Not just cats and dogs…

The RSPCA NSW provides shelter for thousands of animals every year and they're not just cats and dogs.

Caring, lifelong homes are needed for many other species of animals that have been the victims of cruelty, neglect and abandonment. From horses, pigs, goats and sheep to chickens, ducks and many other different types of birds, rabbits and guinea pigs; the RSPCA cares for all creatures great and small.

If you are able to give a loving home to one of these animals please contact your nearest shelter. An inspection of your premises is required.

 

Why should I adopt a pet from an RSPCA NSW Animal Shelter?

Last year the RSPCA NSW took in over 35,000 animals. These animals came to us as a result of abandonment, acts of cruelty and neglect, injury and illness and irresponsibility by owners through over breeding and failure to desex pets.

Through no fault of their own these animals face an uncertain future. Please help these animals and the RSPCA by considering the adoption of a shelter animal. The RSPCA appeals to anyone looking for an animal companion to visit their nearest RSPCA shelter or view animals awaiting adoption at Animals On-Line. Not only will you be saving a life but you will also be strengthening the message that animals are valued and that they deserve a home for life.

All companion animals adopted from the RSPCA are fully vet checked, desexed, vaccinated, wormed, microchipped and more (refer to the Adoption Package for further information)

 

I want to adopt an animal from a Shelter but what if I can't find one I like?

Because of the many thousands of animals that the RSPCA receives every year there are animals of all different shapes, colours and sizes needing a new home coming into our shelters every day. When selecting a companion who will become part of your family it is worth visiting your nearest shelter or checking Animals On-line weekly until the pet that is just right for you, your family and lifestyle comes along.

 

Why does the RSPCA NSW desex all dogs and cats that are adopted?

Desexing is the surgical removal of an animal's reproductive organs. It can be done on animals as young as 8 weeks of age. The operation, performed by a veterinarian, is a reasonably straightforward procedure, causing minimal discomfort to the animal.

Cats and dogs start their reproductive lives at a very young age, and throughout their lifetime can potentially deliver many litters of offspring. It has been calculated that in just seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce as many as 420,000 cats. This problem underlines the importance of desexing pets at an early age and reducing the number of unwanted animals in our communities.

In addition to preventing animals coming into season (oestrus) and regularly having unwanted litters, desexing may result, in varying degrees in a positive behavioural change in your pet. A desexed pet is less likely to:

• Wander, run away, roam or get into fights. This reduces injuries such as abscesses, car injuries and infected wounds.
• Suffer from anti-social, aggressive and other behavioural problems.
• Spray and mark territory and other sexual behavioural problems.
• Suffer from some serious and potentially life-threatening health problems. Such as pyometra (infection of the uterus).
  
  

Why do I have to pay to get a pet from the RSPCA NSW?

From the moment an animal enters an RSPCA NSW shelter a large amount of resources are expended in preparing him or her for adoption. The adoption fee goes only part of the way to covering these costs. The RSPCA NSW makes no profit from the adoption of animals. The fee that you pay when you adopt an animal from the RSPCA NSW assists us with continuing our work in helping animals. See the 'Adoption Package' for more details.

 

Why do I need a fenced yard? "Our last dog never wandered…"

Keeping your dog in a fenced yard is as much for his protection as for yours. RSPCA Shelters throughout NSW receive hundreds of dogs each year that are seriously injured after being hit by cars. Countless others never make it into shelters as they are killed outright on the road. The Companion Animals Act, the legislation that outlines the law in relation to dogs, also requires that dogs are not allowed to wander freely. Large fines can be imposed and your dog may be impounded if found on the street or in other public areas.

 

Why should I keep my cat indoors?

Two thirds of cats do not make it to their second birthday due to car accidents and dog attacks. Wandering cats are also at risk of death, injury and disease from cat fights and diseases such as Feline Leukaemia and Feline AIDS.

In the interest of protecting your cat and saving wildlife from predation the RSPCA recommends that cats are kept confined indoors or in suitable, large enclosures - especially from dusk to dawn.

Most cats can be kept indoors with a minimum of problems but you need to provide an appropriate, stimulating environment to stop the development of behavioural problems from boredom or frustration. For further information refer to our section on "Indoor Cats".

 

Can I adopt a purebred dog or cat?

It is a common misconception that you cannot adopt purebred animals from a shelter; in fact the RSPCA NSW frequently has purebred animals awaiting adoption into caring, life-long homes.

 

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