Explore the work RSPCA NSW does to help animals and their owners in the community. Home What we do Working in Communities Community Homelessness Program What we do Adoptions Dogs and Puppies Cat and Kittens Pocket Pets Birds Livestock Exceptional Owners Veterinary Services RSPCA Sydney Veterinary Hospital RSPCA Hunter Veterinary Hospital (Rutherford) RSPCA Tighes Hills Veterinary Hospital RSPCA Broken Hill Veterinary Hospital Rescue and Rehabilitate Animal Ambulance Drives For Lives Behaviour Pet Rehabilitation Program Surrender Intervention Rescue Partners Lost and Found I’ve lost my pet I’ve found a pet Care for Animals Owning a Pet Costs Veterinary Care Adopting a New Pet Locating a Lost Pet Pets and Rental Properties Disaster Management Plans Enrichment The Chain Exchange Dog Care Dog Walking Guidelines Parvovirus in Dogs Barking Dog Training Tips and Videos Bathing and Grooming Identification Veterinary Care Housing Breeds Enrichment Nutrition Puppy Care Cat Care Kitten Care Identification Veterinary Care Keeping Wildlife Safe and Your Cat Happy Housing Breeds Bathing and Grooming Training Nutrition Pocket Pets Livestock Birds Housing Identification Veterinary Care Nutrition Bathing and Grooming Training Pet Hazards Toxic Plants for Pets Christmas Season Fireworks and Storms Heat Stress Snake Bites and Pets Bushfires and House Fires Droughts Education Primary OOSH Early Stage 1 Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Secondary Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Tertiary School Holiday Program Community Groups Animal Ambassadors Professional Development for Teachers Family Fun Training ACM20117 Certificate II in Animal Studies ACMMIC401 Implant Microchip in Cats and Dogs Basic Animal First Aid ACMGAS206 Provide Basic First Aid for Animals Introducing Your Pet to a New Baby Animal Welfare Our Inspectorate Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1979) Working in Communities Community Aged Care Program Community Domestic Violence Program Community Homelessness Program Volunteering for Community Programs Outreach Animal Assistance Programs Human Services Workshops Indigenous Community Companion Animal Health Program (ICCAHP) Youth Initiatives Home Ever After Community Branches and Programs Disaster and Alerts Hot weather Fireworks and Storms Bushfires and House Fires Droughts RSPCA Pet Insurance HEA: Home Ever After Working in CommunitiesCommunity Aged Care Program Community Domestic Violence Program Community Homelessness Program Volunteering for Community Programs Outreach Animal Assistance Programs Human Services Workshops Indigenous Community Companion Animal Health Program (ICCAHP) Youth Initiatives Home Ever After Community Branches and Programs Community Homelessness Program RSPCA 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 boarding financial assistance for veterinary treatment financial assistance with impound fees This 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.
