Animals look for their love match

LOVE BUNDLE: Andrea Honeybun shows off some of the kittens, from left: Quinn, Chip and Phoenix, who are looking for a second chance at love this weekend.

A local charity is hoping to play matchmaker this Valentine’s weekend.

Whangarei SPCA is holding a Second Chance for Love Adopt-a-thon on Saturday and Sunday.

The SPCA will be open extended hours, with all the cats and dogs ready to meet and greet potential new owners.

Organiser Andrea Honeybun says the Adopt-a-thon allows people who would like to adopt a pet more time to do so. But it is also a chance for families to come and see the SPCA and how it works – even if they do not want to take any animals home, she says.

"We have a lot of families just bringing their kids to have a look at the animals – in some cases they may not have pets," she says.

"It’s good to teach our kids what an SPCA is all about."

From 10am to 3pm on both days there will be a fun, family atmosphere with a barbecue, juggling, ice-creams and balloon creations.

SPCA education officer Jacqui Walsh will run a children’s competition and there will be raffles of two wheelbarrows full of goodies – one for men and one for women.

There will also be giveaways and plenty of free advice.

Andrea says the SPCA works with people to ensure they get the right animal – especially with dogs.

The Adopt-a-thon was first run last year, when 27 pets were adopted over 36 hours.

The Second Chance for Love Adopt-a-thon will run on Saturday, February 13 from 9am to midnight and Sunday, February 14 from 9am to 10pm at Whangarei SPCA on Kioreroa Rd.

- © Fairfax NZ News