SPCA is asking Kiwis to open their hearts to SPCA’s longest-staying residents.

For Barry, the wait for his forever home has been too long. The seven-year-old male cross breed has been waiting patiently in the Masterton Centre for more than 430 days, with little to no interest.

Barry is just one of many animals waiting in SPCA Centres across the country for their forever family to walk through the door. Full long stay list here

SPCA’s General Manager Animal Services, Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell said the charity is waiving the set adoption fee and asking for a donation/koha instead for SPCA’s long-stay animals to give them an extra chance at finding their future home.

“These animals have been waiting a long time to find a place to call their own. We hope we can match them with people who can give these animals the life they deserve.

"Even though adoption fees are being replaced with a donation, our teams will still follow the usual adoption process to ensure these animals find their best and most suitable match possible.”

When it comes to the variety of long-stays – there are large animals such as horses which require space and a larger financial commitment, as well as high-energy dogs with higher exercise needs.

Others may have ongoing medical problems or need a little boost in confidence and require some extra patience when it comes to shyness, anxiety or trust. Others have simply just been overlooked.

“We want our animals to go to the best homes possible, and while they are so well cared for in our Centres, nothing beats the warmth, comfort and love of a home, and that’s what these animals deserve,” said Dr Regnerus-Kell.

Masterton’s long stay, Barry, had a rough start to life, after he was found tethered on a chain, living in awful conditions. He was taken to the Masterton Centre by SPCA’s inspectorate team where he has been ever since. Like other long stays, Barry requires a special home to go to. He would be comfortable with a family who are confident with big dogs and would be comfortable around teenagers or older children.

There are at least 160 long stay animals up for adoption, with the campaign running from September 6 to September 21, and nothing would give the SPCA teams greater joy than seeing them find their forever homes.