The best animal rescue companies in Australia [2025]

Imagine a world where every furry friend, great and small, finds a loving home and a fresh start. This dream is what drives the dedicated animal rescue teams across Australia. Whether it's a lost pup wandering the streets or a wayward koala needing a helping hand, these compassionate champions work tirelessly to ensure animals in need are safe and sound.

Choosing to support an animal rescue organisation can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make. Their work goes beyond just saving animals; they're rebuilding trust, nurturing health, and igniting the potential for countless heartwarming relationships. For those of us with a soft spot for creature companions, volunteering or adopting through these services is an opportunity to genuinely make a difference.

Yet, with so many animal rescue groups scattered across the country, from bustling city corners to the serene countryside, it can be a challenge to decide which one to support. Each has its own ethos, specialty, and approach to animal welfare, often tied closely to the needs and unique wildlife of its home region, be it Australia or another lively locale.

So, what exactly should you consider when selecting an animal rescue to support? We'll explore the key attributes that set the finest apart, ensuring your contribution - or adoption - leaves a lasting, positive impact.

What Defines an Outstanding Animal Rescue Organisation?

Not sure what to consider when choosing the ideal animal rescue organisation? Keep an eye out for these essential attributes:

  • Passionate and Trained Staff: Ensure that the team consists of dedicated and knowledgeable individuals who demonstrate genuine care and expertise in animal welfare.
  • Comprehensive Rescue and Rehabilitation Facilities: Look for organisations equipped to handle various animal needs, from initial rescue to extensive rehabilitation and care.
  • Strong Community Engagement: The best rescues actively involve the local community, promoting awareness, hosting events, and fostering volunteer opportunities.
  • Clear Adoption Policies: Make sure the organisation has a transparent and efficient adoption process that prioritises the wellbeing and compatibility of animals with their new homes.
  • Positive Reviews and Testimonials: Reputable rescues will have testimonials or reviews from past adopters and supporters, reflecting the organisation's reliability and impact.

The best animal rescues in Australia

Edgars Mission

Animal shelter Lancefield, VIC 3435

Lancefield, VIC 3435

Animal Welfare League SA (AWL)

Animal shelter Wingfield, SA 5013

Wingfield, SA 5013

Sydney Dogs & Cats Home

Animal shelter Strathfield South, NSW 2136

Strathfield South, NSW 2136

Animal Aid

Animal shelter Coldstream, VIC 3770

Coldstream, VIC 3770

Pets Haven

Animal shelter Woodend, VIC 3442

Woodend, VIC 3442

Fairview Lodge Animal Shelter

Animal shelter Hillier, SA 5116

Hillier, SA 5116

Average rating of animal rescues in Australia

average rating
4.50
13.6 K reviews

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More animal rescues in Australia

The Cat Protection Society of NSW Adoption Centre

Animal shelter Newtown, NSW 2042

4.60
(231)

RSPCA South Australia- Lonsdale Shelter

Animal shelter Lonsdale, SA 5160

4.40
(851)

PAWS Darwin

Animal shelter Coonawarra, NT 820

4.80
(83)

Alice Springs Animal Shelter

Animal shelter Kilgariff, NT 873

4.80
(51)

RSPCA NSW Blue Mountains Shelter

Animal shelter Katoomba, NSW 2780

4.40
(88)

Australian Animal Protection Society

Animal shelter Keysborough, VIC 3173

4.30
(389)

Hahndorf Interim Animal Shelter Inc.

Animal shelter Hahndorf, SA 5245

4.10
(57)

RSPCA NSW Behaviour and Rehabilitation Centre (Central Coast)

Animal shelter Somersby, NSW 2250

4.50
(99)

RSPCA Bundaberg

Animal shelter Branyan, QLD 4670

4.70
(98)

Dogs Home of Tasmania

Animal shelter Risdon Vale, TAS 7016

4.70
(172)

Animal Welfare League Qld

Animal shelter Taigum, QLD 4018

4.50
(300)

Redland City Council Animal Shelter

Animal shelter Cleveland, QLD 4163

4.40
(104)

Domestic Animal Services

Animal shelter Symonston, ACT 2609

4.00
(91)

RSPCA Noosa

Animal shelter Doonan, QLD 4562

4.80
(152)

RSPCA NSW Care Centre Tuggerah

Animal shelter Tuggerah, NSW 2259

4.40
(259)

RSPCA NSW Hunter Shelter

Animal shelter Rutherford, NSW 2320

4.40
(363)

RSPCA ACT

Animal shelter Weston, ACT 2611

4.50
(328)

AWLQ Gold Coast Animal Rehoming Centre

Animal shelter Coombabah, QLD 4216

4.60
(1114)

RSPCA NSW Illawarra Shelter

Animal shelter Unanderra, NSW 2526

4.30
(203)

Cat Cuddle Caf

Animal shelter Lutwyche, QLD 4030

4.60
(574)

Pets and Saddles

Animal shelter North Lismore, NSW 2480

4.50
(71)

RSPCA Gympie

Animal shelter Glanmire, QLD 4570

4.70
(104)

Animal Welfare League Qld

Animal shelter Willawong, QLD 4110

4.30
(166)

Animal Welfare League Qld

Animal shelter Stapylton, QLD 4207

4.20
(108)

RSPCA NSW Coffs Harbour Shelter

Animal shelter Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450

4.20
(70)

Just Cats Adoptions

Animal shelter Longford, TAS 7301

4.80
(103)

AviRescue Victoria (Domestic Bird Rescue & Boarding) NO WILDLIFE

Animal shelter Narre Warren, VIC 3805

4.90
(14)

Kangaroo Sanctuary South Australia Inc.

Animal shelter Uraidla, SA 5142

5.00
(12)

City of Stirling Animal Care Facility

Animal shelter Balcatta, WA 6021

4.40
(33)

North Queensland Animal Rescue

Animal shelter Cairns City, QLD 4870

4.30
(15)