MORE than 10 animals will be looking for their forever homes at Mildura's PETstock on Saturday as part of a national adoption day.
Sunraysia Animal Rehousing Group (SARG) and Jeanie Kitty's Krib have three dogs and 11 cats for adoption, which will be available for residents to meet from 10am to 2pm.
The initiative was launched by PETstock about five years ago and has been a successful way for rescue groups to rehome animals, according to Mildura store manager Shane Hoiles.
"Nationally, I believe we've rehomed up to 3000 animals since we've been doing it which is a great success rate," he said.
"We host SARG and Kitty's Krib and we follow their adoption process.
"People can come down, meet the dogs and cats that are available for adoption and if they are interested, they can start the adoption process requirements.
"Unfortunately they won't be walking out with a dog and cat on the day, but if they are successful they will have that animal with them within the fortnight.
A 19-month-old sharpei cross named Rubble is among the animals looking for a new home, with SARG's foster co-ordinator Nicole Theil describing him as a "beautiful, gentle-natured boy".
"Rubble was found as a stray in Kempsey, NSW, back in November," she said. "Sadly, his owner never came looking for him.
"We'd like to see him in a home with another dog and to have an inside outside lifestyle."
A nine-month-old Labrador cross named Jimmy is the youngest pup available for adoption, along with Rosie, a two-year-old foxy cross.
Jeanie Kitty's Krib has four kittens and seven adult cats that are also looking for new homes.
Mr Hoiles said he was encouraged by the changing trends and attitudes in buying animals and hoped awareness would continue to spread.
"The trend is definitely changing, especially with legislation changing in Victoria making it illegal to sell puppies or kittens in any store in Victoria, which is fantastic, we believe," he said.
"And with trying to reduce the number of puppy mills ... I reckon they would be dwindling too.
"Everyone seems to be getting the message it's better to rescue an animal versus buying a puppy from the pet shop."
In an effort to recruit new foster carers and take on more animals, SARG will also lead the Fantastic Foster Month fundraising initiative in April.
More information will be available on the initiative over the coming months on the SARG Facebook page.
