Kindness is adopting a pet at the RSPCA

RSPCA adoptions aren't limited to shelters. You can adopt a cat from select RSPCA Op Shops or Petbarn locations or see who is available in foster care near you.

Find an adoption location near me

As we do not get nearly as many small breeds as we do medium to large size dogs, we often have a huge influx of interest when they become available to adopt. As our shelter works off an intake basis where we never know what we will have, we do not offer waitlists. We ask that you visit our adoption page regularly to see if a dog becomes available that you might be interested in, hit the 'Apply now' button.

Animals available to adopt

Not necessarily! If you've already applied, don't be disheartened, we could be working through a number of adoption applications just like yours. We'll still reach out to you with an update.

We try our best to accommodate adoptions on the spot at our RSPCA adoption locations, but we also process adoptions via an appointment system so we can ensure we have the staff and resources available at that time of day. You are welcome to visit our RSPCA adoption locations to browse our pets available to adopt and speak with our adoptions staff if you have any questions. You will still be asked to fill in an adoption application at an RSPCA location so we can ensure you and the animal that you’re interested in adopting are the right match. If you’re looking to adopt a cat from a Petbarn location that adopts RSPCA cats, you can adopt in-store with the Petbarn team.

RSPCA adoption locations

You are welcome to visit any of our RSPCA Adoption Centres during opening hours to browse our pets looking for homes. You can also apply directly online to adopt a pet and our adoptions team will get back to you.

Apply to adopt a pet

If you find a pet and it comes into RSPCA care, you can complete an expression of interest to adopt form if that animal isn’t reclaimed by their owners.

You will still need to arrange your own transportation of your new pet if your adoption application is approved. Our adoptions team can offer transportation advice based on where you live. Some pets may not be suitable for long-distance or interstate travel, you can check this with our adoption team when applying to adopt an animal.

You can either come straight into an RSPCA shelter or speak with your local vet who usually provide this service for free, if more convenient for you.

It can take anywhere from 1-8 weeks for your details to appear on your pet’s microchip post-adoption. If your pet’s details are still listed as RSPCA Qld after this time, please contact us.

Contact our Adoptions Team

The included pet food is a free addition to your adoption. You can however choose to donate the bag of food to the shelter. All of our dogs and cats are fed Royal Canin diets, so it’s best to continue with that diet post-adoption to avoid tummy upsets in your pet and talk to your vet about transitioning diets if you are looking to change your pet’s dry food.

Anyone over 18 years of age can adopt a pet.

You can apply to adopt an animal via our form.

Apply to adopt a pet