Explore the work RSPCA NSW does to help animals and their owners in the community.Home What we do Working in Communities Community Homelessness ProgramWhat we doAdoptionsDogs and PuppiesCat and KittensPocket PetsBirdsLivestockAdoption feesExceptional OwnersSeniors for Seniors ProgramVeterinary ServicesRSPCA Sydney Veterinary HospitalRSPCA Hunter Veterinary Hospital (Rutherford)RSPCA Tighes Hills Veterinary HospitalRSPCA Broken Hill Veterinary HospitalRescue and RehabilitateAnimal AmbulanceDrives For LivesBehaviourPet Rehabilitation ProgramLost and FoundI’ve lost my petI’ve found a petCare for AnimalsOwning a PetCostsVeterinary CareAdopting a New PetLocating a Lost PetPets and Rental PropertiesDisaster Management PlansEnrichmentThe Chain ExchangeDog CareDog Walking GuidelinesParvovirus in DogsBarkingDog Training Tips and VideosBathing and GroomingIdentificationVeterinary CareHousingBreedsEnrichmentNutritionPuppy CareCat CareKitten CareIdentificationVeterinary CareKeeping Wildlife Safe and Your Cat HappyHousingBreedsBathing and GroomingTrainingNutritionPocket PetsLivestockBirdsHousingIdentificationVeterinary CareNutritionBathing and GroomingTrainingPet HazardsToxic Plants for PetsChristmas SeasonFireworks and StormsHeat StressSnake Bites and PetsBushfires and House FiresDroughtsEducationPrimaryEarly Stage 1Stage 1Stage 2Stage 3SecondaryStage 4Stage 5Stage 6TertiarySchool Holiday ProgramCommunity GroupsAnimal AmbassadorsProfessional Development for TeachersFamily FunTrainingACM20117 Certificate II in Animal StudiesACMMIC401 Implant Microchip in Cats and DogsBasic Animal First AidACMGAS206 Provide Basic First Aid for AnimalsIntroducing Your Pet to a New BabyAnimal WelfareOur InspectoratePrevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1979)Working in CommunitiesCommunity Aged Care ProgramCommunity Domestic Violence ProgramCommunity Homelessness ProgramVolunteering for Community ProgramsOutreach Animal Assistance ProgramsHuman Services WorkshopsIndigenous Community Companion Animal Health Program (ICCAHP)Youth InitiativesHome Ever AfterCommunity Branches and ProgramsBushfire ResponseDisaster and AlertsHot weatherFireworks and StormsBushfires and House FiresDroughtsRSPCA Pet InsuranceHEA: Home Ever AfterWorking in CommunitiesCommunity Aged Care ProgramCommunity Domestic Violence ProgramCommunity Homelessness ProgramVolunteering for Community ProgramsOutreach Animal Assistance ProgramsHuman Services WorkshopsIndigenous Community Companion Animal Health Program (ICCAHP)Youth InitiativesHome Ever AfterCommunity Branches and ProgramsCommunity Homelessness ProgramRSPCA NSW strongly believes in the emotional, mental and physical benefits of the relationships between people and pets. For some homeless people, their pet may be the only positive thing in their lives. The idea of having to give this much-loved animal up can cause major distress to someone who is already suffering hardship. Through our Homelessness program, we assist pet owners who are currently homeless. This includes pet owners who are couch surfing, sleeping rough or in temporary accommodation.Services our Homelessness program offers include:temporary foster accommodation and/or emergency pet boardingfinancial assistance for veterinary treatmentfinancial assistance with impound feesThis community program was previously known as Living Ruff.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.Community Homelessness Program FAQsHow much does your Homelessness program cost?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.What areas does your Homelessness program service?The Homelessness program is available throughout New South Wales. All enquiries come through our Sydney office, so more regional area enquiries may take longer to action.Is your Homelessness program only available to pet owners who are sleeping rough?No, this service is available to all pet owners and their pets who are couch surfing, sleeping rough or in temporary accommodation.Who can make a referral about a homeless pet owner and their pet?We accept referrals directly from those needing our help, as well as from family, friends, or services that may ask for assistance on their behalf.
