RSPCA EUROBODALLA VOLUNTEER BRANCH WHO ARE WE AND WHAT DO WE DO?
When people think of animal welfare organisations, they seem to immediately think of the RSPCA. That’s because it’s been around for a long time: since 1873, in fact.
The RSPCA is a non-government organisation, which means that it is a charity that is not largely funded by the government to carry out its work. In fact, the RSPCA receives less than two per cent in regular funding from the NSW Government and zero per cent from the Federal Government. It costs on average $51 million for RSPCA NSW to operate each year.
RSPCA Eurobodalla Branch is one of 28 branches throughout the state. While we operate under the umbrella of RSPCA NSW, every one of our members is a VOLUNTEER, who donates their time and energy to the care of animals. Eurobodalla Volunteer Branch was formed eight years ago by a small group of animal lovers. Since then, the branch has taken in 270 animals, with the majority of them rehomed here in Eurobodalla.
Moreover, Eurobodalla Branch must raise EVERY DOLLAR it spends on helping animals in this shire. When you see our members selling raffle tickets, or at a market stall, they’re working to get funds for use right here in our local area.
There is no RSPCA Shelter in Eurobodalla; the nearest shelter is at Wollongong. That means that animals taken in by the branch must be housed by foster carers, in their own homes, until a new home is found. These dedicated volunteers are the backbone of our branch; without them, we would not be able to rehome animals, which is the core business of the RSPCA.
People come to the RSPCA for a variety of reasons. Often, it is because of changed circumstances: homelessness, domestic violence, illness, or a landlord who does not allow pets. Everyone who calls on us for help is shown empathy, respect and care. We offer advice and practical assistance to the best of our ability and means, to all people who contact us seeking help regarding an animal. Our volunteers are often called on to help solve welfare and personal crises where pets are vulnerable.
Because our network of foster carers is small, the demands on our branch sometimes exceed our ability to be able to offer practical help immediately. Nevertheless, when people call on us, we will always do our best to find a way forward that helps both animals and their humans.
As well as rehoming animals, Eurobodalla Branch helps needy people with the cost of desexing their pets. In special cases, we also assist with vet costs and provision of pet food.
All this costs a great deal of money. Every animal offered by the RSPCA for rehoming is microchipped, desexed, vaccinated and vet checked. That means hundreds of dollars can be spent on a single animal. While we charge adoption fees, they generally do not cover the cost of what has been spent.
For that reason, fundraising is a never-ending task. We rely on raffle ticket and merchandise sales, special events such as Cupcake Day, garage sales, and donation boxes hosted by various shire businesses.
We rely on support from the community – you – to keep the branch going.
How can you help? • By volunteering – there are lots of ways you can contribute to the branch’s work, for example, helping at a market stall, or baking for Cupcake Day.
• By becoming a foster carer – caring for a dog or cat in your home can be wonderfully rewarding, and you will be provided with all the food, bedding, medication and other support you need.
• By donating – donations over $2 to the RSPCA are tax deductable, and every dollar counts.
• By being a responsible pet owner – vaccinate, microchip and desex your pets. Don’t contribute to the vast numbers of unwanted puppies and kittens. Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RSPCAEurobodallaBranch/
