At the RSPCA Adoption Centre in Chullora, animal attendant Stephanie Bannon begins each morning with health checks, medications and cleaning kennels. But the biggest challenge she and her colleagues face isn’t the daily routine – it’s the sheer volume of animals arriving at the shelter.
“People simply can’t afford to keep their pets,” Bannon said. “Vet care, food, toys – all of it is getting more expensive.
“Our surrender waitlist is now over a year long.”
Fawn, a two-year-old domestic medium-hair cat (pictured below), is a case in point. Facing higher costs, her owner had to move into a smaller rental, which banned pets – a situation many face.
“We’re seeing more people in that position,” Bannon added.
The financial squeeze being felt by Australians is reflected in RSPCA NSW’s 2024 Annual Report, which revealed the organisation took in more than 13,000 animals over the past year, with almost one in five surrenders. The charity recorded over 6,000 successful adoptions, but thousands remain in care, including long-term cases.
Rescue cat Fawn. Photo by Jessica Sinteur.
Some breeds face tougher odds. Staffies and other “bully breeds” can spend months, even years, waiting for homes.
“We had a dog who stayed in care for 500 days before he was adopted,” Bannon recalled. “Stereotypes about aggression mean they’re often overlooked, but many are the most loving, gentle animals you’ll ever meet.”
The challenges are compounded by seasonal surges. “Kitten season” – the annual influx of stray litters – is lasting longer each year.
In 2024, more than 4,000 cats and kittens were taken into care. While puppies are adopted quickly, older cats and dogs remain in shelters for extended periods.
Mastiff Chiko, a classic “bully breed”, being walked by an RSPCA animal attendant. Photo by Jessica Sinteur.
Despite these struggles, live release rates remain high: 70 per cent for dogs and 65 per cent for cats. Adoption days bring relief for both staff and animals. Alongside financial pressures, RSPCA NSW reported a 21 per cent rise in cruelty complaints last year, and said many animals arriving through inspectorate seizures were traumatised or in poor health.
“Seeing an animal finally go to their forever home, especially after a long stay, is what keeps us going,” Bannon said.
“[And] showing them that not all humans are bad is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.”
The RSPCA says its mission is not only to rehome animals but to support owners in crisis.
“Financial circumstances should never separate pets from their people,” chief executive Steve Coleman said in the annual report.
With demand for help up 300 per cent in four years, the organisation is calling on community support to ensure animals find safe homes – and stay with them.
Main image by Jessica Sinteur.
