that: “At the USPCA we always try to match the right animal with the right person before finishing the process.”
Before adopting, you will have a chance to meet your furry companion to ensure that there is a match; this is then followed by a home check which is conducted by a member of the USPCA. Once everything checks out, it's time to welcome your new companion to the family.
The process can seem daunting, and long, but the years of memories and stories it beings ultimately makes it worth it. “For anyone interested in adopting, pick up the phone and give us a ring, staff are always here to have a chat and help you figure out what will work best,” said Deirdre.
Donations & Care
Unfortunately, many animals will end up in the wrong hands, and experience abuse, neglect, and sometimes worse.
Siobhan said, “You never know why some people abandon these animals, some probably don’t want the hassle of waiting of the waiting list for rehoming, others simply just don’t care.”
With so many animals needing care and new owners, the USPCA can only take so many before having to source alternative options, after all, there is most likely hundreds to thousands more animals needing the assistance, that the USPCA are not aware of.
She added, “It is quite common for a sick or injured cat to be brought in and take upwards of a thousand pounds to help. Any money brought in through donations or fundraisers goes straight back to the animals.”
With some many animals needing aid, and treatment, one of the many ways you can help is with donations.
“We rely on public donations as we are not a government funded organisation, it's all social enterprise money,” Siobhan continued.
Another way for the public to help the animals & the USPCA is by membership.
Nikkita added: “People that help through memberships add their voice to our efforts. It's not just about generating income, it's about creating a stronger voice.”
Volunteer work is also just as important, this could be through fundraisers, fostering, as well as helping with animal care, grooming and charity store work. The USPCA is only a phone call away, so don’t hesitate to call - you could be saving an animal’s life.