If you’re thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your family, there are many great reasons to adopt from a rescue organisation.
The WA Government has launched a major public awareness campaign encouraging people looking for a new pet to first consider adopting a dog or cat from an animal shelter or rescue organisation.
Adopt, Don’t Shop aims to link you with a pet that meets your needs and circumstances. We’re also providing key information about responsible pet ownership — which begins the moment you start planning to bring a new pet into your life.
Adopting a dog or cat from a rescue organisation is a rewarding, ethical and cost-effective way to bring a new pet into your family. And you’ll be giving them a second chance at a good life.
Consider:
Dogs and cats are an important part of many Western Australian homes. Promoting responsible ownership and the future health and welfare of dogs and cats is a key priority for the State Government under the Stop Puppy Farming Act 2021 and the Cat Act 2011.
The WA Government is committed to implementing landmark reforms to stop puppy farming in WA to improve the health, wellbeing and protection of dogs across the State.
The new laws will prevent cruelty towards dogs and help families establish that their pets have come from legitimate, ethical and traceable sources. Under these new laws:
Expected to launch later in 2025, PetsWA will replace the dog and cat registers managed by individual local governments with a single online system, used state-wide.
Information about the Cat Act 2011.
You are protected by the Australian consumer laws when you buy a pet. Follow these tips about buying a pet to know your rights.
Animal welfare is important to Western Australians. The WA Government recognises the value of animal welfare in our community and strives to ensure that all animals receive appropriate standards of care.
If you decide to buy from a breeder, make sure they are responsible and reputable.
Pet rescue and adoption organisations work hard to find loving, permanent homes for the puppies, dogs, kittens and cats in their care. Both the pet and their new human companion need to be suited to each other. Search some of WA’s rescue organisations below to help you find your new best friend!
Swipe right or click the arrows below.
Well howdy! I'm Blackie! I was sadly surrendered as I no longer enjoyed being in the house with the other pets in the house! Therefore, I'll need a feline free home! Here is what my foster family say about me:Blackie is a friendly and outgoing 9-year-old black cat. He will follow you wherever you go and entertain you with his various noises.
Affectionate, friendly, outgoing, confident and playful. He’s a very smart, well-mannered boy.
Chunk loves to play with the other dogs in his foster home and enjoys playing with whatever toy is around at the time. He is a typical puppy with bursts of energy where he plays for a while then settles down with his person for a snuggle and snooze before waking up and doing it all over again!
I’m Violet and this is my brother, Hank! We’re looking for a furever home together, Hank is my best friend and I his.
We follow each other around everywhere and love to always be side by side, even during afternoon siestas or at bedtime. We’re super playful and love to run around having fun and getting up to mischief! We LOVE cuddles, if we can both fit on your lap we will (even if we can’t, we’ll try anyway!).
I’m super affectionate! Each morning I greet the volunteers with the same routine. I greet them at my door, wait for them to come in and squat down to give me a cuddle. I scooch around and sit my bum in their lap and get some much deserved cuddles for being the goodest boy.
Meet Argos, an adorable mix with a big heart who’s ready to find his perfect forever home! This bright, loyal boy thrives in a calm, structured environment with lots of companionship to keep him feeling secure. Argos would be happiest in a child-free home with experienced owners who can appreciate his clever nature and build a deep, trusting bond with him. If you’re ready to welcome a devoted friend and think you’re the right match, please ask about Argos!
Across the length and breadth of WA there are many thousands of successful pet adoption stories. Each tale is proof of the power of a rescue pet to change a life.
Swipe your paw to see more matches.
As soon as Red Cat and I met we fell in human/feline love. I don't know much about his life before Cat Haven, but I feel incredibly lucky for the privilege of giving this gorgeous old boy love for the rest of this life.
Adopting Tucker was the best decision. He definitely has his quirks, but with training and patience, he’s becoming a certified good boy. Knowing that Tucker was close to becoming another statistic, we’re incredibly grateful to have been able save him.
Pebbles walked right up to my son and sat on his feet expecting to be rubbed. They bonded instantly! To this day, his bed is Pebbles’ bed — she chooses his arms and pats.
We fell in love with the cute little face of Bandit and quickly arranged adoption paperwork. It was love at first sight, he adored the kids and the kids adored him. Bandit has had a very happy, very spoilt life and turned 3 this November.
Many rescue organisations, and services can support Western Australians to adopt or foster a loving pet who is looking for a new home.
RSPCA WA tries to match the right animal with the right owner. We offer personalised advice at our shelter about which animal best suits a person’s lifestyle and personality.
Animal Protection Society of WA is a not-for-profit, pro-life volunteer run cat and dog refuge. We are committed to rescuing cats and dogs who find themselves homeless.
Cat Haven, WA’s largest shelter for homeless, lost and abused cats. Our vision is that every WA cat should be a well-cared for cat. A reduced adoption fee of just $25 will be offered for all our cats during the Adopt, Don’t Shop campaign.
We’ve been rescuing and rehoming dogs for almost 90 years, and with over 200 beautiful four-legged friends in our care at any time, chances are your next addition to the family is already here waiting for you! Please consider visiting us before going to a pet shop or breeder.
At K9 Rescue Group we are passionate about creating an environment where a dog is treated as a rightful and respected member of the community. We have many volunteers who work tirelessly to successfully rehome around 200-300 dogs a year.
Since its inception in Karratha in 2003, SAFE (Saving Animals From Euthanasia) has been a beacon of hope for animals in need across Western Australia.
Share your tail-wagging and purr-fect adoption stories to inspire others! 🐾 Your journey could be the spark that leads to another pet finding their new home. 🐶🐱 Let’s spread the love and joy of pet adoption together!
Get your socials purring and use our social media graphics to share the joy of how adopting cats and dogs can change you and your family's life.#AdoptDontShopWA #PetsWA #RescuePets
Download our resources to help spread the word and encourage people to Adopt, Don’t Shop.
Submit photos, videos and heart-warming ‘tails’ of your rescue pet!
Paws what you’re doing and give a fur-ever home to a furry friend!
Share your story and like or share share social media to share the message by using the hashtag #AdoptDontShop! 🐶🐱
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Trails WA (@trailswa)
A post shared by Trails WA (@trailswa)
View this post on Instagram A post shared by DLGSC (@deptlgsc)
A post shared by DLGSC (@deptlgsc)
View this post on InstagramA post shared by DLGSC (@deptlgsc)
Email petswa@dlgsc.wa.gov.auMedia visit our media hub
For updates on the new PetsWA system, email petswa@dlgsc.wa.gov.auFor updates on the Stop Puppy Farming legislation, email puppyfarming@dlgsc.wa.gov.au
Sign up to receive updates on the legislation