Why adopt?

Australians are making a big difference for rescue pets—one adoption at a time! The number of people adopting cats and dogs through PetRescue has been growing every year for the last decade

If you're thinking about welcoming a furry family member, here are seven great reasons why a rescue pet might be your perfect match!

Seven Super Reasons to Adopt a Rescue Pet

1. They’ll be your perfect pet-match

Adoptable pets listed by trusted rescue organisations aren’t just health-checked—they’re also assessed for temperament, basic manners, and toilet training. That means you’ll have help finding a pet that’s a great fit for your family and lifestyle.

2. You're not starting from scratch

When you buy a puppy, you're essentially bringing an infant into your home – a completely untrained, unsocialised little critter who thinks the crate you bought him is a jail. He thinks the newspaper you put down for him to squat on is a wonderful toy to be shredded. He also thinks your new shoes are much tastier than those expensive treats you just bought him, and your best carpet is an excellent substitute for grass when nature calls! Most rescue dogs, on the other hand, have lived in homes before. They come with at least some basic manners and may have even been fostered in a loving home where they’ve learned the ropes.

If you’re considering a cat, an older rescue kitty is more likely to be independent—ideal for someone with a busy lifestyle—while a kitten may demand your full attention (and your ankles) at all hours!

3. What you see is what you get

When you buy a baby pet, you can never really be sure what type of adult pet you're going to end up with. All puppies are cute and playful, but their adult personalities don’t fully emerge until around two years old. So, you don't know whether you're ggetting a high-energy adventurer or a couch potato.

When you adopt an older dog, you already know their personality, energy level, and whether they need extra training or support. The same goes for cats—by the time they’re a year old, their true nature is clear. A lap cat will always be a lap cat, and you’ll know whether they’ll fit into a multi-cat household.

4. Adult pets are great for families

Older pets tend to be more patient and gentle with kids. Puppies and kittens, while adorable, can play rough—accidentally scratching, biting, or knocking over small children. On the flip side, little ones can also be too rough with young animals, which can lead to injuries.

Adult pets are usually calmer, making them a great choice for families with children.

5. The bond is just as strong

Some people worry that adopting an older pet means they won’t bond as closely—but that’s far from the truth! Rescue pets often form deep connections with their new family as soon as they feel safe and secure.

Dogs thrive on companionship and will quickly become loyal, loving family members. Most adult cats love feeling like they belong too—curling up nearby or finding a cozy spot to be close to you. Meanwhile, a kitten might prefer to spend the night zooming around the house and launching surprise attacks on your toes!

6. A cost-effective choice

When you adopt a rescue pet, they’ve already been:
✔ Health-checked
✔ Desexed
✔ Vaccinated
✔ Microchipped
✔ Often flea- and worm-treated too!

When buying a puppy or kitten, these costs all come out of your pocket—on top of the price of the pet itself. Adoption saves you money while ensuring your pet starts their new life happy and healthy.

7. It sets a good example for your kids

Adopting a rescue pet presents a wonderful opportunity to teach your children the essential values of compassion, caring, and the selfless act of giving someone a second chance.

Why do pets end up in rescue?

Australia is a nation of animal lovers. There are over 3.5 million dogs and 2 million cats in homes across the country, and more than 90% of pet owners say they feel very close to their pet. So why do thousands of pets find themselves homeless each year?

The heartbreaking truth is that life circumstances change. Economic struggles, mental health challenges, and the housing crisis mean more pet guardians are facing tough decisions. Many love their pets deeply but simply can’t provide the care they need.

These facts are important to remember when you’re considering adopting a pet. It goes to prove that they’re just regular pets who need another shot at a loving home.

Why aren't rescue pets free?

To prepare them for their new homes, all rescue pets must be examined by a vet, vaccinated, microchipped and desexed. Then there are the ongoing costs of food and flea and worming treatments whilst the pet is in care. Most rescue organisations are volunteer-run and rely on adoption fees to continue their lifesaving work. So, to make the rescue process sustainable, the rescue organisation needs to recoup these costs (at least in part) by charging an adoption fee. 

100% of the adoption fee paid by an adopter for a rescue pet listed on PetRescue goes directly to the rescue group, shelter, council facility or vet with the pet in their care. 

In most instances, the adoption fee you pay covers the basic medical expenses incurred. However, if the pet received any extra medical treatment, it's likely that your adoption fee won’t cover these additional costs.

Adoption fees generally sit somewhere between $200 and $800. Compare this to the going rate you’d pay for a puppy from a pet store (that in all likelihood came from a puppy farm) that averages between $600 and $1,200, or $100 for a kitten. On top of that, you still have to pay for vaccinations, microchipping and desexing. So, when you add it all up, rescue pets are a bargain!

OK, I'm convinced. Where do I start?

Adopting a pet is a great joy and a huge responsibility, so it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. There are lots of things you need to consider to make sure you make the right choice for you, your family and your lifestyle. For example:

• If you travel a lot and work long hours away from home, it's probably not the right time for you to adopt.
• If you have a busy daily schedule, then perhaps an adult cat would be the purrfect companion for you.
• If you're planning a major lifestyle change, such as marriage, moving or a new baby, put your pet adoption plans on hold until things settle down in your life.
• Am I prepared for the financial costs? Food, pet supplies, grooming, and veterinary bills can easily add up to thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the pet.

How do I find a good rescue group?

A great place to start is the PetRescue Member Directory—Australia’s largest verified list of reputable rescue organisations.

With more pets being adopted through rescue than ever before, it’s important to choose an ethical group. PetRescue has created guidelines to help you navigate adoption platforms and avoid unethical profiteering.

Click here to learn more about the difference between a pound, shelter and rescue.

I can’t adopt, but I’m keen to help

Not ready to adopt? There are still plenty of ways to support rescue pets!
🐾 Foster a pet—provide a temporary home while they wait for adoption.
💚 Volunteer—help with transport, grooming, or spending time with pets in care. Use the rescue directory to find organisations in your local area

Image: Romeo, adopted thanks to Second Chance Animal Rescue.