Safe Haven Animal Rescue is a local charity that has operated for over 10 years and, in that time, has saved over 2,500 animals.
The not-for-profit group, based in Petrie, runs entirely on donations and is calling for more foster carers and volunteers.
According to Suzanne Kanizaj, Secretary of Safe Haven Animal Rescue, the need has never been bigger – with the housing crisis, an increase in veterinary costs and fewer people desexing their pets.
“Every ethical rescue is completely flooded and full, so we want people to open their homes to a foster animal and donate if they can,” Ms Kanizaj said.
How You Can Help Safe Haven Animal Rescue
She said that even if people weren’t able to manage this, they could volunteer to perform administration or event-based tasks, act as a liaison for the organisation, or provide transport for animals.
Volunteering supports initiatives like the Last Litter Program, which brings a pregnant mother into foster care til the litter is born, weaned and desexed before adoption occurs (the mother will also be desexed and returned to the owner).
“As vets don’t desex early anymore, we’ll generally desex as part of the adoption contract at our cost,” Ms Kanizaj said.
Ms Kanizaj said that Haven Before Heaven was another of Safe Haven’s most rewarding programs, which places animals that are at high risk of euthanasia into a loving foster home.
“They’re old and confused by the sudden change in their circumstances, but they have a lot of love to give and we take care of any medication and veterinary care they require until they’re ready to leave us,” Ms Kanizaj said.
Safe Haven frequently rescues puppies and kittens with cleft palates and cautions against purchasing from backyard breeders (which should be distinguished from responsible breeders).
Ms Kanizaj said she was grateful for the contributions provided by SavourLife, Pet Circle and the Australian Firefighters Calendar, as well as to each individual supporter.
“From the person who donates five dollars towards a puppy needing surgery to the company who donates a humidicrib to keep our neonates alive – we appreciate every one of them,” she said.
People are reminded at Christmastime that pets are a commitment for life, aren’t toys and are never disposable.
Support Safe Haven Animal Rescue and get more information on adopting or fostering an animal on their website.
Read more stories from our Redcliffe Guide print magazine here:
- Get Together for A Happy Hippie Xmas
- Your Time, Are You Investing it or Spending it?
- Family Fun at Redcliffe: Budget-Friendly Ways to Enjoy the School Holidays
- Christmas Under Canvas
- Community Hub Gets Crafty
- Staying Grounded Amid Holiday Pressures
- Discover Stories From the Past on the Redcliffe Esplanade Walk
- Candles Capture Local Scenti-ments
- Making Waves With Waterbikes – The Latest In Beachside Family Fun
- A Word From Our Reps
- Reddy Roundup: Updates from the Community
