CANINE-lovers searching for a new family pet are urged to visit Port Stephens Animal Refuge before the facility closes next month.
There are around 20 dogs living at the Bobs Farm facility, and Port Stephens Animal Refuge and CEJs Boarding Kennels owner, Sue Summons, is hopeful new homes will be found for most of the animals before September 30.
Port Stephens Council have chosen to award the next tender for their pound to another yet-to-be announced business.
Sue and her husband John had been planning in retire in 2021 when an opportunity arose for their CEJs Boarding Kennels to apply to become the Port Stephens pound.
"After September 30 if I'm left with a minimal amount of dogs, I could take care of them until we re-home them after that date, which I would like to do," Mrs Summons said.
"I could look after half a dozen, but I can't look after 20."
Mrs Summons said the rental crisis was resulting in more dogs and cats ending up in animal shelters. The rental vacancy rate for the Hunter region in June was 1.3 per cent.
"Life is tough out there for a lot of people," she said.
"The residential shortage for renters isn't good.
"I've had family members who have been good renters for years and because of the economy people have been forced to sell their homes and they've needed a new place to live, and it puts you down the bottom of the ladder if you have an animal. Which is wrong."
In a statement, council said any animals that remain at the current refuge would be transferred to the new animal service provided, "where we will continue to try to get them back to their respective owner or rehomed".
Port Stephens Council posted a statement on its website on Thursday about the future of their pound facilities, but failed to answer if any unwanted dogs at CEJs Boarding Kennels would be taken to the new refuge on October 1.
"With the current contract coming to an end, we've investigated a number of options to determine the best way forward including potential shared facilities with neighbouring council and establishing our own pound," the statement said.
"Following a competitive tender process, the council has selected a new provider for animal refuge services.
"Details of the new contract will be released within the next month.
"Port Stephens Council is committed to ensuring the welfare of all animals.
"We work closely with our animal refuge contractors to find homes for all animals wherever possible."
