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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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Farm animals

Sport, entertainment & work animals

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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

Media centre

Podcast

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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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For individuals

For businesses

National events

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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

Education resources

Cage free and proud

Choose Wisely

Responsible sourcing

Key information

Domesticated animals

Non-domesticated animals

Aquatic animals

RSPCA Approved Standards

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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

Board & governance

Scholarships

Join our team

Our history

Contact

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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

Adopting a cat or kitten

Adopting other animals

Responsible pet ownership

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Visit the Adopt A Pet website
Make a difference to a pet’s life today.
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Find out more about us

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Annual reports
The RSPCA Australia annual report provides a snapshot of our progress, successes and challenges and an update on how we're helping all creatures great and small.
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Annual statistics
The RSPCA receives thousands of animals every year in every state and territory in Australia. Annual statistics on the numbers of animals received, reclaimed or rehomed are compiled on a national basis by RSPCA Australia.
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Board & governance
RSPCA Australia works with its members in establishing national policies and positions on animal welfare, as well as working with both government and industry on national animal welfare issues.
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Scholarships
RSPCA Australia's scholarships program has supported many valuable research projects on a variety of animal welfare issues.
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Join our team
Turn your passion into a career, and enquire about coming to work at the RSPCA.
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Our history
More than 150 years on from the first meeting in 1871 to discuss the welfare of horses, the RSPCA has grown to be one of Australia’s most loved, trusted and recognised charities.
What we stand for

RSPCA Australia’s mission, purpose, vision, values, and principles.

Our mission
  • To prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection.
Our purpose
  • To make animals’ lives better.
Our vision
  • All animals have a good life.
Our values
  • Compassion: We believe a kind approach benefits all.
  • Courage: We do what is right for animals over what is easy to do.
  • Integrity: We earn the trust upon which our work depends.
  • Knowledge: We make informed decisions.
  • Tenacity: We never give up
Our principles
  • We consistently align our actions with our purpose and vision.
  • With animals’ welfare at the forefront of our thinking, we act in their best interests – no matter how challenging.
  • We are transparent, explaining what we do, why we do it, where we are and where we are heading.
  • We strive for continuous improvement – knowing that small steps are progress, even as we embrace the longer-term view.
  • We work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes. We recognise and respect the intrinsic dignity of all
Objectives of the RSPCA in Australia
  • To prevent cruelty to animals by ensuring the enforcement of existing laws at federal and state level.
  • To procure the passage of such amending or new legislation as is necessary for the protection of animals.
  • To develop and promote policies for the humane treatment of animals that reflect contemporary values and scientific knowledge.
  • To educate the community with regard to the humane treatment of animals..
  • To engage with relevant stakeholders to improve animal welfare.
  • To sustain an intelligent public opinion regarding animal welfare.
  • To operate facilities for the care and protection of animals.

Visit our member Society websites for localised content in your state or territory

ACT
ACT
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NSW
NSW
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DAR
NT
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QLD
QLD
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SA
SA
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TAS
TAS
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VIC
VIC
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WA
WA
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