There are many advantages to buying a dog or cat (or another type of pet, such as a rabbit or guinea pig) from a registered shelter or pound.

• Shelter and pound animals are reasonably priced, especially considering that they are vet checked, de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped and wormed.

• Animal shelters and pounds re-home dogs and cats of all ages and breed types so you can choose an animal that suits your individual needs.

• By purchasing a dog or cat from a shelter or pound you are reducing the number of animals that might be euthanased, as well as giving a home to an animal in need.

• Shelters and pounds have to comply with the Code of Practice for the Management of Dogs and Cats which means that you are supporting an organisation that maintains high standards of management and care for their animals.

• Adopting a mature dog or cat means that you do not have to go through the very demanding stage of raising a puppy or kitten.

• With a mature pet you have a good idea of what the animal's temperament is like and you know the animal's adult size, coat type etc.

• Mature pets are usually house-trained and may even have some other basic training.

Reunification of lost/stray animals

Dogs and Cats being retrieved by owners from shelters or pounds must be microchipped and registered with their local Council prior to release.  Both shelters and pounds have the ability to rehome unwanted/unowned/unclaimed dogs and cats after a minimum mandatory quarantine period of eight days.

Foster Care

Many shelters and some pounds set up foster care agreements with volunteers and members of the community.