Find Pets For Adoption

A Guide to Pet Adoption in Australia

Adopting a pet is a long-term commitment, so it is important to understand the animal’s needs, history and personality before making a decision. Dogs, cats and other pets may be available through rescue organisations, shelters or private owners looking to rehome an animal.

The adoption process can vary depending on who is caring for the pet. Before bringing an animal home, ask about their health, behaviour, daily routine and previous living environment. Consider whether their exercise, training, grooming and companionship needs suit your household.

How does pet adoption work in Australia?

The adoption process depends on where the pet is being adopted from.

A rescue organisation or shelter may ask you to complete an application covering your home, lifestyle, existing pets and experience with animals. Some may arrange a meet-and-greet or discuss whether the pet is suited to your household before approving the adoption.

Pets adopted through shelters or rescue organisations may have received veterinary care such as health checks, vaccinations, microchipping and desexing. The services provided can vary, so check the individual pet listing and ask what has been completed.

Private rehoming works differently. In this situation, you deal with the pet’s current owner. Ask for clear information about the animal’s health, temperament, routine and reason for rehoming before making a decision.

Where possible, meet the pet before agreeing to adopt.

Rescue Adoption vs Private Rehoming

A rescue organisation or shelter manages the adoption process and may assess animals before placing them into new homes. This can include veterinary care, behavioural observations and discussions about whether the pet is suitable for a particular household.

Private rehoming takes place when a pet owner finds a new home for their animal without going through a rescue organisation.

Private rehoming gives you the chance to speak with someone who knows the pet’s day-to-day behaviour. Ask how the animal responds to children, visitors, dogs, cats and unfamiliar situations. You should also ask about training, separation behaviour, exercise needs, diet and known health conditions.

Both types of adoption should involve careful consideration. The aim is to find a home that suits both the adopter and the animal.

What should I ask before adopting a dog or cat?

Before agreeing to adopt, ask questions that help you understand the pet’s health, behaviour and daily needs.

Useful questions include:

• How old is the pet?
• Why are they being rehomed?
• Are they microchipped?
• Are the microchip details current?
• Have they been vaccinated?
• Are they desexed?
• When was their last veterinary examination?
• Do they have any current or previous medical conditions?
• Do they take medication?
• Do they have any known allergies?
• What food are they eating?
• Are they toilet trained?
• What training have they received?
• How do they behave around children?
• How do they respond to other dogs or cats?
• How do they behave when left alone?
• Have they shown signs of fear, anxiety, guarding or aggression?
• How much exercise do they need?
• Are veterinary or behavioural records available?

These questions can help you decide whether the pet’s needs match your home, schedule and lifestyle.

What does a pet adoption fee usually cover?

Adoption fees vary depending on the animal and the person or organisation responsible for their care.

For rescue animals, the adoption fee may contribute towards:

• Veterinary examinations
• Vaccinations
• Microchipping
• Desexing
• Parasite treatment
• Medication
• Food
• Bedding
• Temporary care costs

There is no single standard adoption fee across Australia. Fees can vary based on the pet’s age, species, medical needs and care history.

Private owners may also charge a rehoming fee. Ask what the fee includes before making any payment.

A rehoming or adoption fee should not be treated as proof that veterinary care has been completed. Ask for supporting records when vaccinations, desexing, microchipping or medical treatment are claimed.

Medical and Behavioural Records to Check

Before bringing a pet home, ask what veterinary and behavioural information is available.

Useful records may include:

• Vaccination history
• Microchip details
• Desexing records
• Previous veterinary reports
• Current medications
• Known medical conditions
• Parasite treatment history
• Dietary requirements
• Behavioural assessments
• Training information

Some rescue organisations may complete health or behavioural checks before adoption, but the process varies.

For privately rehomed pets, these checks may not have been completed. Ask the current owner what information is available and consider arranging a veterinary check after adoption.

Helping Your New Pet Settle In

A newly adopted pet may need time to adjust to a different home.

Prepare a quiet area with fresh water, bedding and somewhere the pet can rest without disturbance. Avoid introducing too many people, animals or new environments during the first few days.

Ask the previous carer about:

• The pet’s usual food
• Feeding times
• Exercise routine
• Sleeping habits
• Toilet routine
• Favourite toys
• Training cues
• Behaviour around other animals

Keeping some parts of the pet’s previous routine can make the transition easier.

Each animal adjusts at a different pace. Monitor eating, drinking, toileting, sleeping and behaviour during the settling-in period.

If you have concerns about the pet’s health, speak with a veterinarian. For behavioural concerns, seek advice from an appropriate animal behaviour professional.

Staying Safe When Adopting a Pet Online

Online pet listings can help connect adopters with animals looking for new homes, but it is important to take precautions.

Before adopting:

• Meet the pet before making a commitment where possible.
• Speak with the person or organisation responsible for the animal.
• Ask to see veterinary and identification records.
• Confirm microchip information.
• Ask detailed questions about the pet’s history.
• Check the reason for rehoming.
• Avoid making payments based only on photos or messages.
• Be cautious if someone pressures you to make a fast payment.
• Question unexpected transport, insurance or courier charges.
• Make sure the pet you meet matches the animal shown in the listing.

Meeting the animal gives you a chance to see their condition, observe their behaviour and ask questions about their needs.

Taking time to verify the information in an adoption listing can help you make a safer and better-informed decision.