News and Updates

With summer officially on our doorstep and temperatures expected to soar this weekend, RSPCA NSW is urging pet owners to take the necessary steps to keep their companions as cool and comfortable as possible.

RSPCA NSW’s Foster Care programs provide temporary homes to animals who need a helping hand. This might be because these animals are too small or young to be adopted, recovering from illness or surgery, are undergoing rehabilitation or even just finding the shelter environment too stressful. Our foster care programs also support animals in regional locations that do not have RSPCA NSW facilities. By placing animals into foster homes, it provides them with the care and support they need until they are ready to be adopted into loving forever homes. Becoming an RSPCA NSW foster carer is an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of some of the state’s most vulnerable animals. To become an RSPCA NSW, foster carer, we ask that you: Are aged 18 or older, with all residents of your household agreeing to foster caring Can provide a safe and secure environment for fostered animals Have reliable transport, especially…

While fireworks are a spectacular way to bring in the new year for us humans, the same isn’t true for our furry and feathered friends. Just like thunderstorms, the loud, unexpected noise of fireworks can cause extreme distress for our pets. This is why it is crucial to create a safe, calm environment, to prevent our loyal companions from hurting themselves or becoming lost in panic. “Dogs, like several other animal species, have sensitive hearing. Fireworks can be terrifyingly loud and relatively prolonged which can cause some individuals overwhelming fear,” said RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian Liz Arnott. “Noise phobias are not uncommon in dogs, but there are things we can do in the lead-up, and during, fireworks displays to help them feel safe and secure. Here are some tips to keep your pets comfortable this New Year’s Eve, as the clock strikes midnight: If you can, stay home to be with your pet and try to keep them secured indoors….

We are thrilled to share some extraordinary news about our efforts in the Parramatta region, where we have successfully desexed 382 cats over the past two years through our Parramatta StrayCare initiative. This marked an important step in our Keeping Cats Safe at Home campaign. Our success has been made possible through our collaborative partnerships with the City of Parramatta Council, Ermington Vets, and dedicated local rescue groups. Together, we’ve carefully targeted our desexing program toward those who care for unowned cats and individuals who might feel overwhelmed by multiple feline companions. By offering support to these community members, we ensure that every cat has the chance for a safe and healthy life. The impact of this initiative has exceeded all our expectations. After just one year of implementing our desexing efforts, the intake at the council’s pound saw a remarkable decrease of 33%. Fast forward to the end of the second year, and we are proud to report an…

RSPCA NSW acknowledges the recent social media attention surrounding a Google review detailing the euthanasia of a dog named Sophie. It is essential to clarify the following: In late October 2024, Sophie came into RSPCA NSW’s care through our Inspectorate as part of a large group of animals. These animals were seized from two people previously disqualified from purchasing, acquiring, taking possession or custody of animals for five years. Sophie presented in very poor condition and was severely fearful on intake, indicating a traumatic background. Sophie displayed very complex behavioural needs. Although she received significant veterinary and rehabilitation support from our team of vets and behaviour experts, she was unable to be made available for adoption and required further rehabilitation and support. Behaviour foster care was considered, but no suitable behaviour foster carers were available to meet her needs. Additionally, both of our behaviour and rehabilitation centres were at full capacity and unable to accommodate her transfer. Our Behaviour and…

RSPCA NSW supports the legislative intent of the new Puppy Farm Bill, which aims to strengthen the regulatory framework for dog breeding in NSW.  The Bill’s stated intention is to regulate dog breeding, and the advertising of dogs for sale or other transfer and RSPCA NSW has always advocated for robust statutory protections for breeding animals in NSW. The Bill, known as The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Puppy Farm) Bill 2024, was introduced to the NSW Parliament on Thursday, October 24, 2024, and is scheduled for further debate during the current Parliamentary sitting. If passed, it will take effect in three stages between November 2024 and December 2035. While the move to regulate breeding is a positive step, this Bill falls short of properly and effectively promoting the welfare of dogs and cats and, in some areas, fails to protect cats altogether. Legislative protections must extend also to cats to address the welfare risks associated with intensive breeding practices. In June…

On Tuesday, 22 October 2024, RSPCA NSW responded to an urgent request concerning 19 Staffordshire Terrier puppies brought into Taree Veterinary Hospital. With local councils unable to accommodate, RSPCA NSW staff, including an Inspector and members of the animal transport team collected the puppies (aged between six-eight-weeks old) and transferred them to the RSPCA NSW Hunter Veterinary Hospital in Rutherford. The puppies were found to be suffering from severe worm infestations and covered in ticks. One puppy required immediate veterinary care due to symptoms of tick paralysis and is now responding well to treatment. All 19 puppies are now under the care of RSPCA NSW and are receiving necessary medical attention. RSPCA NSW is calling on the community to open their hearts and homes by considering fostering one of these adorable puppies in need. For more information about our foster care process, visit the RSPCA NSW website. If you aren’t in a position to foster, please consider donating to help…

With many families hitting the road with their pets in tow during the school holidays, it’s important to remember that there are easy steps we can take to ensure our animals stay comfortable and safe, all journey long. A comfortable journey starts with a comfortable space; for dogs, placing their favourite blanket or toys with them in the car will go a long way in making the travel experience feel as familiar as possible. This goes for cats and pocket pets as well, who will appreciate the comfort of their carriers that little bit more with the inclusion of a toy or piece of bedding that reminds them of home. If your pet is not used to travelling in a carrier, you can start to familiarise them with it in their space in the days leading up to your trip. Placing treats in or around the carrier will encourage interaction and help build positive associations with travelling. “When travelling with…

  At the core of RSPCA NSW lies a network of dedicated volunteer branches and supporter groups, many of which have been tirelessly working for more than 50 years. These groups are more than just local extensions of RSPCA NSW; they are the cornerstone of our mission, driving change and offering support to people and animals in need. Fundraising and Programs  Each RSPCA NSW volunteer branch and supporter group furthers our mission to protect and care for animals while actively addressing and engaging with the unique needs of their local communities. By raising funds and managing events for pets and members of their local areas, they continue to play an integral role within the larger RSPCA NSW family. In truth, their efforts are nothing short of extraordinary; without their help, our impact simply wouldn’t be the same.  Last financial year alone, these groups invested over $269,000 in subsidised desexing and community assistance. These funds helped more than 1000 animals receive…

  ADOPTION COSTS WAIVED – EXTENDED TO 22 SEPTEMBER  With 124 of our perfect pups finding homes over the last few weeks, we’re thrilled to announce that adoption costs will continue to be waived. Until this Sunday, 22 September, ALL dogs and puppies will be available for $0*  Thanks to the generosity of one incredibly generous individual and our friends at Royal Canin, Elanco, Kazoo, Dogue, and Pablo and Co, those still waiting will have the chance to find the loving home they deserve.   We’re excited to celebrate International Dog Day in a very special way this year. Thanks to the incredible generosity of a loyal RSPCA NSW dog-loving donor, adoption fees for dogs and puppies will be waived from 29 August to 15 September. During this period, you can welcome a new furry family member for $0* and give them the caring home they deserve.  Everyone knows life is better with a dog, and the best shelter is…

This September, RSPCA’s Cupcake Day is celebrating sixteen sweet years of raising funds to help provide love, care, shelter, and warmth to animals in need. Over 87,000 animals turn to the RSPCA for help each year and Cupcake Day offers a sweet way to support their journey from the moment they enter our doors until they find their forever families. “Cupcake Day is the perfect excuse to share a treat with colleagues, friends, schools, and family members while making an enormous difference to the lives of the animals in our care. Register today to become a host and enjoy some delicious treats for an extraordinary cause,” said RSPCA NSW Community Fundraising Manager, Ben Wilheim. “All funds raised go directly to our vital work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals. Your Cupcake Day can be held any time in September, so pick a date that suits you.” Check the Dropbox link for more videos of RSPCA NSW Animals eating ‘pupcakes’ supplied by Woof…

This September, RSPCA’s Cupcake Day is celebrating sixteen sweet years of raising funds to help provide love, care, shelter, and warmth to animals in need. Over 87,000 animals turn to the RSPCA for help each year and Cupcake Day offers a sweet way to support their journey from the moment they enter our doors until they find their forever families. “Cupcake Day is the perfect excuse to share a treat with colleagues, friends, schools, and family members while making an enormous difference to the lives of the animals in our care. Register today to become a host and enjoy some delicious treats for an extraordinary cause,” said RSPCA NSW Community Fundraising Manager, Ben Wilheim. “All funds raised go directly to our vital work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals. Your Cupcake Day can be held any time in September, so pick a date that suits you.” Check the Dropbox link for more videos of RSPCA NSW Animals eating ‘pupcakes’ supplied by Woof…

Bring Home a Cat or Kitten: Adoption Costs Waived! To celebrate International Cat Day and the joy of feline companionship, we are waiving our adoption costs from 10 to 18 August. During this period, you can adopt a cat or kitten for $0* to help them find the loving homes they deserve.  Everyone knows life is better with a cat, and the best shelter is a loving home. We hope this promotion will bring more people and pets together through increased feline adoptions.  In addition, to help you and your new friend settle in smoothly, each adoption will go home with a care package from our generous friends and Partners. The care package includes: A 12-month RSPCA veterinary care voucher** One month of Advocate Flea and Tick prevention from Elanco. An enrichment toy from our friends at Kong Company. 2kg of feline food from Royal Canin, our National Nutritional Partners.  With almost 100 adoptable cats and kittens in our care, we…

Bring Home a Cat or Kitten: Adoption Costs Waived! To celebrate International Cat Day and the joy of feline companionship, we are waiving our adoption costs from 10 to 18 August. During this period, you can adopt a cat or kitten for $0* to help them find the loving homes they deserve.  Everyone knows life is better with a cat, and the best shelter is a loving home. We hope this promotion will bring more people and pets together through increased feline adoptions.  In addition, to help you and your new friend settle in smoothly, each adoption will go home with a care package from our generous friends and Partners. The care package includes: A 12-month RSPCA veterinary care voucher** One month of Advocate Flea and Tick prevention from Elanco. An enrichment toy from our friends at Kong Company. 2kg of feline food from Royal Canin, our National Nutritional Partners.  With almost 100 adoptable cats and kittens in our care, we…

Bring Home a Guinea Pig: Adoption Costs Waived! Everyone knows that life is better with a pet and no matter how big or small, the best place for any one of our animals is in the comforts of a safe and loving forever home. Despite their small size, Guinea Pigs are just as loving as any other pet. So, to help them find the homes they deserve, from 2-4 August each of our Guinea Pigs will be available for $0.   The goal is to rehome as many guinea pigs as possible over the three-day adoption drive. With length of stay increasing, it’s imperative that we find homes (the right homes) for the hundreds of animals we have currently have available for adoption. Although adoption costs are waived, normal adoption procedures will apply to ensure every animal is matched with the right family. This includes one-on-one meetings with prospective adoptive parents and future fur-siblings. We hope that by gifting these…

The RSPCA NSW Behaviour and Rehabilitation Centre (BARC) at Somersby has seen a surge in black and white felines entering their care since the beginning of the year. Each BARC resident has their own compelling story, but for Daisy and Chewy, the search for a loving home has been longer than most.

The RSPCA is celebrating the 30th annual walk to fight animal cruelty, the Million Paws Walk, on Sunday, 26 May 2024.

Last week, RSPCA NSW held our first Emergency Response Team training day at our Hunter Shelter. Over 12 volunteers from the Hunter region attended the training, with guest speakers from our Inspectorate as well as Red Cross Australia delivering the valuable training. The RSPCA NSW Emergency Response Team is comprised of volunteers and staff members and was recently formed to assist with providing disaster relief to both people and their pets during times of emergency. The training provided was complimentary for participants and included an information session on the work RSPCA NSW does in times of disaster, led by Emergency Response Manager Anne Keyvar, as well as the role of our Inspectorate, led by Northern Region Inspector, Russell Jarman. Participants were briefed on effective emergency response tactics and taught vital skills such as how to assist at evacuation centres, set up safe animal spaces during disasters and how to provide comfort and advice to animal owners in times of stress. Instructions on…

RSPCA NSW launched an Emergency Response Team in November 2023. This team will play a critical part in assisting and supporting both animals and pet owners affected by bushfires, floods, and other emergencies in NSW.   There are a variety of roles available including Vets, Nurses, In the Field Volunteers and Transport Officers.   In-the-Field volunteers are pivotal in setting up and assisting at evacuation centres and RSPCA Relief Points, distributing essential pet supplies and offering invaluable support to pet owners in distress. Vets are on-site to administer animal health checks and deliver basic first aid to animals in need.  We are seeking volunteers from all over NSW to join the initiative so that we can assist as many animals as we can during times of emergency.   Apply Now to Join the Team  RSPCA NSW conducts regular training days throughout the year, with upcoming sessions scheduled at various locations. Volunteers will receive access to comprehensive online training modules and opportunities for…

At RSPCA NSW, we consider it a privilege to play a role in the lives of countless animals in need. On National Pet Day and every day, we want to take a moment to celebrate the profound love, companionship, and joy that rescue animals, or as we fondly call them, Rescuoodles, bring into our lives. To honour the remarkable bond between humans and animals, we thought we would share a few of our recent heart warming stories of animals finding their forever homes.   Tanza After finding herself in our shelter, Tanza’s life took a remarkable turn as she embarked on a new adventure after being adopted by a loving family. Today, she thrives in her forever home, embracing every moment with boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm. Her owners say, “She loves going to the dog park every day. She had her first beach day last week and found her passion for digging!” They love her very much, describing her…