³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾

The Ballarat Animal Shelter is calling out to the pet loving community to help them provide additional enrichment to the residents of the shelter over the upcoming holiday period.

The shelter is a City of Ballarat facility but relies on the generosity of the Ballarat community to provide additional enrichment to the animals.

The donations received are a real treat for the animals not with a family over the Christmas period, and are also shared with local organisations, including the Soup Bus and Uniting to provide to people experiencing hardship or homelessness that also have pets.

City of Ballarat Deputy Mayor, Cr Ben Taylor said if you can, please provide a festive treat to an animal over this holiday period.

“We encourage those who can, to donate something to the Ballarat Animal Shelter donation drive to help bring some Christmas cheer to these wonderful animals and to pet-owners who cannot afford to provide a treat to their beloved pet,” he said.

Donations specifically required are:

• Peanut butter
• Pig ears
• Creamy treats for cats
• Dog collars

However, the shelter will also accept donations of other treats, leads, toys and unopened wet or dry food.

While the City of Ballarat budget provides for a standard diet of Royal Canin dry food for both dogs and cats, and wet food as an additional treat, donations are always extremely welcome.

Donations can be made at the Animal Shelter, 5A Gillingham Road Alfredton Monday – Friday between 9am and 4pm.

Or alternatively at the Ballarat Town Hall, Monday – Friday between 9am and 5pm or weekends between 10am and 4pm.

It is also an important reminder of pet safety over the Christmas holiday period:

• Be aware that fireworks are scheduled on New Years Eve at Lake Wendouree. It is important that you manage your pet’s reactions to fireworks and make necessary arrangements.
• During the summer holiday period, we often feel the heat and so do our pets, it’s important to keep your pet safe during the hot periods.
• Food is a very important part of the holiday period, and it is important to remember what foods are dangerous to your pet and remain vigilant.

The RSPCA website has some great tips and tricks to help look after your pet over the holiday period, you can see more information here.

The Animal Shelter will run on an adjusted schedule over the Christmas-New Year break, see below.