Bringing an animal into your family can offer limitless love and companionship. While many families choose to buy pets directly from a breeder or pet shop, there are a high number of dogs, cats and other animals in need of rehoming by way of pet adoption.
This approach alleviates the burden on shelters, and in many cases can save the life of the animal in question. But, if you’re planning to adopt a pet in Australia, there’s some things you need to know first.
In this guide, we’re covering everything from the pet adoption process including costs, paperwork, restrictions, eligibility as well as the best shelters and organisations to adopt a pet from.
Choosing adoption as your route to finding a pet, offers a great many benefits to both animal and owner.
Shockingly, some 87,000 animals were taken into RSPCA shelters in 2023. In the same year about 15% of those dogs and more than 18% of cats were euthanased.
Pet adoption provides a second chance for these animals while opening up space at shelters for other animals in need of care.
Adopting a rescue or shelter pet comes at a much cheaper cost than buying directly from a breeder or pet shop. In addition to the initial cost, most animals in shelters are already vaccinated, desexed and microchipped, meaning less expense for owners.
The costs you do pay for as a part of the adoption process go to supporting the veterinary expenses of the other animals in care at the shelters.
Almost 30% of Australians choose pet adoption from animal shelters rather than breeders or pet shops.
The cost of pet adoption varies depending on the shelter or rescue organisation from between $50 to up to $1,200. The average adoption fee for dogs is $480 and for cats is $184.
The standard RSPCA adoption fee for an adult dog is $350. There are animals that have been in care longer that will have lower fees, while puppies and more popular breeds might have higher fees.
The fee may seem high considering you’re taking a dog out of the need for care, however the money you pay helps to cover some of the costs associated with the animals that aren’t lucky enough to be rehomed.
It’s estimated that an adult dog in care for 78 days at RSPCA accumulates $1,844 in costs. That is broken down by:
Once a year the RSPCA runs an initiative known as Clear the shelters. This is where every pet is available for adoption for just $29. It’s in an effort to rehome as many animals as possible and reduce the burden on animal shelters.
Rules for pet adoption will vary depending on the shelter or rescue organisation, as well as any unique needs of the animal.
In every instance, owners must be at least 18 years old and have suitable accommodation that allows animals.
As a guide, below are three example policy levels that rescue organisations may adhere to.
A simple, straightforward process embracing open adoption philosophies.
A slightly more in-depth adoption process.
Some organisations have a strict adoption process that requires higher levels of screening.
Once you’ve completed all the necessary paperwork and adoption requirements it’s time to meet some of your potential companions. Many shelters and rescue facilities now offer online browsing so you can explore the pets available in your area along with photos, character descriptions and any special needs noted.
The below websites are a good place to get started:
Of course you may also wish to visit a centre in person to meet your potential fur baby face-to-face before you make a choice. Most centres allow for in-person visits either by dropping in or booking in advance.
There are some 370 pet rescue centres spread across Australia, making pet adoption an accessible option for every budding pet owner.
The primary national bodies include:
For a full list of reputable rescue centres across Australia head to the pet rescue directory which details more than 850 national and local organisations offering pet adoption.
Contrary to popular belief, shelters aren’t just full of older dogs and cats. In fact, there are a great number of younger animals up for adoption including puppies and kittens. However, due to their increased popularity, these animals tend to come with a slightly higher adoption rate.
Bringing an animal into your home is a huge commitment and not to be taken lightly. Dogs live an average 10-12 years while cats can live up to 18 years. This means that you will need to consider the cost, time, love and energy required over the entire period of their lives.
Many animals end up in shelters or rescue facilities because the owners hadn’t considered the long-term needs of the animals.
Common reasons include:
You can avoid this cycle by carefully considering all of the above before you commit to adopting a pet.
Once you’ve decided on which animal you’d like to adopt and completed the necessary paperwork and requirements it’s time to get your home ready.
Here are some tips for welcoming your new pet.
Decide on sleeping arrangements ahead of time and set up a comfortable, safe and warm place for your new pet to sleep and rest. This may include a crate, bed, blankets and any comforters.
Set up the feeding station ensuring water and food is ready to go. By having access to basic requirements an animal is more likely to feel safe and to settle more easily into a new environment.
Double-check your outdoor area and fencing. It’s not uncommon for dogs to try to escape after a stay in a rescue facility. They may feel displaced and try to get out of your garden or home for many weeks or even months after adoption.
Define the responsibilities within the household. Who will walk the animal if required? Who’s responsible for feeding? etc.
Animal-proof your home by tidying away any loose cables, household cleaners, medication or dangerous plants. Basically clear anything you don’t want your animal to get their paws on.
Load up on the treats. By having a treat bag to hand you will build trust with your new pet and have a way of reinforcing expectations and boundaries within the home from the get-go.
Ask the shelter about any feeding/ walking schedules so that you can replicate for at least the first few days while they settle in.
Bring any necessary items for transporting your pet home with you on collection day. This might include a crate, a dog seatbelt, collar or harness. It’s also a nice idea to bring a treat or chewable toy for the car ride.
Give your new pet plenty of time and space to sniff their new home - indoors and outdoors.
To avoid accidents allow plenty of time for your new pet to relieve themself before entering the home.
If possible, plan to be at home with your new pet for at least the first week of them being in the home. This will help them to settle and give you time to bond.
One of the challenging aspects of adopting a pet is that you may not always know the animal’s full history. This can make for a bit of a rollercoaster ride when your new pet is settling into home.
You may find they need extra care and attention as they find their new bearings in your home. You may also find that there is a need for some additional support or training. The trick is to be patient with yourself, your family and your new addition.
It’s important to be real when it comes to the costs around owning a pet. You can expect up to $1,500 a year in food, grooming, insurance and basic vet bills each year.
In almost all cases, you need to be at least 18 years old and be living in pet-friendly accommodation in order to adopt a pet in Australia.
Pet adoption can range from $50 to up to $1,200. The average adoption fee for dogs is $480 and for cats is $184.
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