McGregor is up for adoption at the Saint John SPCA Animal Rescue League. Photo from the SJ-SPCA-ARL Facebook page

Fewer adoptions are happening at the Saint John SPCA Animal Rescue for a couple of reasons.

The ability to travel more after two years of mostly staying home due to COVID restrictions and the higher costs associated with rising inflation.

Shelter Manager Joan Richardson said animal adoption is a choice and can be a costly one.

“The initial adoption fee but, you’ve got those yearly checkups. You’ve got those unexpected things that can happen that we never know [about]. Our dog has eaten something and our cat has developed an unexpected illness,” Richardson said.

The shelter currently has lots of kittens, cats, dogs and rabbits available for adoption right now.

Richardson said senior dogs make great pets.

“We get asked a lot about their shorter life span but they will bring you so much joy. I love the seniors. They are so settled in their lives and they are just happy to be with you,” Richardson said.

The shelter has a few things on its Christmas wish list including gift cards for the Superstore, Costco and Kent.

Wood pellets are used for cat litter and they always need healthy dog treats with as few ingredients as possible.

They use the Nutrition First line of cat and dog food from President’s Choice and Timothy Hay for the rabbits.

Richardson said their occupancy is high, it’s continued to be high and their intake is still constant.

“The sick, the injured, the vulnerable – all those have to come first. We are certainly trying to get them in as quickly as we can but, in order to accommodate, of course, we are looking for adoptions,” Richardson said.

Adoptions for 2022 close on December 17th.