Big Adopt Out 2019 Wrap Up

Another big week has come to an end with rescue pets starting new journeys in loving homes.

Hundreds of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens converged on the Brisbane Showgrounds on Saturday the 14th of September, 2019.

It’s an event that has been running for 7 years now and never gets old! Seeing eager families meeting just as happy pets makes the day and preparation prior, all worthwhile.

My favourite part of the Event (besides seeing pets leaving with new owners) is being able to greet every pet before the crowds come through the door. Each dog has a volunteer by their side offering treats, training and care. Cats are resting in their condos with a hidey hole, food and water, waiting for new families too.

Every RSPCA pet profile also showed just how far they had travelled to make it to Brisbane. I spied Holly the dog from Noosa, some from RSPCA Kingaroy and Gympie too. It’s an event that wouldn’t be possible without tireless hours behind the scenes from staff and volunteers. In the week leading up to Big Adopt Out, our volunteers were transporting pets from far north as our Cairns Animal Care Centre.

And where would Big Adopt Out be without the incredible people willing to open their homes to a pet in need? Over 5,000 people attended Big Adopt Out 2019, all potential pet owners looking to adopt a pet, rather than shop!

This year, 245 pets started a new life with their adoptive families and we couldn’t be happier for them.

It wasn’t just RSPCA pets attending Big Adopt Out either. The event is all about showcasing rescue pets and the great work that other animal rescue groups do for pets looking for second chances. 

The day was shared with All Breeds Canine Rescue Inc, Friends of the Hound, Happy Furever After Animals Rescue Inc, Happy Tails Animal Rescue Inc, Kitten Kapers Rescue, Lucky Paws Dog Rescue Inc, Precious Paws Animal Rescue Inc, Qld Staffy & Amstaff Rescue Inc, Red Collar Rescue Inc, Safe Haven Animal Rescue Inc, SEQ K9 Rescue Inc, and Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge Society.

It wasn’t long before we started to see Happy Tails being shared by adopters from night ONE spent with their new furry companions.

It certainly takes a special breed of person to adopt a pet in need, and we’re pleased to see that more loving pet owners are keen to adopt.

If you couldn’t attend the event, never fear! There are always plenty of RSPCA pets looking for homes right across the state at any time during the year. If you can’t adopt right now but want to help the RSPCA in other ways, why not ask about becoming a foster carer, or volunteering some spare hours you may have up your sleeve? You can even donate to the RSPCA to ensure we can continue to help save lives.