Released 11/04/2024
Today is National Pet Day—a reminder of the joy and companionship pets bring into our lives. And what better way to celebrate than giving a forever home to a dog in need?
The team at Domestic Animal Services is urging Canberrans who are thinking of adding a furry friend to their family to consider adopting a rescue dog. Dogs of all ages and personalities can be found at the ACT Government shelter at Symonston, making it easy to find the perfect match for your lifestyle and preferences.
“Pets are so much more than just animals in our homes,” said Minister for City Services Tara Cheyne. “They bring companionship, unconditional love, and can play a fundamental role in our physical and mental welfare.”
“As we celebrate the contribution our pets make to the lives of so many Canberrans, it’s important to acknowledge the many wonderful ones who are also waiting for their forever homes.”
Domestic Animal Services is not just a place for lost, surrendered or impounded dogs. It plays a critical role as an adoption facility, with dogs being thoroughly assessed for their suitability as a family pet before being listed for adoption.
Dogs are often in shelters due to circumstances that are beyond their control. Rather than dog behavioural issues, they are often in the shelter because of changes to their previous owner’s lifestyle, health circumstances or financial situation.
“Our hard working teams at DAS do not just look after the dogs in their care, but they spend countless hours getting to know their personalities and their exercise needs. It means they are uniquely placed as matchmakers for dogs and prospective owners—a role they are proud to play and take very seriously.”
"Adopting a dog not only enriches your own life but also gives them a second chance. By providing a dog with another chance of happiness, you’re also freeing up space for other animals in need.”
Four-year-old Tiny is one such good boy looking for his forever home. He is desexed, microchipped and toilet trained, and has a whole lot of love to give. But after 338 days at the shelter, he overtakes the previous record stay set by Rocky, whose much publicised adoption on Valentine’s Day was widely celebrated. He is joined by more than 30 dogs who our teams can introduce you to on site Monday to Friday between 10am and 3pm, and Saturdays between 10am and 2pm.
During walk-in adoptions, a team member will guide a potential pet owner through the viewing area to see dogs available for adoption. A meet and greet will be arranged in an exercise yard so that you can get to know the dog. You are not only welcome but encouraged to bring your family members, friends and any dog you already have so that you can have as much confidence as possible about your potential furever friend fitting into your home.
Minister Cheyne concluded, “In celebrating our pets, I also want to acknowledge the critical work that so many organisations across the ACT play—the majority volunteer-led—which support vulnerable pets and their owners in practical ways, and the huge efforts across our exceptional veterinary workforce to ensure our pets live long, happy and healthy lives.”
For more information on adoption opportunities at visit Domestic Animal Services online.
- Statement ends -
| Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases