Adopt, Don't Shop

If you’re thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your family, there are many great reasons to adopt from a rescue organisation.

The WA Government has launched a major public awareness campaign encouraging people looking for a new pet to first consider adopting a dog or cat from an animal shelter or rescue organisation.

Adopt, Don’t Shop aims to link you with a pet that meets your needs and circumstances. We’re also providing key information about responsible pet ownership — which begins the moment you start planning to bring a new pet into your life.

Thinking of getting a pet? 🐶

Adopting a dog or cat from a rescue organisation is a rewarding, ethical and cost-effective way to bring a new pet into your family. And you’ll be giving them a second chance at a good life.

Why adopt?

every puppy, kitten, dog and cat deserves a loving home
with many dogs and cats in WA rescue organisations, you can find your perfect match
pet adoption supports animal shelters and rescue services which are currently busier than ever
rescue pets are desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and vet checked
rescue pets provide companionship, unconditional love and bring joy to their new family
WA rescue organisations have a wide variety of puppies, dogs, kittens and cats waiting to meet you.

Preparing for a pet

Consider:

the long-term commitment of taking care of a pet
your lifestyle and the characteristics you are looking for in a pet and make sure you can meet the animal’s needs
how to prepare your family and home for a new pet
the financial investment needed to look after your fur-baby
adopting from a reputable rescue organisation or
finding a responsible and reputable breeder.

How to adopt

search for a pet available at WA rescue organisations
make an appointment, call the organisation or lodge an application to adopt or discuss your preferred pet’s needs
meet and get to know your prospective pet match before making your choice
prepare your home and your family
purchase the essentials — bedding, food, bowls, toys, a collar, leash
welcoming a new pet into your home is an exciting time, but remember to be patient, everyone will take a while to settle into a new routine
register your new pet with your local government.

Promoting responsible ownership

Dogs and cats are an important part of many Western Australian homes. Promoting responsible ownership and the future health and welfare of dogs and cats is a key priority for the State Government under the Stop Puppy Farming Act 2021 and the Cat Act 2011.

The WA Government is committed to implementing landmark reforms to stop puppy farming in WA to improve the health, wellbeing and protection of dogs across the State.

The new laws will prevent cruelty towards dogs and help families establish that their pets have come from legitimate, ethical and traceable sources. Under these new laws:

there will be a centralised registration system, PetsWA, to improve traceability of dogs, puppies, breeders and owners and make registering your pet easier
pet shops wanting to sell dogs and puppies would transition to adoption centres would transition to adoption centres
dogs would be mandatorily sterilised unless exempt.

PetsWA and Stop Puppy Farming legislation

Expected to launch later in 2025, PetsWA will replace the dog and cat registers managed by individual local governments with a single online system, used state-wide.

Close-up of black cat looking away at home

Laws for responsible cat owners

Information about the Cat Act 2011.

A cat and two dogs on a white background.

Protection for pet owners

You are protected by the Australian consumer laws when you buy a pet. Follow these tips about buying a pet to know your rights.

Animal welfare

Animal welfare is important to Western Australians. The WA Government recognises the value of animal welfare in our community and strives to ensure that all animals receive appropriate standards of care.

Buying from a breeder

If you decide to buy from a breeder, make sure they are responsible and reputable.

Pawsome and purrfect matches ❤

Across the length and breadth of WA there are many thousands of successful pet adoption stories. Each tale is proof of the power of a rescue pet to change a life.

Swipe your paw to see more matches.

A cat lies on a woman, who is also reclining

Pirate

Adoption update: Pirate is doing great, he was a bit shy at first but now is cuddly and playful. He loves a good head scratch and a nap in the couch. He is very curious cat! He will sit by the window and watch the street all day and see what’s going on.

Greyhound sitting on its bed, wearing a Santa coat and hat.

Stella

Stella is a happy dog who is an extremely important part of our family. Stella has brought much joy and a sense of calm (when she's not doing zoomies!) to the family. She loves her humans and will reach for us so she can get lots of belly cuddles.

2 black dogs sit on a chair, posing for the camera.

Paddington and Pearl

Paddington is our ‘therapy dog’ — he is so caring and senses when you're not ok. Pearl is huge compared to Paddington, but she is our princess. Both puppies have brought us so much joy. Our house is a little crazy at times, but so full of love.

Hemi

He is our young son's best friend and he sleeps in his room as his pocket-sized (5kg) guard dog. We are so lucky to have found Hemi. Rescued is the best breed — you will never find a more loving or loyal companion.

Annie

Annie quickly became a source of joy in the Ranger Department, lifting spirits and improving morale in what can often be a demanding and emotionally challenging job.

Red Cat

As soon as Red Cat and I met we fell in human/feline love. I don't know much about his life before Cat Haven, but I feel incredibly lucky for the privilege of giving this gorgeous old boy love for the rest of this life.

Tucker

Adopting Tucker was the best decision. He definitely has his quirks, but with training and patience, he’s becoming a certified good boy. Knowing that Tucker was close to becoming another statistic, we’re incredibly grateful to have been able save him.

Pebbles

Pebbles walked right up to my son and sat on his feet expecting to be rubbed. They bonded instantly! To this day, his bed is Pebbles’ bed — she chooses his arms and pats.

Bandit

We fell in love with the cute little face of Bandit and quickly arranged adoption paperwork. It was love at first sight, he adored the kids and the kids adored him. Bandit has had a very happy, very spoilt life and turned 3 this November.

Rescue organisations

Many rescue organisations, and services can support Western Australians to adopt or foster a loving pet who is looking for a new home.

RSPCA WA

RSPCA WA tries to match the right animal with the right owner. We offer personalised advice at our shelter about which animal best suits a person’s lifestyle and personality.

Animal Protection Society of WA

Animal Protection Society of WA is a not-for-profit, pro-life volunteer run cat and dog refuge. We are committed to rescuing cats and dogs who find themselves homeless.

Cat Haven

Cat Haven, WA’s largest shelter for homeless, lost and abused cats. Our vision is that every WA cat should be a well-cared for cat. A reduced adoption fee of just $25 will be offered for all our cats during the Adopt, Don’t Shop campaign.

Dogs' Refuge Home

We’ve been rescuing and rehoming dogs for almost 90 years, and with over 200 beautiful four-legged friends in our care at any time, chances are your next addition to the family is already here waiting for you! Please consider visiting us before going to a pet shop or breeder.

K9 Rescue Group

At K9 Rescue Group we are passionate about creating an environment where a dog is treated as a rightful and respected member of the community. We have many volunteers who work tirelessly to successfully rehome around 200-300 dogs a year.

SAFE

Since its inception in Karratha in 2003, SAFE (Saving Animals From Euthanasia) has been a beacon of hope for animals in need across Western Australia.

Share the joy

Share your tail-wagging and purr-fect adoption stories to inspire others! 🐾 Your journey could be the spark that leads to another pet finding their new home. 🐶🐱 Let’s spread the love and joy of pet adoption together!

Social media

Get your socials purring and use our social media graphics to share the joy of how adopting cats and dogs can change you and your family's life.

#AdoptDontShopWA #PetsWA #RescuePets

Campaign resources

Download our resources to help spread the word and encourage people to Adopt, Don’t Shop.

A scruffy looking do on a white background

Share your story

Submit photos, videos and heart-warming ‘tails’ of your rescue pet!

News

A person holds a litter of 3 yellow labrador puppies

Contact us

Email petswa@dlgsc.wa.gov.au
Media visit our media hub

Mailing lists

For updates on the new PetsWA system, email petswa@dlgsc.wa.gov.au
For updates on the Stop Puppy Farming legislation, email puppyfarming@dlgsc.wa.gov.au

Page reviewed 13 January 2025