How it works: Your guide to PetRescue
PetRecue connects you with hundreds of rescue groups, shelters and pounds across Australia that have pets available for adoption - a bit like a dating site!
You can view thousands of adoptable pets all in one place, making it super-easy to find your new best friend. Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, donkeys (any kind of animal really!) - you’ll find them right here.
Each of PetRescue’s member rescue groups, shelters and councils operates independently, so they may have slightly different ways of doing things, but most likely, your adoption will go something like this…
Search PetRescue to find ‘The One’
This is the fun part. Using the search function on the PetRescue homepage, you can start browsing and refining your search to find dogs, cats and other pets. Filter by size, age, location and lifestyle needs, including puppies, kittens or adult pets.
Take time to read each pet’s profile. Learn about their personality and consider whether they are the right fit for you and your lifestyle. Things like size, age, activity level, grooming requirements and training needs are important to think about. Puppies and kittens may be irresistibly cute, but they often require a much greater time commitment than adult pets.
Rather than searching by breed, which does not always reflect a pet’s personality, our search tools help you focus on what really matters: age, size, location and care needs.
First things, first: Set up your adopter profile
Before you fall in love with an adorable furry face, make sure your adopter profile is ready to go.
Your PetRescue adopter profile is more than just a form. It helps rescue groups get to know you and understand the kind of home you can offer. You can edit and update your profile at any time, and we recommend sharing as much detail as you can.
Rescue organisations carefully read through this when deciding if you might be the best fit for their pet. Since you only need to create one profile to apply for multiple pets, it’s a huge time-saver too!
Find out more about how to make your adopter profile stand out.
Filters and favourites: your search superpowers
Use filters to narrow your results, and tap the heart icon to save pets to your favourites list. It’s the easiest way to keep track of all those sweet snoots!
Tip: Want to be first to know when new pets are listed? Set up Pet Alerts and we’ll send matching pets straight to your inbox. Find out how to set up Pet Alerts here.
Found a pet that could be ‘the one’?
When a pet makes your heart do a zoomie, here’s how to send an enquiry that stands out:
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Share a little about your home and lifestyle
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Explain why that pet caught your eye
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Ask thoughtful questions about things like health, behaviour and daily routine
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Be kind and patient. Many rescue groups are small teams run by volunteers
📚 Helpful reads: Pet enquiry checklist | Application tips
Get to know the rescue people
If you’re new to rescue, it’ll help to learn a little about the different types of rescue groups by reading the Who’s Who of Rescue. You can also find rescue groups and shelters in your community by searching the Rescue Directory.
It’s important to find rescue people you can trust and feel a connection with, so be sure to check out the 4 signs of a good rescue group, and take note of the ones that feel right for you.
Don’t delay in making contact with the shelter, rescue group or pound if you think you’ve found your match - there may be other people applying for the same pet. Prepare any questions you may have and get in touch. You’ll find contact information on the pet's profile page.
Bear in mind that shelters are only staffed during business hours, while foster groups rely on volunteers who may only be available at certain times of the day.
Make your application
Some rescue groups will ask you to complete an additional adoption application. This helps them understand your situation and find the best possible match for both you and the pet.
If the pet you enquired about has already been adopted, the information you provide may help the rescue group suggest another suitable pet.
If you miss out, don’t be discouraged. Hundreds of new pets are listed on PetRescue every day. Keep looking and set up a pet alert so you can be among the first to view any new pets for adoption.
Read more about what to expect after sending an enquiry.
Meet and greet
Once your application has been processed, the rescue group will contact you to arrange a time for you and your family to meet the pet. Some may also request a house check, just to make sure your fences are escape-proof and there are no potentially dangerous situations your new pet may get into.
Your new best friend is waiting! 🐾
Our biggest tip is to explore with an open heart (and mind). Your future best friend might just be the one you didn’t expect!
Start your pet search today: View all pets on PetRescue
Check out some of our favourite Happy Tails of pets who found love through PetRescue.