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Welcome to

Friends of the Pound

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find the answers to the most common questions we receive.

Thank you for considering becoming involved in Friends of the Pound (Tweed) Inc. activities!

Our volunteers and co-ordinators field many enquiries from the public in various areas, including adopting a pet, volunteering with our organisation, helping out at the pound, donating to our organisation and becoming an official supporter, to name a few.

If you have an enquiry about Friends of the Pound (Tweed) Inc, this page is a great place to start.

General Adoption Questions

Question: What is the process for adopting an animal from Friends of the Pound?

Answer:  The first step is to put in an Expression of Interest.  This can be done either on line by completing our expression of interest form or at one of our adoption centres in person.

Question: How much does a cat or dog cost to buy?

Answer:  There is a sliding scale depending on the age and breed of the animal.

Question: Why do I need to pay so much to adopt an animal?

Answer:  An adoption fee is a token of good will, showing that the new owner will be able to feed their new pet good quality food and afford any vet visits that might occur.

We are a Not for Profit charity but we do have to pay vet bills, medication, flea, worming, tick control and food costs, which for some animals can exceed $1000. The longer the animal is in foster care, the more money is needed to keep them, so the adoption fee goes towards recouping these costs. It also means we have the capacity to rescue more animals in need.

Question: Can I pay off the Adoption Fee with a payment plan?

Answer:  No we do not offer payment plans.

Question: Is there a discount for adopting more than one pet?

Answer: This is negotiable.

Why aren′t older animals free?

Answer:  It doesn’t matter how old the animal is, the animal is health-checked, desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and in many cases with older pets dentals are done.  This treatment costs money. The purchase price of the animal is miniscule compared to the costs involved in readying the animal for adoption.

Can I put an animal on hold?

Answer:  Once the adoption has been approved and all documentation and payment is completed, Friends of the Pound will hold an animal for a short time.

Question: Do I have to register my animal with the Council?

Answer: In NSW all animals must be registered with the local council and registration requires a fee to be paid. In QLD it is best to check with your local council as registration requirements could vary.  There are private companies that keep a record of microchips for both cats and dogs.

Question: What else do I need?

Answer:  Documentation verifying if you are a home owner (rates notice) or if renting, permission from your landlord.

Question: What are the next steps?

Answer:  Meet and greet your new pet. If the animal in question likes you then you are a match.

Question: Are the animals you offer for adoption toilet trained?

Answer:  Dogs and cats are house trained.  Dogs will go out into the yard if they have access, and cats will use their litter tray indoors.

Are the animals you offer for adoption desexed?

Answer: All animals available for adoption have been vet and temperament checked and are desexed, vaccinated and microchipped before being offered for adoption.

Question: Where do your animals come from?

Answer:  Our animals come to us via the Tweed Shire Pound, other pounds or are surrendered by members of the public.

Question: What if my newly adopted Pet doesn′t get along with my other animals?

Answer:  There is a 14 day cooling off period where, if the animal is unsuitable, it can be returned. However, the paperwork and adoption fee must be paid at the time of adoption which we hold until the end of this period.

Question: What happens if the animal I adopt gets sick?

Answer:  If the sickness was contracted while in our care, Friends of the Pound will, through our supporting vet, take responsibility for the treatment.

Question: Can you tell me about their back story? If not, why not?

Answer:  Once an animal comes into care with Friends of the Pound, we are not at liberty to give their history.

Cat Specific Adoption Questions

Question: As a cat foster carer, can I choose the cat?

Answer:  When you are approved as a foster carer, the foster cat is chosen for you by the Cat Coordinator based on your situation. Cats go into foster care because they are either old, unwell, or do not cope with the current method of being housed in adoption centres, and so often have special requirements.

Question: Can I pay for my adopted cat via EFTPOS?

Answer: All cat adoptions are organised at our Adoption Centres at Corporation Circuit, South Tweed Heads or Prospero Street, Murwillumbah and can be paid for via cash or EFTPOS.

Question: Do I need to register my cat in QLD

Answer:  If you live in QLD it depends on the Council area you reside in. Gold Coast Council do not require residents to register their cat whereas Logan and Brisbane have rules regarding registration and ownership.  Check with your local council.

Question: Is it cruel to keep a cat inside?

Answer:  When kittens and cats come to FoP they are kept inside. If they are given enrichment and toys to interact with, they are content.  The worst thing that can be done is to let a cat outside then try to confine it inside after it has been used to being out.

Dog Specific Adoption Questions

Question: Do I have to bring my dog/children to meet the dog?

Answer: Dogs must definitely meet before adoption and it is advisable for children to also meet the dog to ensure compatibility.

Question: Can I pay the adoption fee for my dog via EFTPOS or cheque?

No, our Dog Co-ordinator does  not use a point of sale machine, so all adoption fees for dogs must be paid in cash.

The Pound

Question: How can I become a Pound Volunteer?

Answer: Tweed Shire Council are currently operating a Private Pound where volunteers are not required. Volunteers will be required when the Public Pound is possibly operating by the end of 2020. Applications can then be taken by the Friends of the Pound Volunteer Co-ordinator.

You are required to be a minimum of 18 years of age and be a current ‘Friends of the Pound’ Member, in order to be covered by our Volunteer Insurance.

Attendance at a ‘Council Pound Induction’ will then be required (on a date set-down by council) and conducted by a member of Council Staff with support from our Pound Volunteer Co-ordinator.

Following the Induction, you will need to attend a number of shifts supported by an experienced volunteer, prior to being rostered for a regular weekly ‘3 hour shift’, to suit your availability and the needs at the pound.

Donating

Question: I’d like to donate to Friends of the Pound (Tweed) Inc. How do I donate?

Answer: We have several methods that allow you to make a donation to Friends of the Pound.

a) Visit our webpage and complete our Donation form. You can donate as much or as little as you wish.

b) Visit our PayPal page and make the donation amount of your choice. Please make a note in the description box that the payment is a donation, and if you prefer your donation to be used for a specific purpose or a specific animal.

c) In person at one of our Adoption Centres – Tweed Heads South or Murwillumbah.

d) Post your cheque in to: PO Box 164, Banora Point NSW 2486.

Question: Can I claim a tax deduction on my donation?

Answer: Yes. Friends of the Pound (Tweed) Inc are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC) with Donation Gift Recipient (DGR) status. Our Charitable Fundraising Number is 17107.

Sponsorship

Question: I’d like to align my business as a supporter of Friends of the Pound (Tweed ) Inc. What is required for you to display my business logo on your website?

Answer: We welcome sponsorship from participating businesses in the region and, to thank qualifying businesses for their support, we agree to display your business logo and do-follow link as follows:

  • For each monetary donation or goods/services in kind to the value of $150 per month your logo is displayed on our website home page.
  • For each subsequent monetary donation or goods/services in kind to the value of $100 per month your logo is displayed on an additional page on our website.
  • Minimum term of sponsorship is 6 months.

For enquiries relating to sponsorship, please email us at info@friendsofthepound.com.

Thank you to our supporters whose support makes our work possible
Tweed Coast Vet
Petbarn
SavourLife
SpecSavers
Tweed Shire Council
Jo Kuipers Design
Greenway Drive Vets
Tweed Chamber of Commerce
Bay St Vets
Friends of the Pound Friends of the Pound

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