We are not a shelter; each of the animals you see listed with Canberra Pooch Rescue is in a loving foster home. They are given love, training and the attention they require. Our adoption process is not difficult.... it is aimed at assuring that you and your dog is a good match and will have a long and happy future together. We strive to make the best match for each dog within our organisation.

To enquire about, or adopt, a dog, please either phone or email a foster carer (using the contact details listed with the dog's or cat's description). The foster carer will ask about you, your family, and any other pets, about your lifestyle and accommodation, and about the type of dog you want, so that they can help work out if the dog you have selected is right for you.

Foster carers will also carry out a 'home check' where we look at fencing and shelter for the dog to make sure they are adequate, and advise on anything that needs to be done to make sure your dog will be safe and comfortable.

After this, you will be asked to sign an adoption agreement, and pay an adoption fee. You will also need to fill in change-of-owner forms for microchip registration.

The adoption fee for each dog can be different. Our carers operate independently, and set their adoption fees based on recovering costs, which includes vet work, tests, medications and other costs associated with rescuing a dog. Fees for dogs that are older are often reduced to below the cost of their vet work.

Besides the love and companionship of your new friend, the adoption fee will normally include:

(check the description for each dog to confirm what is included in the adoption fee)

As we are a volunteer organization funded entirely by contributions, we count on public support as well as your adoption fees to help defray the costs of vet costs and caring for our foster dogs. We are delighted to accept any amounts over these minimum fees to help other dogs in our care.

Frequently asked Questions

1. How do I adopt a dog or cat?

See the description above for infomation on how to adopt a dog, or contact us on info@canberrapoochrescue.org.au with your questions.

2. What does the adoption fee cover?

Your adoption fee will, in most cases, include: desexing, microchipping, vaccination (C5 for dogs, F3 for cats), heartworm test and heartworm prevention (dogs), FIV test (cats), health check and worming.

3. What doesn't the adoption fee cover?

Local council/state/territory registrations are not included in the adoption fee, so you will need to register your dog (and cat if applicable) in accordance with your local requirements. In the ACT and NSW cats do not need to be registered, and dogs are lifetime registered. Contact your local council (NSW) or a government shopfront (ACT) to register your dog.

4. Why are the adoption fees different?

Our carers operate independantly, and set their adoption fees based on recovering costs, which includes vet work, tests, medications and other costs associated with rescuing a dog. Fees for dogs that are older are often reduced to below the cost of their vet work. The adoption fee doesn't relect on the dog/cat itself, only on the costs associated with its rescue and vet work.

Our carers rely entirely on adoption fees, plus a small public contributions, to care for and pay for vet work for their foster dog and cats. In most cases, the adoption fee will be less than the cost of the vet work, as we are able to take advantage of discounts from the wonderful vets who support rescue.

5. How will I know if a dog or cat is 'right' for me?

As we care for our foster dogs and cats in our own homes, we get to know them very well. Iin a brief adoption review we can discuss the dog you have selected and your compatibility. We may ask you questions about you, your family and other pets, your lifestyle and your accomodation in order to help you work out if a dog is suitable for you.

If the dog you have selected doesn't meet your needs, we can recommend another dog to you, or help you find the type of dog you are looking for.

6. What if it doesn't work out?

We do our best to match you with the right dog for you, but occasionally things just dont work out. You can return the dog or cat to it's foster carer during the initial 'trial period' for a refund (please check with the foster carer on the length of time for the trial period. Three weeks is our standard, but this can change depending on circumstances). After the trial period, if you no longer can care for your adopted dog or cat, please contact the foster carer to discuss options. You wont be able to get a refund, but the foster carer may be able to take the dog or cat back in for rehoming.

** Please note that the CPR adoption agreement stipulates that you MUST contact CPR or the foster carer if you decide that you no longer want to keep your CPR pet, and you MUST give the foster carer the option of taking the dog on**

CPR promotes responsible, lifetime pet ownership