Community & Business
4 March, 2025
Give a pet a home for rescue month
THE Mareeba Animal Refuge were able to rescue 11 dogs from nearby pounds during Pet Rescue Month thanks to funding from large pet organisations and they will be hosting an adoption day this weekend to continue their good efforts.
Pet Rescue Month is an initiative organised by Petbarn and SavourLife, who donated $400,000 to refuge organisations this year to save animals from pounds.
The local Mareeba refuge received $10,000 and were able to rescue 11 dogs in the area.
They will be holding an adoption day at Petbarn Smithfield this Saturday from 10am-2pm to further their efforts of finding pets a loving home.
“Adopting rescued animals means you can save the life of a pet who has nowhere else to go, and you can give it love for the first time in its life,” refuge worker Felicity Pollard said.
“Adopting a rescue also makes room for us to take in more animals who need our help, and it’s cheaper because our fees cover all the vet expenses.
“There’s a stigma that rescue animals are poorly behaved, and that can be true, but the majority of them are normal and healthy, they just simply have nowhere to go.”
The local refuge has been forced to make the “tough decision” to increase the prices of medium-large female dogs and puppies by $50, and female cats by $30 due to an ever-increasing vet bill.
All other animals will remain at the same price.
The decision to raise costs was made due to a large number of rescues coming into their care and to cover the monthly vet bill which has increased to $7,000-$10,000.
Additionally, the refuge covers ongoing parasite treatments, medications for wounds, illnesses and other ailments, feeding and enrichment, cleaning and day-to-day care, shelter amenities and upkeep, and transport for rescues.
The fees for puppies and medium-large female dogs have increased to $400 and female cats have increased to $250.
Small breed male and female dogs remain the same at $500, medium-large male dogs stay at $350, as do male cats at $190.
These fees include desexing, vaccination, microchipping and up-to-date parasite prevention.
However, costs will be evaluated for each animal. In the case of elderly pets or those with vet work already completed, cheaper fees may apply.
The Mareeba Animal Refuge is located at 35 Hickling Avenue, off Adil Road.
For more information, call them at 4092 3060 or find them on Facebook at Mareeba Animal Refuge.
