More than 750 animals were adopted during the February 24 to 26 Clear the Shelter campaign, which saw adoption fees reduced to just $29 in an effort to clear out shelters statewide.

At the Eurobodalla branch, the initiative helped one cat, who had been in foster care since December, find its ‘furever’ home.

President Louise Webb said the campaign was another example of a shift in the wider community towards pet adoptions.

“Research has shown that there’s not a huge relationship between the cost of an animal and whether people adopt or not,” Ms Webb said.

“But I think the promotion focused people’s minds on the fact that, ‘Hey, you can get a best friend for just this adoption fee’.

“It also is a reminder of what a great idea it is to adopt a pet from an animal rescue organisation, because there are so many unwanted animals desperate for homes.”

Ms Webb said it was pleasing to witness a growing number of people adopting pets from animal welfare agencies.

“More people are certainly thinking about it [adopting a pet],” she said. 

“I think it is moving more in that direction.”

Since its establishment almost seven years ago, Eurobodalla RSPCA has rehomed about 130 cats, 32 dogs, two horses and one bird. 

With the nearest shelter in Nowra, the Eurobodalla branch relies on the work of foster cares to take in animals until they find a new home.

Ms Webb said a constant flow of surrendered or unwanted animals through the branch meant that foster carers were always in high demand.

“It ebbs and flows, but it would be an unusual circumstance when we didn’t have at least one animal in care,” Ms Webb said.

“We’re looking for foster carers all round, particularly dog foster carers. 

“They take the dog into their own home, they get full support and all the food and medication is provided. If it all gets too hard, there’s always someone checking up on how things are going.”

To become a foster carer or find out more about your local branch, contact Eurobodalla RSPCA on 0424 228 425.