Barry - a seven year old cross breed - was found tethered in poor conditions. Photo: Supplied
A new SPCA campaign wants to help Barry the dog - and another 160 of the society's longest-staying residents - to find their new "forever home".
The society had waived adoption fees - in favour of a donation or koha - for an array of dogs, cats, horses and even chickens who had struggled to find homes across the country.
Barry - a seven-year-old cross breed - was found tethered in poor conditions before he was taken to the SPCA's the Masterton Centre over 430 days ago.
Barry would be best suited to a family who was confident with big dogs and had teenagers or older children.
General manager animal services Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell said each of the listed animals had been waiting more than six weeks to find "a place to call their own".
"We want our animals to go to the best homes possible - and while they are well cared for in our centres - nothing beats the warmth, comfort and love of a home, and that's what these animals deserve," Regnerus-Kell said.
Regnerus-Kell said some of the animals had space or exercise needs - or required a little extra patience with behavioural challenges - but some had just been overlooked.
"Sadly we do see animals that don't necessarily move through the system as quick as we would like them to. Whether they're just a little too shy or maybe they're a little bit too rambunctious when they first show up.
"Shelter environment - while we try to make it as best we can - really isn't the ideal home for those animals or they might have bounced between several different foster families over that time period as well.
"So they're really looking for somebody that can give them a bit of consistency and - when we don't provide that - sometimes they don't necessarily put up their best show when they get viewed and seen," he said.
Regnerus-Kell said the list of long term residents was a selection from the more than 1800 animals currently in the society's care.
He said the SPCA put more than $1000 worth of veterinary care - including de-fleaing, vaccinating, de-sexing and microchipping - towards each animal ahead of adoption.
"The reality is we actually just want these animals to get the homes that they need and we are just bursting at the seams. It's a really good opportunity for us to make some more space for those [animals] that really need us out in the community right now.
"We hope we can match them with people who can give these animals the life they deserve," Regnerus-Kell said.
Regnerus-Kell said - despite the waiving of the fees - the usual adoption approval processes would still apply to ensure the animals found the most suitable match possible.
The campaign runs until 21 September.
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