Wairarapa SPCA play match-maker | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

Wairarapa SPCA will be playing Cupid to the lonely animals in their care next weekend by finding them loving owners during a nationwide adopt-a-thon.

More than 630 animals found homes during last year's adopt-a-thon, and the SPCA is hoping for a record 1000 adoptions at this year's event.

Wairarapa SPCA president Val Ball said the Valentine's Day-themed adopt-a-thon was a great help in re-homing animals.

"When we consider how many animals we've got in it's important," she said.

"It's an opportunity to involve the public in what we do ... and probably get a lot of those animals into homes."

She said last year the local SPCA found homes for 27 animals in the adopt-a-thon, and although they would like to adopt out many more, she was urging people to think about the option.

"We don't want it to be a spontaneous decision," she said.

"We want people to think about whether they can physically, emotionally and financially support another animal."

Mrs Ball said her organisation had 12 pups, 12 dogs and the "best part of 100 cats" to re-home next weekend.

The annual event is part of the SPCA's Saving Lives programme, which champions the philosophy that every life is precious.

The SPCA's national chief executive, Robyn Kippenberger, said the event promised to be a heart-warming community day out, with participating SPCA centres pulling out all the stops to make the experience a "lovely" one for humans and animals alike.

Centres will be competing for the title of "Best Dressed Centre", with a $1000 gift voucher from Animates up for grabs.

Animates will also provide discount vouchers for adopters over the weekend.

The SPCA will be running a photo competition to showcase the lucky animals who find homes over the adopt-a-thon weekend.

The winner, judged by Animates, will receive a $100 gift voucher.

The Valentine's Adopt-a-thon is also supported by Aeroplane Music Services, Kiwi band Avalanche City and Ideal Print Ltd.

For more information see: www.rnzspca.org.nz/adoptathon.