Adopting a rescue dog is a rewarding experience that not only transforms the life of a deserving pup but also enriches yours. In Australia, there are numerous shelters and rescue organisations dedicated to finding loving homes for dogs in need. This guide will walk you through the essential aspects to think about and questions to ask before bringing a rescue dog into your home as well as how to adopt a rescue dog in each Australian state.
What to think about before you adopt a rescue dog…
Your lifestyle
Consider your lifestyle, daily routine, and activity level. Different dogs have varying exercise needs, temperaments, and requirements. Assessing your lifestyle ensures you can be paired with a compatible dog and enhances the likelihood of a successful adoption.
Health evaluation
Be sure to ask the adoption organisation about the dog’s health history. Ask if the dog has undergone a veterinary examination, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering. Understanding the dog’s health status helps you prepare for potential medical needs.
Rescue dogs can often come with a few health complications. You need to think very carefully about what kind of health concerns you are willing to take on. There are also no guarantees. Many rescue organisations may not have a thorough rundown of the dog’s history.
Behavioural History
Learn what you can about the dog’s behavioural history, including any known triggers, fears, or anxieties. This information helps you anticipate potential challenges and allows for a smoother integration into your home environment. As with health concerns, adoption centres can only tell you what they know. They often won’t know a dog’s full history. If you are taking on a rescue dog you need to be ok with a few behavioural quirks. – But let’s be honest, this can be the case with any dog, rescue or not.
Socialisation and training
Ask about the dog’s socialisation experiences and level of training.
Understanding the dog’s social skills and training background provides insights into how well they might adapt to different environments and respond to commands. This will also give you a rough idea of the kind of training you may have to undertake with the pup to ensure you and your new furry friend can live happily together.
Previous living conditions
Enquire about the dog’s previous living conditions and experiences. Understanding the dog’s past helps you create a supportive and nurturing environment, especially if they have faced neglect or abuse.
Compatibility with other pets
If you have other pets in your family already this is a really important detail to learn about your new potential rescue pup. Ask about the dog’s compatibility with other animals. Knowing if the dog is social with other pups or cats helps prevent potential conflicts and ensures your new doggo will be a good fit for your family and that you are a good fit for them too!
Transition Period
Ask if there is an adjustment period and any specific needs during the transition.
Understanding the initial challenges and recommended strategies for a successful transition helps create a supportive environment for the new addition to your family.
Long-term commitment
Adopting a dog is a long-term commitment. Really think about your ability to provide love, care, and stability throughout the dog’s life. Consider responsible pet ownership’s financial, emotional, and time commitments.
Considering these aspects and asking relevant questions pave the way for a successful and fulfilling adoption experience. Adopting a rescue dog not only changes their life but also adds immeasurable joy and companionship to yours.
How to adopt a dog in Australia
There are lots of organisations that operate nationally across Australia. A few good places to start your hunt are the RSPCA and Pet Rescue. Both organisations have lots of helpful information about how to adopt a rescue dog along with any other information you might need. Who knows, maybe your new best mate is on the Pet Rescue website just waiting for you to click on them… 😉
If you would prefer a more local approach here’s a state-by-state breakdown of venues to try…
How to adopt a rescue dog in New South Wales
You can start your rescue dog adoption journey in New South Wales by exploring the following organisations. These organisations provide a range of services, including adoption events, and fostering programs, and some even have information about available dogs on their website.
Click on the name of the organisation to go to their website.
| Organisation | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney Dogs and Cats Home | Strathfield | 02 9587 9611 |
| RSPCA NSW | Multiple Locations | 1300 278 358 |
| Animal Welfare League | Multiple Locations | 02 8899 3333 |
| Monikas Doggie Rescue | Ingleside | 02 9486 3133 |
| Maggies Rescue | Marrickville | |
| Campbelltown Animal Care Facility | Campbelltown | 02 4645 4000 |
| Fetching Dogs | Picton | |
| Dog Rescue Newcastle | Newcastle | Via Website |
| Denise at Paws | Westleigh | |
| ARCH | Coffs Harbour | 0401 137 514 |
| Best Friends Pet Rescue | Wagga Wagga | 0490 064 900 |
| DCH Animal Adoptions | Castle Hill | 1300 889 340 |
| RADAR | Riverina | 0487 656 390 |
| Willow Tree Sanctuary | Byron Bay | 0460 802 497 |
How to adopt a rescue dog in Victoria
In Victoria, organisations like the Lost Dogs’ Home and the RSPCA Victoria are committed to rehoming dogs. The Lost Dogs’ Home has adoption centres in North Melbourne and Cranbourne, while RSPCA Victoria operates multiple shelters statewide.
Below is a list of dog adoption organisations in Victoria.
Click on the organisation title to go to their website.
| Organisation | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Lost Dogs Home | North Melbourne, Cranbourne | 03 9329 2755 |
| RSPCA Victoria | Multiple Locations | 03 9224 2222 |
| All 4 Paws | Altona Meadows | Via Website |
| Animal Aid | Multiple Locations | 03 8756 1300 |
| Bendigo Animal Relief Centre | East Bendigo | 03 5441 2209 |
| Blue Cross Animal Society | Wonga Park | 03 9722 1265 |
| Chally Rescue | Bendigo | |
| Forever Friends | Yarra Junction | 0412 618 718 |
| Geelong Animal Rescue | Geelong | Via Website |
| Happy Hearts | Melton | |
| Humane Animal Rescue | West Footscray |
How to adopt a rescue dog in Queensland
Queensland offers options like the RSPCA Queensland and the Animal Welfare League Queensland. Both organisations have adoption facilities, and the RSPCA operates adoption centres in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and other regions. Find out more about these two organisations and others through the links below.
| Organisation | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| RSPCA QLD | Multiple Locations | 07 3426 9999 |
| Animal Welfare League | Coombabah | 07 5509 9000 |
| 4 Paws Animal Rescue | Sunshine Coast | Via Website |
| Angel-Paws | Townsville | 07 4420 3276 |
| Best Friends Rescue | Brisbane | |
| Cairns Animal Rescue | Cairns | Via Website |
| Central Queensland Animal Society | Central Queensland Region | Via Website |
| Gladstone Paws | Gladstone | 0429 127 950 |
| Happy Tails | Brisbane | |
| Mackay Pet Rescue | Mackay | Via Website |
| Southern Downs Ark | Southern Darling Downs |
How to adopt a rescue dog in Western Australia
In Western Australia, the RSPCA WA and the Dogs’ Refuge Home are prominent organisations dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs. The Dogs’ Refuge Home, in Shenton Park, provides a comfortable environment for potential adopters to meet their future pets. RSPCA WA operates in Malaga and offers various adoption programs.
Click on the organisation titles below to go to their websites.
| Organisation | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| RSPCA WA | Multiple Locations | 1300 278 358 |
| Dogs Refuge Home | Shenton Park | 08 9381 8166 |
| Animal Protection Soc. | Southern River | 08 9398 6616 |
| Don’t Go Astray | Bertram | |
| HAART | Perth | Via Website |
| K9 Rescue | Nambeelup | |
| Safe Perth | Perth | 0437 870 245 |
| Swan Animal Haven | Wattle Grove | 0498 235 680 |
| WA Pet Project | Parkwood | 0435 817 067 |
How to adopt a rescue dog in South Australia
Find your perfect rescue dog in SA by connecting with organisations like the RSPCA SA and the Animal Welfare League SA. Both organizations have adoption centres, and the RSPCA operates shelters in Lonsdale and Whyalla. Attend their events or visit their facilities to explore available dogs.
Click on the organisation titles below to go to their websites.
| Organisation | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| RSPCA SA | Stepney | 1300 477 722 |
| Animal Welfare League | Wingfield | 08 8348 1300 |
| Dusty Paws Dog Rescue | Adelaide | |
| Guardian Angel Rescue | Two Wells | Via Website |
| Hope Springs Eternal | Mount Barker | 0408 188 040 |
| Jenny’s Angels Dog Rescue | Stirling North | |
| Moving Paws | Mount Barker | |
| Paws & Claws Adoptions | Adelaide | 0416 364 228 |
| Safe Pets Safe Families | Marleston | 0490 818 879 |
How to adopt a rescue dog in Tasmania
In Tasmania, the RSPCA Tasmania and Brightside Farm Sanctuary are dedicated to finding homes for rescue dogs. The RSPCA operates in Launceston, while Brightside Farm Sanctuary, located in the picturesque Huon Valley, specialises in rehoming farm animals as well as dogs.
Check their websites through the links below for adoption details.
| Organisation | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| RSPCA Tasmania | Launceston | 03 6709 8100 |
| Brightside Farm Sanctuary | Cygnet | 0408 658 356 |
| North East Animal Sanctuary | Herrick | 0484 319 561 |
How to adopt a rescue dog in the Northern Territory
For those in the Northern Territory, the Alice Springs Animal Shelter is a key player in rescuing and rehoming animals. Visit their shelter in Alice Springs or explore their online platforms to discover dogs available for adoption.
| Organisation | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Alice Springs Animal Shelter | Alice Springs | 08 8953 4430 |
| PAWS | Winnellie | |
| Aussie Desert Dogs | Yuendumu | Via Website |
How to adopt a rescue dog in the ACT
The top organisations in ACT are RSPCA ACT and the Domestic Animal Services (DAS). RSPCA ACT, located in Weston, provides comprehensive information about available dogs on their website. DAS, part of Access Canberra, manages dog adoptions and offers information about the adoption process.
| Organisation | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| RSPCA ACT | Weston | Via Website |
| ARF | Canberra | |
| DABS | Campbelltown North | |
| Canberra Pet Rescue | Canberra | |
| Completely Rescued | Mitchell | 0408 111 046 |
Adopting a rescue dog in Australia is such a big moment in your family’s life. I hope that this article has helped to point you in the right direction and assist you in finding your new best friend!
