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Explore the work RSPCA NSW does to help animals and their owners in the community.

Community Aged Care Program

RSPCA NSW understands that to an elderly owner, a pet can mean everything. Our Aged Care program aims to keep pets and their elderly owners happy, healthy and together in their own homes for as long as possible. To do this, we assist elderly pet owners over the age of 65, Indigenous pet owners over the age of 50 and palliative care patients of any age.

Services our Aged Care program offers include:

  • temporary foster accommodation and/or emergency pet boarding if the owner requires medical treatment, respite or other assistance
  • assistance with veterinary treatment
  • home visits to assist the elderly with basic pet care
  • assistance with pet grooming
  • assistance with transport to and from the local veterinarian

 

Please note that due to high demand for this program, we ask that pet owners first ask family and friends whether they are able to assist with their pet’s care.

This community program was previously known as Pets of Older Persons (POOPs).

For more information please contact the RSPCA Community Programs helpline (02) 9782 4408.

The helpline operates Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. During weekends and public holidays contact the RSPCA Contact Centre on (02) 9770 7555.

Aged Care Program FAQs

Each situation is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and cost may depend on which services are required. Please contact the RSPCA Community Programs helpline (02) 9782 4408 or fill out the form below to see how we may be able to assist.

Our Aged Care program is available throughout New South Wales. All enquiries come through our Sydney office, so more regional area enquiries may take longer to action. Our in-home services and some volunteer and foster care services are currently limited to the Sydney area.

There is no allocated timeframe for an animal staying in our care. However, animal stays are dependent on kennel space, their behavioural and medical needs, and the client’s individual circumstances.

Our Aged Care program is in place to support people that already have pets at home. However, we are supportive of elderly clients wishing to adopt a pet for companionship. For advice and recommendations regarding suitable pets for adoption, please contact your local RSPCA NSW shelter.