RSPCA NSW COVID-19 Update: Adoptions

15th June 2020 – UPDATE: Please note that as of Monday 15 June 2020 RSPCA NSW shelters are open to the public. Please contact your local shelter for opening times.

Please click here to view the opening hours for your nearest RSPCA NSW shelter, care centre, and vet clinic, as they may have changed.

All operational changes are made in line with Federal and NSW State Government regulations implemented to limit the spread of COVID-19. Whilst restrictions have eased, RSPCA NSW encourages the practice of safe social distancing and hygiene measures while visiting our locations. Limits on the number of people allowed inside the shelter at any time will be monitored and varied from shelter to shelter

RSPCA NSW is calling out to the community to help us to find homes for the 2,577 animals still currently in our care.

As of today, anyone interested in adopting a furry or feathered friend from RSPCA NSW must make an appointment before visiting one of our locations.

If you are interested in adopting an animal, please fill out an appointment request form. After you have submitted the request for an appointment, a staff member will be in touch to arrange a meet and greet.

“Now, as this pandemic escalates, we are asking for your help to find forever homes for the animals in our care. We ask anyone considering an animal companion to think about RSPCA NSW,” says RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman.

“We will need your help as throughout this, RSPCA NSW will remain committed to the care, treatment and welfare of all in-care and incoming animals.”

At this time, when the community is being encouraged to stay at home, the presence of an animal companion can be priceless. A pet can be a much-needed comfort, a giver of furry hugs, a listening ear. They make excellent colleagues. They offer unconditional love at a time when you may not be able to be in the presence of your loved ones.

The changes to the usual adoption process are temporary. As we are operating with a reduced number of staff, please be patient with us at this time.

These changes have been implemented to protect the health and safety of our staff and the wider community. In keeping with advice from the Australian Government, these measures will ensure that the number of people in our shelters at any one time is kept to a minimum.

RSPCA NSW also relies heavily on its foster care network to provide temporary homes to animals who need a helping hand. If you are interested in fostering an animal you can help us by registering to be a foster carer online here.

While COVID-19 is having an impact on many aspects of our lives, sadly, animal cruelty has not stopped. We will still be providing assistance to incoming animals in need.

kittens covid19 adoptions

All animals available for adoption can be found online at www.rspcansw.org.au/adopt

For the latest updates on our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit our blog here.

For more information or an interview with an RSPCA NSW spokesperson, contact or 0488 905 353 email media@rspcansw.org.au