Boss has spent one-third of his life with RSPCA staff, and he’s still looking for a forever home. Photo: RSPCA ACT.
Boss has had a rough start in life, and he’s just reached an unwanted milestone: 365 days in a shelter.
But he isn’t alone, with RSPCA ACT CEO Michelle Robertson saying animal adoption is becoming a harder (and longer) process.
“A few years ago, I remember how upsetting it was for us when we had one, maybe two dogs, [waiting for months],” she says.
“Trend lines are definitely shifting and changing.”
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Boss arrived at the RSPCA ACT in Weston as a stray with a broken leg.
During his recovery, he’s stolen the hearts of RSPCA staff and volunteers.
“He’s started becoming his true self,” Ms Robertson said. ”He’s a lot more confident; he loves to play [and is] incredibly friendly, very social.
“He certainly likes humans, and he likes his toys!”
Boss is one of almost 10 dogs who have spent at least 280 days in the RSPCA’s shelter.
Ms Robertson says some breeds – such as staffies, Bull Arabs and some working dogs – aren’t always people’s first choice for a furry family member.
“They are more difficult to home because it’s not just about finding a home – it’s about finding the right match,” she says.
The shelter is also home to Merida, Lahni, Indi and Millie, who have together spent more than 1000 days at the shelter. Also, there are other adult dogs who have been with RSPCA ACT for more than 100 days.
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Ms Robertson says looking after their long-term residents reduces space for new arrivals.
“It pulls on our very limited resources,” she says.
“We do it gladly, but of course we want to see them all in a home.”
Each dog is walked at least once a day, and volunteers set aside time to play and socialise with them.
They also film videos for social media, to show how the dogs are outside and in a calmer setting than inside the shelter.
That’s because looks can be deceiving.
“We have dogs that are very reactive [and are] triggered by another dog barking … some dogs don’t like being looked at or people looking at them from a specific angle,” she says.
“If that dog is barking or unhappy, it doesn’t mean that they’re going to be like that in a home environment.
“You need to build up trust so you can have the most fun together.”
RSPCA ACT CEO Michelle Robertson has repeatedly called on the ACT Government to progress plans for the organisation’s new home. Photo: James Coleman.
RSPCA ACT has repeatedly warned it is struggling to find room at its Weston shelter, including in its cramped veterinary facilities.
“It means there’s a lot of other dogs that need our help but we can’t take them in because there is only so much space that we have,” Ms Robertson says.
In 2022, the ACT Government identified a site in Pialligo for a new purpose-built facility, which was set to include larger buildings and enclosed dog kennels.
However, the chosen site had to be moved due to the presence of the legless striped lizard and natural temperate grassland.
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In early 2024, it was decided to move the facility to the northern part of the chosen site to ensure the protection of the grassland and lizards.
The new site also does not require approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Earlier this year, a government spokesperson told Region that the relocation had meant extra civil design work (including for earthworks and upgrades to Addison Road).
Ms Robertson urged the government to commit to funding for a new shelter, describing it as “the big issue”.
“That’s what we’re waiting for,” she says.
“If we have that purpose-built facility and a really good vet clinic, we’ll be able to support [both] the animals that we have in our care, but also the animals in the community, much better.
“There’s been a lot of planning, but that planning needs to go into action mode.”
The ACT Government did not respond to a request for comment by the deadline.
The RSPCA ACT shelter is at 12 Kirkpatrick Street in Weston. Animal viewing hours are 10 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 4 pm Saturdays.
To learn more about pet adoption, visit RSPCA ACT’s website.
