RSPCA NSW and Stray Animals

Despite popular belief, most of our shelters are not meant to act as an impounding service. Our ten shelters across the state are meant to provide comfortable accommodation and the best possible care to surrendered, neglected, unwanted, sick or injured animals.

Each year, tens of thousands of animals arrive at RSPCA NSW shelters.  It is important to remember that RSPCA NSW is a charity and in order to keep our doors open and continue to care for the thousands of animals calling RSPCA NSW home each year, we rely on the support of people like you.

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The RSPCA works within communities to promote responsible pet ownership with the aim of increasing awareness and reducing the number of unwanted animals. We accept animals who are:

  • handed in as an injured stray
  • seized by an RSPCA inspector under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979
  • surrendered by an owner

Most RSPCA NSW shelters do not have the means to accept stray and uninjured animals. If you find a stray or uninjured animal, please refer to your local pound. It is the lawful duty of your local council to take care of strays, while RSPCA NSW focuses on the core aims of improving animal welfare and investigating cases of animal cruelty.

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RSPCA NSW does have an open door policy which means we will always accept an animal if there is nowhere else to turn. Whether or not they are healthy, sick, feral or have other challenges, they can always find help at RSPCA NSW.

If you need more information, feel free to visit us here.