SPCA centres across the country are in desperate need of funds, taking a hit of about one million dollars during the lockdown period.

Postponement of major fundraising events and the 56 SPCA nationwide op shops closing for lockdown has resulted in this projected shortfall, says CEO Andrea Midgen.

Now, they are doing what they can to ease the financial burden - appealing to the public for donations and partnering with online pet store Pet Depot.

A Tauranga SPCA spokesperson says the centre is closed to the public, and workers have been forced to adapt under lockdown.

'As our essential work must continue, we have made urgent appeals to our supporters for donations.

'Our teams have implemented new ways of working looking after the animals while maintaining physical distancing.”

Pet Depot launched in June 2019, and once the start-up- breaks even 30 per cent of their profits will go directly to the SPCA.

Profits will go towards helping animals like Toru, a three-legged Tauranga cat currently in foster care at the SPCA.

Toru was found by a stranger - lying in the grass, unable to move back in February.

He was immediately transported to the vets for assessment - the result was a shattered femur and torn ligaments.

The Tauranga SPCA staff tried to locate his owners as he was held on pain relief. No owners came forward, so the SPCA decided to amputate his severely injured leg.

Toru is now adjusting well to life as a tripod, learning to jump onto low things like beds and sofas, says the Tauranga SPCA spokesperson.

Andrea reiterates the lockdown has not impacted how the SPCA's animals are cared for during this time.

'Our skilled staff are working in staggered shifts, we have fostered out a huge number of animals to experienced foster families, and we are very grateful to have wonderful sponsors like Purina who feed every animal in our centre.”

The SPCA Tauranga centre hasn't seen an 'upswing in animals being abandoned” while alert level 4 restrictions are in place.

The spokesperson says in the five days before centres closed to the public, they adopted out more than 1000 animals nationwide.

This is an increase of three times the usual rate, says the spokesperson.

'Our centre is closed to the public during level 4 so adoptions aren't able to progress at the moment, but our staff continue to look after the animals in our centre while maintaining new health and safety guidelines, such as staff bubble rosters and physical distancing.

'SPCA inspectors are still performing an essential service throughout this time and will continue to respond to emergency situations."

The spokesperson expresses gratitude to the local community for providing support to the SPCA at this time.

'We have the most wonderful supporters in the Tauranga community and are so lucky for their support in helping New Zealand's animals in need.”