Peninsula Animal Aid’s call for help

Peninsula Animal Aid (PAA) urgently needs to raise $150,000 by June 30 to continue its work, as the volunteer-run animal shelter struggles to cover rising costs and the increasing number of animals being surrendered.

PAA President Anne Denton says the cost of living and housing crises have had a major effect on the organisation’s intakes, adoptions, expenses and donations.

“PAA has always provided a high level of care to animals until they find their forever homes,” Anne says.

“PAA has experienced major losses last financial year and this financial year. Just to begin with; vet bills are approximately $100,000 per year. Other animal costs such as vaccines, flea and worming treatments and heartworming, plus food and cat litter etc add up to approximately $90,000. Of course, there are many, many more expenses.”

“Unfortunately, PAA cannot maintain these costs alone, and needs to raise $150,000 to continue to provide this care. PAA receives no formal or government funding, and is an independent association, not aligned with any other organisation.

“We are a registered charity run entirely by unpaid volunteers. All funds received go to the care and rehoming of the animals.

“We cannot continue indefinitely in this vein, and we do not want to change the level of care we offer.”

What PAA does

Peninsula Animal Aid has cared for thousands of stray and surrendered animals for more than 53 years.

“Cats and dogs come in either as a stray, or as a surrender. The high level of care PAA provides to these animals includes vet treatments, desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, worming and flea control, and other necessary surgeries, dental work and procedures that are required,” Anne explains.

“In addition to this, they are fed high-quality food. This level of care continues until they are adopted into their forever homes or until their owner reclaims them. This level of care is expensive, but essential.”

“The current housing and cost of living crises have affected adoptions and intakes at PAA, and the donations people have been able to afford. This is understandable but has unfortunately had an adverse effect at PAA.

“We see on a daily basis the heartbreaking effect this is having within our community. With more people needing to surrender their animals, and with fewer animals being adopted, expenses are increasing considerably, as do the day-to-day expenses.

“We really need support. Without help, we will be unable to continue this essential care.”

All donations over $2 are tax deductible as PAA is a registered charity.

To make a donation, head to the website