Adopting a cat or dog is a rewarding experience. If you want to adopt a furry friend in Wellington, these organisations can help you find the perfect pet.
There are several reasons why adopting a pet is better than buying one from a breeder or pet store. Adoption helps to reduce the number of animals in shelters and rescues. By adopting, you're giving a home to an animal that might otherwise be euthanised.
Even pet stores are getting in on adoption. While pet stores in New Zealand are still legally allowed to sell puppies and kittens, many chains, including Animates, now take an ‘adopt don’t shop’ approach. Animates partners with SPCA and encourages adoption rather than the purchasing of your new pet.
Adopting is often more cost-effective than buying. Adoption fees usually cover the cost of vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying/neutering, which can save you money in the long run.
Adopting a cat or dog can often help you avoid major pet bills as well. Most pet adoption agencies disclose any health issues an animal has before you take them home. This makes it easier to adopt a healthy dog or cat and ensures that animals with health problems are going to homes that can afford to look after them. When you buy a cat or dog from a pet store or breeder, it's up to the seller to inform you of the true health of the animal or any genetic disorders it may be inheriting from the parents.
Adopting a pet can be a very fulfilling experience. You're not just getting a new pet; you're saving a life.
Before adopting a cat or dog, there are a few things you should think about. Can you afford vet bills and other expenses associated with pet ownership? Pets can be expensive, especially if they get sick or injured. Make sure you can afford yearly vet visits as well as all the initial shots your pet will need as a puppy or kitten.
You should also consider whether you have enough time to play with, walk, and care for your new pet. Cats and dogs need love and proper attention. They also need toilet training, behavioural training and plenty of walks.
It's important to consider what type of pet might be right for you. Different breeds and personalities can require different levels of attention and care. If you live in an apartment, have children or animals, or have a very active lifestyle, you’ll need an animal that fits your current living arrangements. A dog that requires lots of time outside won’t feel at home in an apartment. Likewise, dogs that only need short walks won’t cope with a very active lifestyle.
Before you adopt, you should also consider pet-proofing your home to ensure your home is safe for your new arrival.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is one of New Zealand’s largest animal welfare organisations. They have several locations throughout Wellington and offer various cats and dogs for adoption. The SPCA takes in animals that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected and works to find them loving homes. If you want to adopt, you’ll need to make an appointment after applying for the animal you are looking at rehoming.
For any National Office queries, please call 09 827 6094
As the name suggests, The Kitten Inn specialises in rescuing and rehoming kittens. They have a no-kill policy and work with foster families to provide their cats with a safe and loving environment. The Kitten Inn is a great place to start if you're looking for a new furry friend.
The Kitten Inn — 247 Major Drive, Kelson, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand
Cats Protection Wellington is a volunteer-run organisation that helps to rescue and rehome cats in the Wellington area. They have a small but dedicated team of volunteers who work to provide a safe and caring environment for their cats. Their cats stay in their shelter until they are adopted or rehomed. They are open to visitors on Saturday and Sunday by appointment from 12pm – 4pm for adoptions.
Cats Protection Wellington — 29 Vancouver Street, Kingston, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
+64 438 996 68
The Upper Hutt Animal Rescue Society is a non-profit organisation that rescues and rehomes cats and dogs in the Upper Hutt area. They work to provide medical care, food, and shelter for their animals until they can be adopted into loving homes. They have kittens and cats available for rehoming and fostering. They are also always looking for volunteers to help look after the cats during the week for a few hours.
Upper Hutt Animal Rescue Society — 4 King Charles Drive, Kingsley Heights, Upper Hutt 5018, New Zealand
+64 4 526 2672
HUHA is a national animal welfare organization that has a sanctuary in Kaitoke, just north of Wellington. They rescue and rehome cats, dogs, horses, and other animals, providing a safe and loving environment for them. They are New Zealand’s leading no-kill animal shelter and have all kinds of animals available for adoption, including cats, dogs, horses, ponies, lizards, turtles, pigs, chickens, mice and rabbits.
HUHA (Helping You Help Animals)
Feral Nation is a non-profit organisation that specialises in rescuing and rehabilitating feral cats. They have a network of volunteer trappers and foster families who work to provide a safe and loving environment for their cats. At Feral Nation, the kittens and cats get to choose who adopts them. This helps ensure that animals are paired with the right owner rather than being adopted based on looks.
Loose Leash Cat Rescue is a volunteer-run organisation that rescues and rehomes cats in the Wellington area. They specialise in rescuing cats that have been abandoned or are in danger of being euthanised. They provide medical care, food, and shelter for their cats until they can be adopted into loving homes.
Ellie's Canine Rescue & Rehome is a non-profit organisation that rescues and rehomes dogs in the Wellington area. They provide a safe and loving environment for their dogs and work with foster families to provide temporary homes for their pets. They also provide education and resources for dog owners to help them provide the best care for their pets.
Ellie's Canine Rescue & Rehome
Whether you need help picking up your pet from the adoption organisation or need pet transport for a house move, Wise Move can help. Book your pet transportation now.
Wise Move is New Zealand’s leading moving service, helping thousands of customers with home moves, furniture removals, car and motorcycle transport, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services in just a few simple steps. Our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for our customers.
