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
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.
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
Find a dog/ puppy to adoptLearn more about adopting
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.