Mission:
The overarching mission of these Animal Rescue Organisations is to protect and rescue animals from various forms of suffering, including cruelty, abandonment, neglect, and the threat of euthanasia. Hence, this commitment stems from a deep belief in animal welfare and a dedication to improving their lives.
Objective:
To ensure animals in their care receive comprehensive medical attention, each rescue organisation focuses on key preventive measures. This includes microchipping, desexing, vaccinating, and treating the animals for common parasites such as fleas, ticks, and worms. They also conduct heartworm testing and prevention, while providing lifetime registration for the pets. The ultimate goal is to prepare these animals for successful adoption into loving, permanent homes.
Aim:
These organisations' aim extends beyond mere rescue. They work diligently to save animals in distress, moving them from precarious situations to safe environments. Animals are often placed in foster care, where their specific needs can be more readily addressed. They prioritise each animal's healthcare needs—whether extensive medical treatment or simple wellness checks. Furthermore, organisations actively work to resolve any behavioural issues that may arise, thereby improving the animals' adoptability.
To promote successful adoptions, they engage in a variety of supportive activities, such as following up on applications, arranging for meet-and-greet opportunities between potential adopters and pets, and meticulously managing the lodgement and processing of Change of Ownership documentation. Through these efforts, animal rescue organisations strive not only to rescue animals but also to ensure a bright, happy future for the animals they save.
Animal Rescue Organisations, business structure and status:
- Registered organisations are called AROs in NSW (Approved Rehoming Organisations) or APROs in Victoria (Authorised Pet Rehoming Organisations); the scheme starts on April 10, 2027.
- Unregistered organisations are called "Independent Rescues".
Charity Status
- Meaning: An organisation set up only for charitable purposes, such as protecting animals.
- Benefits: Can receive tax-free status and tax-deductible gifts from the public.
- Rules: Must follow strict government laws and prove their work benefits the public.
Not-for-Profit (NFP) Status
- Meaning: A group that does not run to make a profit for owners or members.
- Money Use: All extra money goes back into the rescue work and animal care.
- Difference: Not all not-for-profits are registered official charities with tax perks.
Incorporated Association or Company
- Meaning: A legal structure that makes the group its own body, separate from the people running it.
- Protection: Protects members from personal debt if the rescue has financial trouble.
- Rules: Must keep member lists and hold annual meetings.
Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR)
- Status: An extra tax tier managed by the ATO.
- Perk: Allows donors to claim tax deductions for donations over $2.
- Rule: Animal rescues must specifically register as an Animal Welfare Charity to qualify for DGR status
Where do the pets come from?
Pounds, private surrenders, RSPCA, AWL and other animal welfare organisations.
Current challenges:
Animal rescues across Australia urgently need foster carers in every state. Fostering saves lives by preventing the euthanasia of healthy pets in pounds. In New South Wales pounds alone, about 6,000 pets lose their lives each year due to a lack of space and carers.