FREE SHIPPING FOR ALL ORDERS $80 AND OVER!! ~ PLACE YOUR ORDER IN BEFORE 27TH NOV TO RECEIVE IT BEFORE CHRISTMAS XX

10 Animal & Pet Charities in Australia Worth Donating To

Alice Newen | 21 January, 2025


          
            10 Animal & Pet Charities in Australia Worth Donating To

Have you ever wanted to support animal charities but weren't sure where to start? Helping needy animals is one of the best ways to make a difference. With your donation, you can provide shelter, food, and protection, assisting charities to care for animals.

The RSPCA is an Australian charity that has saved more than 87,000 animals from 2022 to 2023, proving the impact of these organisations in improving the welfare of all creatures, great and small.

This guide lists ten of the best animal and pet charities in Australia. These organisations are worth donating to, but if you wish, you may contact them for pet adoptions or if you want to volunteer. Read on to learn more.

1. RSPCA Australia

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Australia is the leading animal welfare organisation. They have a long history of helping animals, not just pets, providing food, shelter, medical treatment, and protection.

Overview of the Charity

The RSPCA has been Australia's animal protection leader for over a century. The organisation is dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and improving their lives.

Their work covers many issues, including case investigations, rescues, rehabilitations, pet adoptions, community education, and advocacy for stronger animal protection laws.

Key Programs

The RSPCA Australia has the following programs in Australia:

  • Animal Rescue:  The RSPCA has shelters nationwide for abandoned, neglected, and abused animals. They provide food, housing, veterinary care and rehabilitation.

  • Pet Adoption:  The RSPCA helps animals find loving forever homes. If you are interested, you can visit and meet potential pets at their local centres.

  • Education:  The RSPCA provides community education to promote responsible pet ownership. They visit schools to help kids learn about kindness and care towards animals.

Contact Information

RSPCA NSW's contact details are the following:

  • Website: www.rspca.org.au

  • Phone:  (02) 9770 7555

  • Address:  201 Rookwood Road, Yagoona, NSW, 2119

2. WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service)

WIRES is another leading Australian wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organisation focused on helping injured and orphaned Australian wildlife. Donating to this charity is about helping these animals return to their natural habitats and conserving local wildlife.

Overview of the Charity

WIRES is unique among animal and pet charities because it is focused on the welfare of native Australian wildlife. It has been the largest animal rescue organisation operating for over 35 years.

The WIRES Wildlife Rescue Office assists wildlife and the community, where they coexist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. According to their records, they help more than 130,000 animals yearly. WIRES also provides mobile Wildlife Emergency Responders across Greater Sydney, South-East Queensland, and Tasmania

Key Programs

WIRES has the following key programs:

  • Wildlife Rescue:  WIRES responds to wildlife rescue reports 24/7. You can call their hotline number to report any injured or orphaned wildlife. The WIRES has a network of trained volunteers who will respond to all calls and provide primary care.

  • Rehabilitation: WIRES also has a network of animal carers who can provide specialised care for rescued wildlife. They provide shelter, food, and vet treatment to help animals recover from illness or recover.

  • Rescue Education Program: The organisation also offers a range of educational programs for the community. They conduct workshops and presentations about wildlife rescue and rehabilitation to raise public awareness of wildlife issues. The WIRES website also offers educational tools such as rescue advice, wildlife information, getting involved in events, how to rescue wildlife and wildlife training.

Contact Information

Your donations will be greatly appreciated. You may contact WIRES through the following:

  • Website: www.wires.org.au

  • Phone: 1300 094 737

  • Address: Lifestyle Working,  Suite 1-5/117 Old Pittwater Rd, Brookvale NSW 2100

3. Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC)

The Australian Wildlife Conservancy protects the country's threatened species, including mammals, native birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Overview of the Charity

AWC’s conservation efforts are science-based. They work with communities and governments to rescue threatened native species and preserve their natural environments.

Key Programs

The following are AWC's key programs:

  • Habitat Restoration: They restore animal habitats by managing invasive species, such as foxes, gnats, and feral cats, which threaten native wildlife. They also work with groups to remove invasive plants.

  • Biodiversity Research:  AWC conducts research to understand threatened species. The results of their studies help them make informed conservation efforts.

  • Conservation Reserves:  The AWC has conservation reserves across the country, covering millions of hectares of land. These provide a safe home for many endangered species.

Contact Information

You can help AWC in their charity efforts by contacting them at:

4. PetRescue

PetRescue rescues and rehabilitates animals to save 100,000 healthy and ready-to-home pets annually.

Overview of the Charity

PetRescue is a national welfare charity with an online platform to connect rescues with potential owners. If you’re looking for a pet, it’s easy to do so through the PetRescue website. You can choose from more than 8,600 adoptable pets from shelters, rescue groups, and pounds across Australia.

Key Programs

PetRescue has the following programs:

  • Pet Adoption: PetRescue makes pet adoption seamless through its website. You can easily search for pets according to their age, breed, location, and personality to find the right one for you and your family.

  • Foster Care Program:  PetRescue supports foster care programs. These are programs that provide temporary homes for rescue animals. Fostering is a service that reduces the workload of shelters and provides animals with loving and caring environments until adoption day.

  • Support for Australian Shelters: The organisation provides technology, training, promotion and marketing services for animal shelters and rescue groups.

Contact Information

You can reach PetRescue through their website at  www.petrescue.com.au

5. The Lost Dogs' Home

The Lost Dogs' Home is a charitable group that cares for abandoned or stray dogs. They care for lost dogs, cats, and other companion animals and help reunite lost pets with their families. The Lost Dogs' Home believes every animal deserves a happy and healthy life.

Overview of the Charity

This is a well-known animal welfare organisation in Australia. It has five Strategic Pillars:

  • compassionate animal care

  • trusted, modern, and sustainable charity

  • contemporary, future-proof, and fit-for-purpose facilities

  • employer of choice

  • a fierce advocate for the care of companion animals.

Key Programs

The Lost Dogs' Home helps animals find the best forever homes through their many programs:

  • Dog Adoption: They operate shelters where you can meet potential pets. The Lost Dogs' Home has a strong online presence to help with adoptions.

  • Microchipping: They also strongly promote microchipping to easily reunite lost dogs with their families and improve their safety. A pet can be microchipped through their services.

  • Community Awareness Programs:  The group conducts various awareness programs about responsible pet ownership, microchipping, and the dangers of pet abandonment.

  • Vet Services:  They also provide veterinary animal care, including vaccinations, surgeries, and treatments.

Contact Information

Reach out to The Lost Dogs' Home through the following:

  • Website: www.dogshome.com

  • Phone:  (03) 9329 2755

  • Address:  2 Gracie Street, North Melbourne, VIC 3051

6.  Lort Smith Animal Hospital

Lort Smith has helped countless animals and residents since 1936. It is a not-for-profit animal hospital in Melbourne offering the best veterinary care to needy animals. It also provides medical assistance to pets of the city's less fortunate residents, all for the love of animals.

Overview of the Charity

Lort Smith Animal Hospital offers a holistic approach to animal care and prioritises the health and well-being of needy animals. It provides various services, including emergency vet care, vaccinations, and spaying and neutering. It provides quality yet affordable services for low-income families.

Key Programs

Lort Smith Animal Hospital has the following key programs:

  • Animal Hospital Services: Lort Smith is a full-service animal hospital with a team of veterinarians, nurses, and support staff. It provides comprehensive care for all types of animal illnesses, surgeries, and other medical issues. Lort Smith has an emergency and critical care area, surgical suites, and specialised care areas such as oncology, cardiology, and ophthalmology.

  • General Consultations:  Lort Smith also accepts animals for routine checkups, vaccinations, and preventive care services.

  • Pet Adoptions: The hospital also shelters and cares for abandoned and surrendered animals. People can visit to adopt potential pets and learn responsible pet ownership.

  • Community Outreach: Lort Smith is actively involved in outreach programs, providing low-cost vet care for low-income pet owners, community education, and school programs to promote compassionate animal care.

Contact Information

If you wish to donate to Lort Smith Animal Hospital, their contact details are as follows:

  • Website: www.lortsmith.com

  • Phone:  (03) 9328 3021

  • Address:  24 Villiers Street, North Melbourne, VIC 3051

7. Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ)

AWLQ has saved more than 175,000 animals since 1959. It is one of the oldest charities for needy animals and is asking for donations to support its many programs.

Overview of the Charity

AWLQ's mission is to rescue and care for all Queensland abandoned, surrendered, and abused animals. They will do all they can to find loving forever homes for these animals and promote responsible pet ownership to everyone. For the past 65 years, AWLQ has cared for homeless animals because of the community's support. You can send donations, become a corporate sponsor, or volunteer, or you may simply visit their animals to keep them happy.

Key Programs

AWLQ has the following key programs:

  • Animal Rescue:  The organisation operates animal shelters and rescue services in QLD. It responds to reports of abandoned and distressed animals, providing quick emergency care and shelter.

  • Adoption: The AWLQ can help people who are looking for forever pets. Their adoption centres and online platforms can make pet adoption seamless, allowing you to browse adoptable pets.

  • Pet Education:  AWLQ offers extensive community education programs, such as school programs, workshops and seminars, and public awareness campaigns. They promote responsible pet ownership, spaying and neutering awareness, and more.

  • Veterinary Care: All animals rescued by AWLQ undergo medical treatments. They also provide low-cost vet services, surgical treatments and vaccinations.

Contact Information

AWLQ accepts donations, adoptions, and support. Contact them at:

  • Website: www.awlqld.com.au

  • Phone:  (07) 5509 9000

  • Address:  Shelter Road, Coombabah QLD 4216

8. Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP)

We all know greyhounds are one of the fastest breeds of dogs, but do you know that they are also lovable pets? The Greyhound Adoption Program, started by Greyhound Racing NSW, helps these majestic dogs find loving and caring homes.

Overview of the Charity

GAP helps retired racing greyhounds find the best homes. These dogs are often injured or too old to continue. GAP offers ethical and humane rehoming of greyhounds as soon as their careers are over.

Key Programs

GAP is focused on the following programs:

  • Greyhound Adoption:  GAP handles the adoption process, matching dogs with suitable families. It starts with assessing the family, ensuring they match the dog's personality and temperament. They also ensure the new owners can meet the dog's health needs. After assessment, they help match dogs with an adopter and provide ongoing support and guidance to adoptive families offering greyhound care advice.

  • Training for New Owners: GAP provides resources to train new owners so adopters can learn how to care for their new pets.

  • Fundraising Initiatives: GAP relies on donations and hosts fundraising efforts to support its initiatives. They conduct public awareness campaigns and organise adoption days, auctions, and charity walks.

Contact Information

You may contact GAP to help their initiatives through the following:

  • Website: www.gapnsw.com.au

  • Phone: 1800 696 377

  • Address:  Dubbo Track 500 Wheelers Lane Dubbo NSW 2830

9. Save-A-Dog Scheme

The Save-A-Dog Scheme (SADS) cares for abandoned, sick, and surrendered dogs and cats. SADS relies on donations to fund its many activities. This 2025, it is asking for more help to save more lives. 

Overview of the Charity

SADS is a prominent animal charitable organisation in Australia. Its mission is to rescue dogs and cats in need and provide lifelong care. SADS rescues dogs from pounds, shelters, and situations where they may be in danger. It also offers shelter, food, and medical care to neglected animals.

Key Programs

SADS has the following key programs:

  • Adoption Programs:  The SADS adoption program is a comprehensive process that ensures each dog matches the perfect owner, considering the dog's temperament, personality, and needs.

  • Rescue Missions: They respond to reports of abused and abandoned dogs, saving animals in various situations. They rescue them from shelters and pounds where they are about to be euthanised. They intervene in cruel and neglectful cases and rescue these animals quickly.

  • Foster Care: SADS  rely on foster care for temporary care and shelter for dogs under their care. Foster care provides love, care, socialisation, and medical care to dogs while they wait for their forever families.

  • Rehoming:  SADS also helps rehome pets, providing new owners with counselling and adoption support to ensure seamless transitions.

Contact Information

You may contact Save-A-Dog Scheme through the following:

  • Website: www.saveadog.org.au

  • Phone: (03) 9824 7928 or 0418 389 810

  • Address:  36 Weir Street, Glen Iris, VIC Australia - Melways 59:E5

10. Dachshund Rescue Australia

Dachshund Rescue Australia (DRA) was established in 2009 and remains one of the most dedicated rescue organisations for dachshunds. DRA ensures that every dachshund in Australia has a safe and happy home. 

They do not judge people who cannot keep their pets and help them transition to a new owner who can keep them forever.

Overview of the Charity

DRA is focused on finding a safe haven for abandoned, surrendered, or neglected dachshunds. They understand the breed's unique needs and challenges and are dedicated to finding forever homes for their dogs.

Key Programs

DRA offers these programs:

  • Rescue: They rescue dachshunds in shelters and pounds and intervene in cruelty and neglect cases.

  • Foster Care:  They have a network of hardworking carers who provide temporary homes to rescued dogs. Foster parents provide care, shelter, and socialisation opportunities to their foster pets.

  • Adoption: DRA ensures that dachshunds are carefully matched with suitable adopters. They conduct thorough assessments, match, and provide post-adoption support to ensure seamless adjustment for the dog and its new owner.

  • Fundraising: DRA organises adoption days, auctions, and other charity events to showcase its rescue efforts and services.

Contact Information

You can contact Dachshund Rescue Australia through the following:

  • Website: www.dachshundrescue.com.au

  • Phone: Karan 0490 382 886, Andrea 0421390086, or Lisa 0411922246

  • Address: PO Box 12, Sassafras 3787, Victoria

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How can I donate to animal charities in Australia?

You can donate to an animal charity in Australia by contacting them via phone or email. You may also visit their offices to make your donation.

2. What types of items can I donate to these charities?

Animal charities accept pet food and treats, bedding and blankets, toys, cleaning products, and medical supplies. You may also donate in cash or in the form of gift cards. Contact the charity first before you arrange your donated items or cash.

3. Are all donations tax-deductible?

Yes, donations to registered charities are tax deductible in Australia. To confirm this, check the charity you wish to donate to before sending your cash donations.

4. Can I volunteer for these animal charities?

Yes, most animal charities need volunteers to care for animals. Contact the charity you wish to volunteer for and ask about its volunteering programs.

5. How do I adopt a pet from these charities?

You can contact them through email or phone to ask about their pet adoption process. Some charities keep a database of adoptable pets on their websites. You can start the process by checking out these profiles.

 

Related Posts

Benefits of a Dog Harness
Benefits of a Dog Harness
Harnesses are essential tools for pet owners, ensuring a more controlled and comfortable experience for both the dog and
Read More
Top 5 Dog-Friendly Parks in Sydney’s Eastern Beaches
Top 5 Dog-Friendly Parks in Sydney’s Eastern Beaches
Dog parks create an environment where dogs can interact with other dogs and people, essential for socialization, helping
Read More
Top 5 Dog-Friendly Parks in Western Sydney
Top 5 Dog-Friendly Parks in Western Sydney
Keep your fur buddies always active and healthy. Take them to a walk or a run at West Sydney's friendliest dog parks. Bo
Read More