Adopting a dog or puppy from RSPCA WA
We want to give animals in our care the very best opportunity for a healthy, happy life with their new family, so every dog or puppy available for adoption is:
- Desexed
- Vaccinated
- Microchipped
- Fully health-checked and rehabilitated, with information available on any ongoing health needs
- with information available on suitability with other dogs and people
A dog’s personality is as unique as our own, so whether you’re looking for an energetic exercise buddy or a fellow couch potato, our friendly team can help you find the right fit.
All dogs and puppies adopted from RSPCA WA will also receive a discount on RSPCA WA Dog Training, so you can set off on the right foot – and paw – towards responsible pet ownership and a healthy, mutually respectful and positively reinforced relationship with your new pet.
Preparing to adopt a dog or puppy
The dog adoption process:
- Plan – Dogs can live for 10-20+ years. Consider your budget, lifestyle and if you’re ready for the long-term commitment of dog ownership. Learn more.
- Explore – See who’s available for adoption in Perth online or in person.
- Visit – Get to know your potential new companion in person. Your whole household will need to meet the dog or puppy in-person before you adopt.
- Make it official – Complete the paperwork to finalise your adoption and take your new pet home.
- Settle in – Help your pet adjust to home life, with our support.
Items you need before you adopt:
- Collar and ID tag
- Dog lead and harness
- Water and food bowls
- Dog or puppy food and treats
- Comfortable bedding
- Balls, squeaky toys, slow feeders and other tools for physical and mental enrichment
- Grooming and cleaning products
These items can be purchased at our retail store, located within the RSPCA WA Animal Care Centre when you adopt your dog or puppy. All proceeds from each sale help RSPCA WA improve animal welfare across WA.
Fostering a dog or puppy from RSPCA WA
Many dogs and puppies in our care can’t be listed for adoption just yet but are perfectly suitable for – and would benefit greatly from – a little extra love and attention in a home environment. There are many reasons why a dog or puppy may need short- or medium-term fostering, including:
- Seized dogs or puppies in protective custody while legal proceedings are underway.
- Dogs or puppies recovering from surgery or short-term, treatable illnesses.
- Dogs or puppies experiencing stress and anxiety in a shelter environment.
- Female dogs with new puppies, in need of a stable and calm environment to raise their pups.
- Dogs with mild behavioural issues who may need support and respite.
How we support our foster carers
When you generously give your time and energy to foster a dog or puppy from RSPCA WA, we provide everything you’ll need to take care of your furry guest. This includes:
- All food
- All material items (bedding, carry cages, leads, harnesses, collars, toys and so on)
- All medications and instructions on how to administer them
- Free vet check-ups and urgent care
- 24-hour emergency phone support
Dog or puppy excursions
If you’re not ready for a full fostering commitment, you can still make a difference by taking a dog or puppy on an excursion or sleepover.
These flexible foster experiences can be as short as a few hours or as long as a few days, giving dogs and puppies valuable time away from the shelter to decompress, socialise, and play.
You can enjoy a one-off outing or develop an ongoing bond by taking the same dog or puppy out regularly (when available and beneficial for them).
Simply apply to become a foster carer, let us know you’re interested in excursions or sleepovers, and reach out whenever you’re available.
The dog fostering process:
- Plan – Consider how your time, space and lifestyle may need to adapt to care for a dog or puppy, and how long you can commit to fostering for.
- Apply – Complete this form to let us know about your situation and preferences.
- Find your match – We’ll suggest suitable dogs and arrange a meet-and-greet and pick-up.
- Check in – Bring your guest in for regular vet check-ups as part of their ongoing care.
- Farewell – When your guest is ready, we’ll arrange a time when you can drop them off. When you’re ready, we’ll match you with your next dog or puppy.
… or welcome home. If your foster dog becomes available to adopt, you are always welcome to go through the adoption process.