Common misconceptions about RSPCA

You’re a big corporation with heaps of funding so I don’t need to support you.

RSPCA Queensland relies heavily on the community to keep our doors open to animals in need. We are 91% funded by animal lovers like you, which is why all kind donations to our cause are vital in providing care to over 42,000 animals across the state every year.

Don't take your animal to the RSPCA, they’re just a “kill” shelter.

At RSPCA Queensland, we’re committed to giving every animal the best possible chance - rehoming all healthy and behaviourally sound animals and providing expert care and rehabilitation for those in need. There is no age or time limit for animals that enter our care and we accept animals from all walks of life through our doors every day. When an animal is suffering and cannot be saved, euthanasia is only ever considered as a last resort and is carried out with compassion to prevent further pain.

The animal cruelty report I lodged went nowhere.

Our Inspectors investigate all animal welfare complaints reported to RSPCA Queensland and carry out their work in accordance with the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (Qld). Our priority is to educate and support the community around responsible pet care, and we often work with owners to resolve minor animal welfare concerns. Where serious cruelty or neglect is identified, investigations may lead to enforcement action or prosecution.

Why are you adopting reptiles? They should just be released into the wild.

Reptiles that are domesticated (ie. raised or bred in captivity), cannot be returned to the wild for many reasons. RSPCA Queensland has an agreement in place with the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation which allows us to rehome snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs and some bird breeds to Recreational Wildlife License holders. This arrangement has saved the lives of hundreds of displaced animals every year, through no fault of their own.

Your adoption fees are too expensive and people can’t afford them.

RSPCA Queensland adoption fees help cover essential veterinary care and rehabilitation costs involved in preparing rescue animals for adoption. Most pets available to adopt at the RSPCA are desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and vet checked before being rehomed - this is all included in the pet adoption fee. Dogs, cats, kittens and puppies that are adopted through the RSPCA are also provided a free bag of Royal Canin pet food to set them up for success in their new home. Preparing just one rescue animal for adoption can cost the RSPCA over $500. The daily cost of caring for rescue animals including any specialist veterinary or behaviour care required, are on top of this.

Microchips are just GPS tracking for dogs.

Microchips are a serial number which is about the size of a grain of rice and implanted under a pet’s skin by a vet. When registered to their owner with the correct contact details, pet microchips are a vital way of reuniting lost pets with their family. Microchips can be scanned at vets, councils and animal shelters to identify pet owners so they can be contacted.

A dog that’s barking is cruelty, RSPCA should do something about it.

If you have a barking dog in your neighbourhood, these noise complaints can be directed to your local council which will be addressed under their Animal Management Act. However, if you believe there are other animal welfare concerns associated with the barking, RSPCA Inspectors can investigate.