Not for profit organisation Animal Rehab Central (ARC) is experiencing a lack of interest in pet adoptions this summer.

ARC manager Shirlene Steel said the organisation currently needed to find good long term homes for kittens, cats and dogs.

“On the fostering side for kittens, things are good and I’ve managed to get quite a few foster people for kittens.

“Wild kittens can be turned around quite quickly in a foster home, and that means I can get them ready to be adopted sooner.”

Despite plenty of willing kitten fosterers, she said her capacity for taking rescues cats and kittens was full.

“I’ve got 20 in at the moment, and a heap waiting in the back blocks to come in.

“For dogs there are more dogs needing to be rehomed than are getting rehomed," she said.

“It’s a cycle . . . it is different from last year when we saw lots of Covid-19 puppies.

“Now it is more accommodation related and a lack of accommodation [meaning] people are unable to keep their dogs.”

Shirlene said ideally people needed to own their home before committing to dog ownership or adoption. 

This reduces the risk of the dogs needing to be rehomed, if peoples living situation changes and pet friendly rentals are in short supply. 

Kelpie cross Mollybear is two, needs some stability and is waiting for a home. PHOTO: Supplied 

Many of the dogs needing homes at ARC are around a year old, akin to teenagers who need a bit of time and attention, Shirlene said. 

For more about ARC listen to an interview with Shirlene on a previous episode of The Outlet.

Read more: Animal rehab under pressure heading into Christmas

Call Shirlene on 027 436 1028 if you are interested in adopting a pet.