ADOPTION RATES

BRIANNA MORRIS-GRANT

NORTHERN Gold Coast suburbs are surging ahead of their southern counterparts with record pet adoption numbers.

Figures from 2018 show the top of the list were the region’s fastest growing suburbs of Upper Coomera and Pimpama, with 213 and 197 households respectively giving dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and rodents a home, followed by Southport with 195.

No southern Gold Coast suburbs made the top ten, with central suburbs Robina and Ashmore just making the cut with 128 and 110 respectively.

A total of 3779 pets were adopted overall, with cats and dogs leading the way as expected for the most popular choices.

Statistics from the Animal Welfare League, RSPCA and PETstock also showed 21 birds, 16 reptiles, seven guinea pigs and three amphibians were adopted during the year.

PETstock is preparing for its fifth annual adoption day early next month.

Total Number:

3779 (2018)

TOP FIVE SUBURBS

Upper Coomera: 213 Pimpama: 197 Southport: 192 Labrador: 185 Helensvale: 152

TOP PET TYPES

Dogs: 1287

Cats: 1316

Birds: 124

Reptiles: 16 Rodents: 9

Source: Animal Welfare League, RSPCA and PETstock

In an Australian first, it plans to remove all breed labels from online pet descriptions in the lead-up to the event, hoping to reduce breed stigma and double adoption rates to 1000. The previous four years saw only 2000 pets adopted in total.

PETstock employee Teal Paes said she had already fallen in love with the Bull Arab breed despite the stigma, and didn’t question adopting Kindle. “It’s just about meeting them and not having the stereotype in mind, it’s a lot like most of the so-called aggressive breeds – most of them aren’t,” she said.

“It’s nothing to do with the dog, it’s how they’re raised. No dog is born aggressive.”

PETstock assist charity and events co-ordinator Jess Guilfoyle said she hoped people would get to know the animals “for who they are”.

“Every pet is unique and I encourage people considering a new pet to keep an open mind,” she said.

Over the 2017-2018 period, RSPCA Queensland reported caring for more than 56,000 animals, with a release rate of 90 per cent for dogs and 91 per cent for cats.

Dr Kate Mornement is an applied animal behaviourist who has specialised in the impact of public perceptions on adoption rates.

“Breed stereotypes may make potential adopters less likely to adopt dogs of certain breeds,” she said. “Research shows that people’s perceptions can be influenced by even brief exposure to negative information.”