Our role

The state and territory member Societies provide services to animals in need through their shelters and inspectorates. In the national office, RSPCA Australia works to influence animal welfare policy, practice and legislation across the country
Go to Our role

Key issues

The RSPCA advocates for the welfare of animals across a number of industries, issues and platforms. Help from our supporters is important to progress change. Working together is key.
Go to Key issues
better than live export hero banner
Priority issue
On 1 July 2024, the Federal Government…
Live sheep export

Support us

Whether you're an individual or a business, there are multiple ways you can support the RSPCA
Go to Support us
An animal in the RSPCA care being cared for by an RSPCA vet
Donate now to support your local RSPCA and make a difference to animal welfare across Australia
Donate

About

The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.
Go to About
about us national statistics
Read our National Statistics
Compiled on a national basis by RSPCA…
Annual statistics

Adopt

By choosing adoption, you’ll not only have the chance to make a friend for life, but you’ll be giving an animal a second chance and helping support the RSPCA.
Go to Adopt
adopt a pet logo
Visit the Adopt A Pet website
Make a difference to a pet’s life today.
Search Adoptapet
Subscribe now! Keep up to date with the latest animal welfare news
Home

Live sheep export will end by 1 May 2028.

The decision to end the trade is firmly backed by science and evidence, and by the Australian community.

It means a better future — for animals and for the community. Australian sheep are better off at home — and as a country and a society, we can and will do better than live sheep export.

Our role

The RSPCA federation works collaboratively to make animals’ lives better

The RSPCA in Australia is a federation, with an RSPCA in each state and territory and RSPCA Australia as the national body. The RSPCA’s member Societies in each state and territory operate animal rehoming centres, investigate and prosecute animal cruelty complaints, advocate to improve the lives of animals, and educate the community on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. In the national office, RSPCA Australia works to influence animal welfare policy, practices and legislation across the country.

Support us

Your support is essential

Help animals across Australia. Your passion for animal welfare will be reflected in our dedication and hard work.

The RSPCA receives thousands of animals every year in every state and territory in Australia

RSPCA Australia compiles national statistics on the number of animals received and cruelty complaints investigated. We also create and publish articles educating the community on animal welfare issues and animal care practices.
87,465
Animals cared for
In 2022-2023, the RSPCA cared for 18,778 dogs, 33,747 cats, 388 horses, 1,453 livestock, 6,424 small animals (such as mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, fish and ferrets) and 26,675 native and introduced wild animals.
58,923
Cases of cruelty investigated
In 2022-2023, the RSPCA investigated 58,923 cases of cruelty and made 237 prosecutions.
766
Knowledgebase articles published
The RSPCA Australia science team develops policy to help inform the public on best animal care practices, welfare issues across a range of sectors and the prevention of animal cruelty.
Adopt A Pet

Adopt a pet

Every year, the RSPCA provides shelter to thousands of animals in need of a good home. By choosing adoption, you’ll not only have the chance to make a friend for life, but you’ll be giving an animal a second chance and helping support the RSPCA. Search for animals available for adoption and find out what you need to know before adopting.

Knowledgebase • Offsite

Do you have a question about animal welfare?

Visit the RSPCA Knowledgebase for informed answers on a huge range of issues. The Knowledgebase features hundreds of evidence-based articles on animal welfare issues, responsible pet ownership, and the RSPCA’s policies and positions.

Latest News

Our Voice in the community

rspca approved farming logo
RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme

For 27 years, the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme has been improving the lives of Australia’s farmed animals.

The RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme is Australia’s leading independent certification scheme focused on animal welfare. We work closely with farmers to make a positive impact on the lives of Australia’s most intensively farmed animals by providing an environment that meets their needs. More than 5 billion hens, pigs, chickens, turkeys and salmon have benefitted from higher welfare conditions since the Scheme began.

Find out which brands have products with RSPCA Approved certification and learn about how together, we can improve the lives of Australian farm animals. Click here for the latest news.

subscribe box

Stay informed on big issues and how you can help improve animal welfare across Australia.

Subscribe today and we’ll keep you updated on all the latest campaigns, events and news.