In this article, we’ve featured 8 of the best dog rescues in Melbourne. Read on to learn about them.
1. Second Chance Animal Rescue
Second Chance Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization that was founded in Melbourne in 2008. Their team is made up of vet professionals, devoted foster families, and dedicated volunteers who all work together to rescue dogs and cats from overcrowded shelters where they face euthanasia. Once rescued, animals are placed in foster care until they are ready for adoption.
By the end of 2019, Second Chance Animal Rescue was responsible for saving over 10,000 animals across Victoria and placing them in loving permanent homes. All animals listed for adoption are microchipped, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and examined by a veterinarian. View available pets here, or donate to Second Chance Animal Rescue here.
2. Homeless Hounds Animal Rescue
Homeless Hounds Animal Rescue is a non-profit rescue organization that was founded in Melbourne in 2011. The organization has since spread right across the country and is made up of a huge network of volunteers who work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and foster animals in need. Once ready, rescued dogs (and sometimes also cats) are listed for adoption and transferred to loving, permanent homes.
Once rescued, animals at Homeless Hounds Animal Rescue are given any medical care they require, as well as training or behaviour correction. The organization also works throughout local communities to encourage animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. If you’re interested in adopting, available dogs can be viewed here. You can also donate to Homeless Hounds Animal Rescue here.
3. Animal Aid
Animal Aid is a safe haven and refuge for animals that are abandoned, lost, unwanted, or abused. Based in Melbourne, this organization takes in these pets (including dogs, cats, and other animals), works hard to reunite lost pets with their owners, and provides a second chance for all other animals. They also provide a range of community services to help pets and their owners, including a vet clinic and dog training.
The team at Animal Aid ensures that all animals are healthy prior to being listed for adoption and try to match the temperament of each animal with potential adopters to guarantee a good fit for everyone. Dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and treated for worms/fleas prior to being listed for adoption. View available dogs here, or donate to Animal Aid here.
4. Victorian Bull Terrier Rescue
Victorian Bull Terrier Rescue is a non-profit rescue organization run by volunteers that was established in 2014. Based in Melbourne, Victoria, this dedicated team is committed to rescuing bull terriers that have been abandoned or neglected, many of which end up in over-crowded shelters and face potential euthanasia.
Once rescued, bull terriers are placed in foster care, their medical needs are addressed, and their temperament is assessed to ensure a good match with potential adopters. Adopters are given lots of information about what it takes to become a bull terrier owner so that there are no surprises. If you would like to learn more about adopting, available dogs can be viewed here. You can also donate to Victoria Bull Terrier Rescue here.
5. The Lost Dogs Home
The Lost Dogs Home is a highly successful animal welfare organization that prioritizes care and support for abandoned, abused, or unwanted animals. By the end of 2019, the organization had been responsible for taking in over 16,000 animals, with 92% of all dogs reunited with their owners or re-homed.
Almost 2000 animals are in foster care, where they can live in a relaxing home until a permanent adopter can be found. The Lost Dogs Home also has a behaviour program where dogs with certain problems or issues can be trained/corrected as necessary. View available dogs here, or donate to The Lost Dogs Home here.
6. Save-A-Dog Scheme
The Save-A-Dog Scheme was established in Melbourne in the 1980s and has saved thousands of dogs and cats in the years since. They are a dedicated no-kill organization – animals are given medical care (including palliative care), and many are housed at the Save-A-Dog Scheme’s dedicated no-kill shelter.
Before being listed for adoption, all animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, and examined by a veterinarian. If you’re interested in adopting, you can view the available dogs here. The Save-A-Dog Scheme relies entirely on donations – you can contribute to their good work here.
7. The Animal Rehoming Service
The Animal Rehoming Service is an animal welfare organization committed to supporting animals in need across Melbourne, Victoria, and beyond. To date, the organization has found homes for over one thousand homeless, unwanted, or displaced pets since it opened its doors in the year 2000. The organization is committed to keeping pets out of overcrowded shelters where they may face euthanasia. To do this, they work directly with people who need to re-home their pets and find would-be-adopters who are good matches for each individual animal.
Until permanent homes can be found, animals are placed in foster care where they undergo veterinary care and spay/neuter surgery if necessary. Learn more about adopting a dog here, or make a tax-deductible donation to The Animal Rehoming Service here.
8. Australian Working Dog Rescue
Australian Working Dog Rescue is a registered non-profit organization that specifically focuses on rescuing working dog breeds from pounds and city shelters where they may face euthanasia. They work right across the country, from Melbourne to Perth and everywhere in between. Rescued dogs are rehabilitated, microchipped, vaccinated, and treated for worms. These pets come from a wide range of backgrounds and vary in age – some are suitable for active families, others are great for working on farms, and some are even suitable pets for retirees.
Mature dogs are available for an adoption fee of $450, while puppies are usually available for $495 to cover the extra veterinary care associated with young dogs. Senior dogs 8-10 years are available for $200, and dogs over ten years are available for a donation of any size. If you’re interested in adopting, view available dogs here (note that they are located all over the country). You can also make a tax-deductible donation to Australian Working Dog Rescue here.
“Emily is an avid writer and dog lover who usually prefers the company of pets over people. Based in Los Angeles, when not stuck in traffic she spends her days reading in the sunshine, relaxing at the beach, or planning her next adventure.”
