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

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Animal welfare science

Caring for animals

Farm animal welfare

Public education

Advocacy

Enforcing the law

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.

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Priority issue

On 1 July 2024, the Federal Government…

Live sheep export

News

Here you'll find the latest news relating to the RSPCA's vital work, press releases on national events, education on animal welfare issues, animal welfare science updates and our very own podcast covering a range of current topics.

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Blog

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Media release: Live sheep export unfixable, unnecessary, unacceptable – and now, soon to be unlawful

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Support us

Whether you're an individual or a business, there are multiple ways you can support the RSPCA

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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

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Learn

The RSPCA aims to make evidence-based research accessible to the community, so that they can have confidence in the choices made when it comes to animal welfare.

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Knowledgebase Offsite

Animal Welfare Seminar

Animal Welfare Science Update

Download our latest issue

Education resources

Cage free and proud

Responsible sourcing

RSPCA Approved Standards

RSPCA Animal Welfare Seminar 2025

Animal ethics and animal welfare…

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About

The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.

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Annual reports

Annual statistics

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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.

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Adopting a dog or puppy

Love is Blind

Adopting a cat or kitten

Safe and happy cats

Adopting other animals

Responsible pet ownership

Visit the Adopt A Pet website

Make a difference to a pet’s life today.

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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.

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.

Animal welfare science

RSPCA Australia uses peer-reviewed scientific research to inform our policies, positions and campaigns.

Caring for animals

RSPCA member Societies work hard to care for animals through rehoming animals, educating the public about responsible pet ownership, and, where possible, by supporting injured wildlife.

Farm animal welfare

Committed to improving the welfare of the millions of animals on farms across Australia.

Public education

Educating the public in best practice for caring for their pets and other animals

Advocacy

The RSPCA advocates for animal welfare improvements across a number of industries, issues and platforms.

Enforcing the law

RSPCA member Societies enforce state and territory animal welfare legislation through their Inspectorate functions.

Donate

Donate to support the work of your local RSPCA

Partner & sponsorship

Partner with a nationally loved and trusted charity organisation

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Workplace giving

Get your workplace involved in supporting our work

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

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.

Adopting a dog or puppy

Adopting a dog is a great way to give a dog or puppy a second chance by providing a loving home. Find out what you need to know before adopting.

Adopting a cat or kitten

Choosing to adopt a cat or kitten is an exciting time. However, there are many things to consider before adopting a pet to help ensure you’re able to properly provide the right care and attention to your cat or kitten.

Responsible pet ownership

Choosing the right pet for you is fun, but takes time, planning and lots of research.

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.

Animals in Research and Teaching

Sport, Entertainment and Work

Wild Animals

Blog

Keep up to date about all things animal care and protection with the RSPCA Australia blog.

Media centre

View all our media releases and sign up to stay informed of breaking news

Podcast

Find out all things farm animal welfare, food and farming in Australia with our host Brian Daly.

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.

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Live sheep export will end by 1 May 2028.

The RSPCA federation works collaboratively to make animals’ lives better

Your support is essential

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

Adopt a pet

Do you have a question about animal welfare?

Our Voice in the community

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

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