Animal Advice

RSPCA NSW is committed to nurturing loving communities and supporting animal guardians seeking assistance with their pets.

Helping People Help Their Animals

When it comes to caring for our pets and improving animal welfare, research and preparedness are key to providing positive, effective support.

Found a lost pet or straying animal and don’t know what to do? Putting together an emergency kit for your household and your pets? RSPCA NSW is committed to helping humans help their animals, which is why we strive to mentor people seeking assistance with their pets. 

Please note that if you witness any animal cruelty, or find an animal in need of urgent assistance, contact RSPCA NSW immediately via our animal hotline at 1300 CRUELTY or 1300 278 3589. Every call allows us to act, investigate animal cruelty, and hold offenders accountable, which is why it’s vital to report animal cruelty as soon as you can. 

Straying Animals

The streets can be a dangerous place for stray and wandering animals. Wandering animals are at a higher risk of being injured by cars, contracting infectious diseases, and being attacked by other animals. Caring for stray animals is everyone’s responsibility – it takes a whole community working together to ensure all creatures, great and small, can enjoy a good quality of life.  

RSPCA NSW Staff Member holding a staffy puppy

Lost or Found an Animal 

RSPCA NSW understands how heartbreaking it can be when a beloved pet goes missing. That’s why we aim to help every lost animal who turns to us for help by reuniting them with their owners. We provide educational resources to help animal carers reduce the risk of losing their pet and step-by-step guides to assist individuals who find a lost animal.  

Rehoming Assistance

We strive to assist every animal who turns to us for help, but not before doing everything in our power to keep animals with the loving families they already have. If you’re considering surrendering your pet to one of our shelters or adoption centres, RSPCA NSW may still be able to provide you with guidance and support.  

RSPCA Homelessness Program

Before adopting an animal, you should consider both your lifestyle and experience, as well as the needs of your future forever friend.

White Goat rescued by RSPCA NSW

More Information and Tips

Additional Information

RSPCA NSW Update

Wollongong Man Convicted of Animal Cruelty Offence After Puppy Abuse Recorded

A Wollongong man has been found guilty of committing an act of cruelty after repeatedly smacking his Staffordshire Terrier puppy as a form of punishment.

RSPCA NSW Update

‘My second home’ – Hunter RSPCA legend celebrates 20 years of helping animals

“It feels like I’ve just blinked and bang, it’s

RSPCA NSW Update

Inspectorate Update – 32 Dogs and Puppies Seized from Breeder’s Property Northwest of Sydney

On Thursday, 25 June 2026, a team of RSPCA

Why Winter Is the Perfect Time to Start a Safe-at-Home Lifestyle

Helping your cat stay warm, safe and happy during

Every Cat Has a Story: Supporting Cats and Communities Across NSW

As a Keeping Cats Safe at Home Desexing Coordinator,