Adopting a dog or puppy

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

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.

Go to Key issues

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.

Go to News

Blog

Media centre

Podcast

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

Read the media release

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

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.

Go to Learn

Knowledgebase Offsite

Animal Welfare Seminar

Animal Welfare Science Update

Download our latest issue

Education resources

Cage free and proud

Choose Wisely

Responsible sourcing

RSPCA Approved Standards

RSPCA Animal Welfare Seminar 2025

Animal ethics and animal welfare…

Learn more

About

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

Go to About

Annual reports

Annual statistics

Board & governance

Scholarships

Join our team

Our history

Contact

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

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.

Search Adoptapet

Report Cruelty Donate

Adopting a dog or puppy

Choosing to adopt a dog or puppy is an exciting time. However, there are many things to consider before adopting a dog to help ensure they're right for you.

adopt a pet adopting a dog selecting your dog

Adoption process

Matching the right people to the right dog is important to us at RSPCA.

Take your time to think about what type of dog you are after, and what type of dog is right for you and your family. Once you have spotted that special friend, RSPCA staff will talk to you about that particular dog, their needs, and their background. We'll also ask you questions about how they will live with you (such as if you have other pets). Above all else, our concern is the dog's welfare.

Search for a dog or puppy on Adoptapet

Selecting your dog or puppy

When it comes to selecting a dog or puppy, take your time to think about what type of dog you are after, and what type of dog is right for you and your family.

An RSPCA shelter is a fantastic place to start your search. There are many animals across the country who are looking for a new home and a loving family.

The RSPCA’s Smart Puppy and Dog Buyers Guide is a good starting point for all the information you need before you bring a new dog or puppy into your home.

Read the guide

Caring for your dog or puppy

Bringing a new dog or puppy home is a wonderful, exciting experience. It is very important that you take the time to help your new family member feel safe and comfortable in their new surroundings, so the whole family can enjoy this new relationship. You also need to be ready to begin the process of educating your dog, and be prepared to provide for all of their feeding, health, training and exercise needs.

Find out what you need to know about caring for your new dog or puppy on the RSPCA’s Knowledgebase.

Visit the Knowledgebase

Love is Blind

Unfortunately, some breeds need more than unconditional love

Many breeds of dog have exaggerated physical features, which means they can’t breathe, walk or give birth normally. Many have chronic and painful ear, skin and eye problems. These problems prevent many dogs from having a normal and comfortable life.

This results from breeding that focuses on appearance rather than selecting traits that are best for the dogs’ health and well-being, often including breeding to pedigree 'breed standards'. That’s a real concern for owners - no one wants to be blind to the suffering of their much-loved pets.

When choosing your pet, it’s important to understand the specific needs and potential health issues that could affect certain breeds.

Visit 'Love is Blind'

RSPCA Pet Insurance

Award-winning Pet Insurance for your furry family members

Like any member of your family, your pet can unfortunately and unexpectedly become ill or suffer an accident. Even expenses for annual routine care like vaccinations, teeth cleaning and flea, tick and worm control can come as quite a shock.

Imagine knowing your pet can be treated, but that it will cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. RSPCA Pet Insurance may be able to assist with the cost of veterinary treatment.

Learn more about RSPCA Pet Insurance

Desexing

Aside from preventing accidental litters, there are many health and behavioural benefits to desexing.

Microchipping

If your pet becomes lost then you are far more likely to become reunited if he or she is microchipped.

Responsible pet ownership

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

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

We care about your data in our privacy policy.

Choosing to adopt a dog or puppy is an exciting time. However, there are many things to consider before adopting a dog to help ensure they're right for you.

Matching the right people to the right dog is important to us at RSPCA.

When it comes to selecting a dog or puppy, take your time to think about what type of dog you are after, and what type of dog is right for you and your family.

Caring for your dog or puppy

Unfortunately, some breeds need more than unconditional love

Award-winning Pet Insurance for your furry family members

Related pages

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