Kiwification

photo credit: eva101

This past weekend, we decided that it was time to progress our immigration further by adopting two Kiwi kittens.

(They’re uncannily similar to South African kittens)

Although we did have the option of a few local pet stores, we decided to adopt from the local SPCA. (There’s one in your area)

We ultimately found our two little terrorists (“Cappuccino” and “Ninja“) at the Hastings SPCA.

In contrast to my past experience at grubby, underfunded, smelly SPCAs in South Africa, this was a pleasant and enjoyable adoption…

How is the New Zealand SPCA funded?

The RNZSPCA receives no state funding, and relies on donations, bequests, and its own fund-raising efforts.

It is a voluntary organization which, through its district branches, provides help to animals and owners 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (Although the public should expect only genuine emergencies to be dealt with outside normal working hours.)

New Zealand SPCA treats animals well

I was surprised at how well the animals at the SPCA were cared for. The 10 or so kittens in the holding area were all well fed, happy and playful. They had an indoor sleeping / romping area, as well as an outdoor, caged area.

Upon adoption, I signed an agreement to promising to look after the animals, and giving the SPCA permission to come and “inspect” their living conditions, should they need to.

How much does it cost to adopt a pet in New Zealand?

We paid $100 per kitten. I was assured that this was a “passed-on” cost for the de-sexing, de-worming, vaccination, and microchipping of the kittens. The SPCA are very clear that they do not sell pets.

My name, address, and contact details were registered against the microchips, so should the kittens be lost, any vet / SPCA with a chip-reader can contact me.

See the New Zealand Animal Register for more information about microchipping your pets for identification.