Animal Welfare League Far South Coast branch welfare officer Wendy Cook says caring for pets such as six-week-old bull Arab Jack is a very rewarding experience.
PET lovers apply within.
The Animal Welfare League NSW Far South Coast branch is in dire need of more carers.
It currently has only 10 on the books, with numerous animals awaiting adoption at all their homes – meaning the branch can’t save any more from the pound until either more permanent homes are found, or additional caring souls volunteer their time and back yard.
AWLFSC welfare officer Wendy Cook of Kalaru began as a carer in 2009 and has looked after “probably more than 100” animals at her home since.
“It’s a very rewarding experience,” she said.
“My husband and I used to have dogs, but after retiring we were away on trips a bit so it wasn’t fair on the animals.
“After moving down here I bumped into Sue Smith, who was the [AWLFSC] welfare officer at the time, selling raffle tickets and she invited me to sign up as a carer.”
As well as being rewarding in the furry sense, Ms Cook said many of the carers have become close friends and regularly get together socially.
“We retired here and have met a lot of people from all different walks of life through being a pet carer.
“It’s something we both really enjoy.”
Ms Cook said the temporary custodianship of animals that comes with being a carer can suit a wide range of people and personalities.
“Some may think it’s a full-time commitment, but it’s definitely a ‘what suits them’ arrangement,” she said.
“We match an animal to a carer as best as possible, but if it doesn’t suit them at a particular time for whatever reason we can move the animal around.
“If they want to go away for a weekend, they can.
“And we always ask whether they’d like a break – sometimes the animals can be in care a long time.”
Ms Cook said the branch would ideally like to see its carer numbers double to enable it to rescue and look after more pets, as well as have the option to give carers a break if they wished.
Potential carers need to be over 18 and signed up as a member of the AWLFSC branch.
Membership costs $30 a year for adults or $15 for juniors and pensioners.
The branch will carry out an inspection of your property to ensure animals can be looked after safely and the branch also can provide a lot of the equipment needed, such as carry cases and scratching posts.
Ongoing expenses such as food can also be claimed through the AWLFSC branch.
Carers must also be willing to allow potential pet owners to visit their home to meet the animals.
To become a carer or for more information, call the AWLFSC branch inquiry line on 0400 372 609.
* Pet of the week, Page 37