South East Queensland has turned out and adopted, during the first day of Animal Welfare League Queensland’s (AWLQ) Project Empty Shelter.

In an emotional day, more than 120 animals were rehomed for Christmas across the four shelters, thanks to the generous support of the community.

“A Brisbane based mother and daughter arrived at the Gold Coast Rehoming Centre at seven in the morning to ensure they adopted Bruno the stunning Weimaraner cross Australian Kelpie,” AWLQ State Rehoming Manager Melinda Phipps said.

“By 10am more than 70 people were waiting outside that shelter, with the Warra, Willawong and Beenleigh rehoming centres all reporting adoptees before opening.

“It’s been a great start to the two day rehoming event and we are very grateful to the people who opened their hearts and homes to give these adult dogs and cats a home for Christmas.”

In the first hour 37 animals had been rehomed. That climbed to 69 by noon and 92 at 1pm.

AWLQ Ambassador, Gold Coast Titan Chris McQueen spent the day chatting with the community as they chose a dog or cat to add to their family.

“We’ve already adopted more than 70 animals in the first two hours and we still have plenty to go, so come on down,” Chris said.

By 2pm, 117 animals had been rehomed, with the doors still open for adoptions until 5pm.

“We are very excited about the prospect of rehoming all our shelter animals in time for Christmas by tomorrow afternoon,” Ms Phipps said.

“The community response has been incredible.

“If you haven’t adopted yet, please come down and say hello at your local AWLQ Rehoming Centre tomorrow, doors open at 10am.”