The 12 long-stays of Christmas

Year-round, many animals come through our Centres around the country, ready to meet the special person who will make their lives complete. But some wait a lot longer than others – like these twelve adoptable animals who haven’t found their families yet.

Read on to learn more about them.One of them might just grant your whānau’s Christmas wishes! Giving them a loving home would be the best gift they could imagine this Christmas.

Goldie is our longest-stay dog in New Zealand, who has been waiting to find his forever home since September 2023. He’s a staff favourite, beloved by those who know him – and, we hope, soon to be equally beloved by his new family.

He adores making new canine and human friends alike, especially when walks are involved! He’s a pro on a lead and loves spending time exploring the local awa. When he’s not adventuring, his next favourite spot is someone’s lap – he’s a total cuddlebug, and would love to show you his snuggling skills.

Skeeter has been in our care since he was five weeks old, and has been ready to find his family since April of this year. But this loveable, loyal, and mischievous dog is still waiting – can you help us change that?

Because he’s grown up in the Centre, Skeeter can be shy of new people, places, experiences, and noises. It’s important that his forever home is with a patient, experienced whānau who can give him the time and care he needs to settle in. He’ll be best suited to a smaller family with no children and would need to be anonly pet.

Pippa is our Christchurch Centre’s resident goofball and bundle of joy – and we just know she’s ready to bring the same energy to her forever people. She’s the perfect blend of friendly, cuddly, and affectionate, and loves nothing more than spending time with her humans, showering them with love (and receiving belly rubs and cuddles in return).

She has an inquisitive nature and is highly food-driven, making her a joy to have around and a breeze to train. She loves her walks and car rides and is well-behaved on a leash, making her a great companion for adventures.

Available for adoption since January of this year, Monica is waiting patiently for someone to choose her.

This girl is playful and loving, happy to run and play with balls and then snuggle up with her humans. As she’s young and energetic, she’ll do well with a family who can put time and effort into training her, ensuring she continues to grow into an amazing dog.

Monica could easily fit into most homes. With proper introductions, she could live happily with children of all ages, dogs, and other animals.If you’d like to make Monica's holiday dreams come true, register to adopt her below!

Zara is a young pup bursting with energy and affection who‘s been waiting for her adoption day since April. She's a delightful mix of adventurous and cuddly, and is seeking a loving home where she can thrive with an active family who enjoys outdoor activities!

With consistent training and positive reinforcement, her care team knows that Zara can be the devoted companion many dream of. If you're ready for a life filled with adventure and boundless love, Zara is eager to meet you!

Waiting for his perfect home since June, Jude is an independent and adorable cat who was found on his own in the countryside. After spending time in our care, he’s now looking to settle back into a new countryside location, where he can enjoy treats (the key to his heart) and bond with a new family.

Skye, a sweet senior lady, has been looking for a second chance at love since September. She’s been owned previously, so she would adapt quickly to her new home environment with her sweet, loveable personality. She's a fan of calm, quiet environments where she can snuggle up in warm spots.

If you’re looking for a sunbathing buddy – and are prepared to give her the care she needs to keep her healthy and safe – meet her below!

Available for adoption since June, Destiny is awaiting her – well, destiny! She’s happy to accept head pats but will let you know when she’s had enough. If you’re looking for a cat with a personality and a bit of spice, and are happy to respect her boundaries, she just might be the gal for you.

Looking for new family members wise beyond their years? Look no further than Bonnie and Clyde, two 40-year-old red eared slider turtles!

These two have been available for adoption since September. While they don’t need to go home together, they’re both looking for new homes with well-maintained, outdoor pond space for them to sunbathe, lounge, and take in the fresh air.

Think you could offer these peaceful, low-maintenance friends into your home? Register to adopt them today!

Sprinkles and her ”husbun” Cupcake are ready to move into their first home together, so they can spend their days happily enjoying each other’s company. Equipped with their own unique personalities, Cupcake is especially sassy and is sure to bring humour into your home!

This lovely couple have been waiting for their new family since October. Could you offer them a place to take this next step in their relationship?

Horses are often a difficult species to rehome – which Macallan, waiting for his new family since July, knows all too well.

Macallan is 12 years old, and is a distinguished, gentle, and approachable horse! He's a pro at floating, rugging, worming, and hoof trims, making him a breeze to handle. His potential is vast; he could excel in the show ring with his graceful presence, or he could be a brilliant trekking mount for someone with the time and skills to get him going under saddle.

Could he be your new partner? He’s been waiting a while to meet you – get to know him below.

These five Bridgerton siblings humbly request a space in your heart, through their adoption profile and Lady Whistledown’s papers! May we suggest that you make haste to meet them?

They can be adopted as a pair, a group of three, or a whole family of five. Adorable and happy to receive attention, they’re also happy to keep themselves occupied by exploring, chilling in the sun, and stomping in mud.

They’re a friendly bunch who will make perfect pets – and we wouldn’t expect anything less from such esteemed members of their Centre’s ton. Apply to make them part of yours today!