SPCA fur-babies: Heartwarming tales of adoption

As the silly season approaches, it’s a perfect time to celebrate the aroha our pets bring into our lives. Across Aotearoa, hundreds of animals are finding their forever homes through SPCA, each adoption marking a new beginning. But while pets fill our lives with joy, it’s important to remember they shouldn’t be chosen on impulse or treated only as presents, whether it’s for Christmas, birthdays or other special occasions. Adoption is a lifelong commitment that deserves thoughtful consideration. Read about SPCA’s position on treating animals as gifts to understand more.

Adoption stories to warm your heart

Every animal that finds a home through SPCA has their own unique story, and it’s often the quiet moments after adoption like the first purr, the first tail wag, the first cuddle, that show just how life-changing adoption can be.

Matthew

Matthew, a five-year-old cat, spent four months at SPCA before catching his new family’s eye.

“Matthew is settling in really well. He was a little nervous the first week but soon settled in. We decided to adopt him after seeing him online in a video the SPCA did, and in our local newspaper,” they share.

“The day we went to adopt we saw the bond that he had formed with another cat Lulu, who was also another long-stay, so we decided to take both – which I think helped make a smooth transition to home life!”

These days, Matthew shows his affection in his own cheeky way by proudly leaving presents – in the form of worms – that he catches and drops on the kitchen floor for his new doting family.

“He is extremely talkative and loves cuddles and chin scratches – he is just an all-round great cat,” the proud family shares.

Ruby

Ruby, formerly known as Ruth, had been waiting nearly three months when her story caught her future family’s hearts. When her new family saw an ad for Ruby on the SPCA website, her story drew them in.

“She seemed like although she had a rough start to her life, all she wanted was to be loved and cherished by a family she could call her own. Being a long-stay resident too, we knew a beautiful cat like her deserved a loving home,” they say.

“We are both so glad that we adopted Ruby; she has brought so much happiness and joy to our lives. Coming home to her after a day at work is the best feeling.

“Ruby is the sweetest wee cat we could have ever asked for,” the happy family shares. “From the first night, she fit in so well with our lives. It was like we had always had her; she snuggled up on our bed where she has remained every night since.”

Now Ruby spends her days snuggled in blankets or tucked inside a dressing gown like a cosy burrito, following her humans everywhere and winning hearts every time she meets new family members and friends.

“Ruby has also recently started watching TV with us – sometimes seeming more interested than we are!

“She is a big talker and never fails to greet us with a lot of meows even when we’ve been out of the room for 5 minutes,” they add.

Moonshine

Moonshine (8) proves that senior pets can have just as much sparkle as kittens.

“We went to SPCA to see kittens, but Moonshine made sure we couldn’t leave without her,” her adopted family confide. “She was smoochy, full of personality, and reminded us of the cat we’d just lost. It felt meant to be.”

Having settled right in, Moonshine now spends her evenings zooming around the house. When she goes outside, she makes sure to loudly announce her return the moment she comes back through the door.

She also loves her pet-sibling – a 12-year-old Labrador, even sharing her bed sometimes.

“Adopting an older cat wasn’t the plan but I’m so glad we did, Moonshine is the best!”

Jasper

Jasper, a 2-year-old Border Collie and Labrador mix, was adopted just ten days after arriving at SPCA Hobsonville, and he’s made the most of every moment since.

“He’s made our lives so much brighter. We love him, and he loves us,” his family says. These days Jasper enjoys long walks, beach runs and boating trips with his family.

“We want to thank the SPCA team in Hobsonville for helping us find our brilliant boy. We want you all to rest assured that we are giving him the life he deserves, and he is giving us so much more!”

Ready to welcome a four-legged family member?

If you’re thinking of getting a cat or dog, consider adopting a pet from SPCA. Meet some canine and feline friends who’re ready to steal your heart!

Cats and dogs in need of a loving home

Skeeter

You may remember Skeeter from a few months ago, when we first shared his story. This beautiful boy is a medium cross breed, who’s three months shy of celebrating his second birthday! He’s a long-term resident of SPCA’s Rotorua Centre and has been waiting to be adopted for over 600 days – since he was just 5 weeks old!

Skeeter is a loveable yet shy young dog, who can be fearful of new people, places, and loud noises like traffic due to his limited early experiences. He’d be perfect for someone who is patient and has experience caring for dogs. Ideally, someone with no kids or other pets at home.

If you think Skeeter could be your doggy soul mate, the SPCA team hopes you would carve out some time to spend with him regularly before the adoption is finalised. This would involve things like sitting with him, taking him for a walk, or even taking him to your home for a couple of hours a day to test the waters.

Once you earn his trust, Skeeter is incredibly loyal and affectionate, adores belly rubs, cuddles, and hugs. According to SPCA staff: "He's an overall awesome, delightful dog with so much potential!" The team believes that with the right home environment, Skeeter will thrive and blossom into a beautiful companion beyond what shelter life allows.

Learn more about adopting Skeeter.

River

River is a 3-year-old German Shepherd mix who has been at the SPCA Invercargill Centre for over 20 days, while he waits for a loving pet-parent to adopt him.

River is a happy, excitable dog with a curious and playful nature who will keep your life interesting. He's sweet and cuddly, and always ready for snuggles after his outdoor adventures. He can get a bit anxious at times and needs an understanding mum or dad (or an entire family!).

According to SPCA staff, River would do best in a home with teenagers and would love a canine brother or sister. This high-energy boy needs an experienced dog family who can invest in his training and help him reach his full potential as a loyal companion that will bring an enormous amount of love and laughter to the lucky people who take him home.

Learn more about adopting River.

River has been adopted since this article was published. Find more puppers like him, who are waiting for a loving family to take them home here.

Bert

Bert is a 1-year-and-7-month-old Domestic Shorthair cat who has been at the SPCA Renwick Centre for over 40 days now. Bert is sweet and friendly and loves greeting everyone with purrs and nuzzles.

His curious and brave nature means he enjoys exploring every corner of his environment while also being ready for calm cuddles or playful adventures.

According to SPCA staff, Bert is suitable for homes with other cats and children over the age of 5, making him a versatile companion. If you're looking for a gentle, affectionate feline friend, Bert will bring an incredible amount of joy to your life.

Learn more about adopting Bert.

Bert has been adopted since this article was published. Find more cats like him, who are waiting for a loving family to take them home here.

Thinking of gifting a pet?

Around Christmas, it can be tempting to surprise a loved one with a puppy or kitten under the tree. But SPCA reminds us that animals are family, and should be given careful consideration before gifting. They need ongoing care, time and resources, things that can’t be wrapped in a bow. So before choosing a cat or dog as a present, ask yourself if the recipient is in a position to provide the care and provide for an animal that can have a lifespan of 10, 15, 20 or more years.

Ask yourself the following questions before gifting a pet:

1. Are they financially ready to meet ongoing costs like food, toys, grooming, vet bills?
2. Will their lifestyle support the care cats and dogs need?
3. Have they shown an ongoing interest in getting a pet?

If in doubt, consider gifting thoughtfully, such as donating to SPCA on behalf or contributing to adoption costs for a friend who’s ready to adopt. If you want your family to adopt a four-legged family member, this may be the perfect way to bond and choose a pet together by looking at pets available for adoption online and then visiting your local SPCA together to bring home your new furry friend.

Are you ready for a fur-baby?

Before adopting, take a moment to think about how a pet will fit into your life – and how you’ll fit into theirs!

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have time for daily walks, training and play?
• Is your home pet-friendly, and will your landlord approve?
• Can you cover vet care, food and insurance long-term?

Honest answers help ensure you and your new companion start off strong. Learn more about the process and browse SPCA animals for adoption to find the right match for your family.

Helping your new pet settle in

It can take time for a new pet to adjust. Set up a quiet, cosy space where they can feel safe, keep routines consistent and give them lots of gentle reassurance. Building trust takes patience, soon they’ll feel right at home.

Adopting a pet is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It gives an animal a second chance and you gain a lifelong friend in return. If you’re ready to welcome love into your home, consider SPCA Pet Insurance to learn how we can help protect your new family member.