Free Pet Support in Times of Need

Explore short-term pet support options to help you care for your pets when times get tough – like dealing with financial hardship or facing Family & Domestic Violence (FDV).

Vet at Community Action Day
Vets helping dog at Community Action Day

Free Pet Support in Times of Need

While our primary focus is on improving animal welfare through cruelty investigations, shelter & rehabilitation, rehoming and advocacy, RSPCA WA also provides short-term support to keep pets and their loving owners together in times of need, so neither of you have to go through the heartbreak of saying goodbye too soon.

Small dog health check Community Action day

Free pet care events

RSPCA WA provides free pet care, advice and essential dog and cat supplies to Western Australians who are experiencing financial hardship at our Community Action Days. This includes:

  • Free health checks for dogs
  • Free pet food for dogs and cats
  • Free advice and support from animal care staff and volunteers

Learn more Upcoming events

Chain exchange

Free dog collar exchange

Many dog owners are unaware of the pain and long-term damage that choke chains and prong collars can cause at any age. RSPCA WA makes it easy to replace pain-inflicting collars with a more humane option by providing a free collar exchange service.

Learn More

Dog paw holding hand

Crisis care for pets impacted by FDV

If you are directly impacted by Family & Domestic Violence (FDV), RSPCA WA can provide a safe haven for your dogs, cats and pocket pets for up to six months while you transition to a safer home for the whole family.

Learn more

Other pet support services available in Western Australia

Financial support for pet owners

RSPCA WA can’t provide direct financial assistance, but the services below may help if you’re struggling with veterinary costs:

  • Centrelink/ Centrepay may be able to assist with your vet bills (for those already receiving payments).
  • VetPay or Perth Vet Bill Assistance may be able to provide payment plan assistance.
  • PetStock Vets provide urgent veterinary services with AfterPay/ ZipPay options.
  • Metro Mobile Vet provide mobile veterinary services with discounts for pension card holders, seniors and students.

If you’re unable to afford essential vet care for your pet and you’ve tried all these options, get in touch with our team to discuss other options.

Practical support for pet owners

RSPCA WA can’t directly assist with daily pet care tasks in your home, but the organisations below may be able to help pet owners who need practical assistance due to age, disability, or health challenges:

  • Pets Of Older Persons (POOPS) is a free service that connects volunteers with pet owners who need help with dog walking and transporting pets to vet or grooming appointments.
  • Pet Rescue helps connect pet owners facing hardship with relevant services in their area through their Crisis Care Directory.