Frequently Asked Questions

Listing on PetRescue

• I need to rehome my pet - can I list on PetRescue?
• I work for a shelter - how do I go about registering our group to use PetRescue?
• What happened to my listing?

Looking for a Pet

• Can I email you to find out more about a pet?
• Can you alert me when a specific type of pet becomes available?
• Why don't you have the facility to search for specific breeds of dogs?
• I'm finding that listings are sometimes out of date - when I email the pet is already gone!

Helping PetRescue

• How can I link to PetRescue?
• Can I make a donation to PetRescue?
• What is foster caring?

Shelter Information

• Why is your policy 'No Undesexed Animals' to be listed on PetRescue?
• Can I submit an article about or group for your newsletter or homepage?
• What is a 'bump'?

Reference Documents

• Shelter Member Code of Ethics
• Website Terms of Use & Privacy Information

 

Listing on PetRescue

I need to rehome my pet - can I list on PetRescue?

PetRescue presently only allows contributions by shelters and rescue groups.

However, if you need to rehome your pet we have put together a rehoming your pet document to help you.

It outlines the best methods for advertising and rehoming your pet and includes vital documents used by rescue in the adoption process.

I work for a shelter - how do I go about registering our group to use PetRescue?

Please visit our shelter signup area.

Please note that all listing members of PetRescue must follow our Shelter Member Code of Ethics and our Terms of Use.

What happened to my listing?

Animal listings that have been listed and not bumped for 8 months or over are automatically removed from PetRescue. This process ensures that our search results remain current for our site visitors.

 

Looking for a Pet

Can I email you to find out more about a pet?

Do you want more information about a pet you've seen on PetRescue?

Please contact the rescue group that is caring for this pet directly. The contact information for this group can be found under the animals listing.

Please don't contact PetRescue about individual pets - we don't have any information other than what is included on that animals listing.

We would also recommend phoning (rather than emailing) for the quickest response.

Can you alert me when a specific type of pet becomes available?

Presently, PetRescue is unable to contact individuals with information on specific animals or take requests for animals wanted.

However, we now offer an automated email alert system - PetRescue Alerts - which will notify you when new animals that match your search criteria are listed on PetRescue.

We also recommend you contact the rescue groups close to you to be put on their books as a potential adopter. A list of rescue groups can be found here.

Why don't you have the facility to search for specific breeds of dogs?

PetRescue believes that nearly all rescue animals can be excellent companions and family members when appropriately matched to their new home. In this respect (often inaccurate) breed generalisations do little to serve individual animals and many lesser known breeds would actually be disadvantaged if we brought in the ability to search in this way.

When searching for your new pet try to look past the way the animal looks, the way that some breeds are portrayed in movies, even look past animals of a certain breed you've known in the past.

Every rescue pet is a unique individual, just as you are. The best match is one tailored to you by a knowledgeable rescue worker who knows that animals personality and is concerned for its wellbeing. The rescuer you deal with should be dedicated to never seeing that dog or cat end up in rescue ever again.

Find a rescue group you trust and can build a rapport with and you're on the way to finding your perfect furry friend!

I'm finding that listings are sometimes out of date - when I email the pet is already gone!

While our members do their best to keep the information on PetRescue up to date, shelters are always under-resourced (and often staffed by volunteers) so probably don't get to either answer emails, or remove adopted animals as often as they would like.

We recommend checking the site daily for new listings and phoning the group who has any pet you're interested in - you're much more likely to get a positive result over the phone.

Try to avoid assuming you can just "buy the animal" -  instead remember this is an ADOPTION process, not just a purchase. By listening to what the rescuer has to say about the pets needs and emphasising that you have the pets welfare as your first priority you will stand out as an excellent potential adopter.

And they're always looking for volunteers to help with tasks such as website updates, so be sure to ask them if you can help out in any way!

 

Helping PetRescue

How can I link to PetRescue?

Check out our Help PetRescue Help the Animals area!

Can I make a donation to PetRescue?

Firstly, thanks so much for wanting to help out!

If you have your own website, click here to help PetRescue help the animals!

Find out more about supporting PetRescue here. You may also wish to view our members current donation requests.

We'd love you to make contact with an animal rescue group near you and offer the support to them to help them care for their animals. They're usually doing it pretty tough so we're sure they would love to hear from you!

If you would prefer not to give monetary donations some other items shelters can often use are:

• blankets and towels
• dog and cat food
• worming, flea and heartworm medication
• dog chews, rawhides and treats
• dog and cat toys
• cat and dog transport crates
• kitty litter trays
• dog and cat food bowls
• collars & leads
• dog jackets

Note: Before purchasing items contact your local group to see what they need most urgently!

These can be taken to the groups closest to you - a list of shelters can be found here.

What is foster caring?

Foster caring is the process of taking a pet into your home until a permanent home can be found and it's a fantastic way to get started in rescue!

More information on foster caring can be found here.

 

Shelter Information

Why is your policy 'No Undesexed Animals' to be listed on PetRescue?

The answer is, in our opinion, NO ONE who is a genuine rescuer would be allowing animals to be rehomed undesexed and able to breed. Simple as that.

For more information, read more here.

Can I submit an article about or group for your newsletter or homepage?

We love inclusions from rescue groups and are happy to consider any submissions. Send via email to info@petrescue.com.au.

What is a 'bump'?

The 'bump' feature allows you to take animals that are still available, and bump them back to the top of the search result listings.

Each animal you have listed on PetRescue may be bumped once a week. This is an excellent way to generate more views and renewed interest in some of the pets that may have been overlooked previously.

Bumping and removal of rehomed pets can be done in the PetRescue Members Area, under View, Modify or Remove an Existing Animal Listing.