Getting a furry, feathered or even scaly new family member is one of life’s absolute joys – and if you’re able to give a pet a second chance at a happy life by adopting an animal in need, the warm, fuzzy feelings are multiplied! But before you jump straight into searching for the perfect pet to adopt, there are a few things to consider.
From concern about the pet’s history to temperament, medical issues and cost, adopting a pet is just as involved as buying one from a breeder. So we’re exploring what you need to know before you adopt a pet, the costs, the types of pets you can adopt and of course where you can get your next furry (or feathered) family member.
What to consider when adopting a rescue pet
Family: Whether you already have children or are planning on having kids in the future, you’ll need to weigh up how an adopted pet will fit into your family. And this includes choosing the type of pet you want to adopt, and then looking at their size and temperament.
Finances: There’s no two ways about it, pets are a big financial commitment. From ongoing vet bills for regular checkups and vaccinations, to unexpected accidents and illness, as well as food, bedding, training … it’s worth factoring as much as possible into the family budget. According to an Animal Medicines Australia national survey, the average annual household spend for pets is:
- Dog: $2158
- Cat: $1393
- Small animal: $605
- Birds: $552
When you’re adopting a pet, there are also upfront costs, including adoption fees, accessories for your pet and their first vet visit.
Lifestyle: Some pets need lots of attention – for example dogs need exercise, training and a whole lot of companionship! If you’re a busy family that isn’t home much, you need consider if a dog is the best pet to adopt, or is it worth looking at adopting a cat or rabbit.
Your Home: The size of the pet you adopt is somewhere dictated by where you live. If you’re in an apartment or small home without much a backyard, a large breed dog probably isn’t for you. Having said that, there are some amazing farm animals, including horses, that come up for adoption. So if you have a property it’s worthwhile taking a look at large pet adoption.
Also take into consideration the pets you already have, and how they may react to a new family member.
Temperament: This is one of the biggest concerns people have when it comes to adopting a rescue pet. According to the Petstock Pet Parent Report 2024, more than half of prospective adopters say uncertainty about a pet’s history, including behavioural and medical issues, are the main barrier to adopting.
“Many rescue pets, including dogs, cats, and smaller animals, are already house-trained and have basic manners. Most of the time, adopting a pet isn’t starting from scratch – it’s about building on the great traits they already have,” explained Animal Behaviourist Lara Shannon.
Where to adopt or foster a rescue pet in Australia
We’re fortunate to have a bunch of amazing charities and organisations who are committed to finding homes for all sorts of pets in Australia, including:
Inside Laura Byrne & Matty J’s pet adoption journey
One of the best ways to truly understand what’s involved with adopting a pet is hearing about it straight from the horse’s mouth (pardon the pun).
Reality TV star, podcaster and Petstock Foundation ambassador Laura Byrne and her husband Matty J have two adopted pets – Buster the dog and Raspberry the cat. Here’s how she became a fur-mum via adoption.
Can you tell us more about your adoption journey with Buster and Raspberry?
I adopted Raspberry last year through Sydney Dogs & Cats Home and the Petstock Foundation. She was only six weeks old when we went to the shelter and my daughter Lola picked her out. Lola was absolutely smitten and wouldn’t put her down. We had to wait for her to be a little older and be desexed before we could bring her home, but now she’s ‘Queen’ of the household, and still sleeps in Lola’s bed most nights.
At the time when I adopted Buster, I was freshly single, and going through a tough spot in life, when I befriended my neighbour who, at the time, was Buster’s foster mum. She was temporarily minding him while a rescue organisation in Sydney was searching for his forever home. I quickly became really close friends with my neighbour, and would take Buster out for daily walks to help her out, and I completely fell in love with him. I honestly couldn’t imagine him being with anyone else, but at the time I lived in a rental that didn’t allow for pets. A couple of months passed and I ended up adopting him and signing a lease on a pet friendly ground level unit with a yard, and myself and Buster’s foster mum moved in together. Buster was like this wonderful glue that brought people together – I had a new dog, and a new best friend too.
What were the rescue organisations you adopted from?
I formally adopted Buster through Maggie’s Rescue in 2016 and Raspberry through Sydney Dogs & Cats Home and the Petstock Foundation in 2024.
What temperament and breed is Raspberry?
She’s a sassy tabby cat. We say she’s still got a bit of street in her, but she is getting more cuddly as she gets older.
What temperament and breed is Buster?
Buster is a Bull Arab cross. He is a giant beautiful baby – The goodest boy! Buster has been with me since 2016 and has been by my side as our family has grown. First came Matt, and then our two daughters, and he is still the most gentle giant with them. People think because of his size he might be aggressive, but he is so soft.
How did Buster cope when bringing Raspberry home?
He adjusted really quickly, I already had a cat when I first adopted Buster. He unfortunately died a few years back and Buster really missed having his little bestie around.
How is the relationship with Buster, Raspberry and your family/ children now?
Buster is really wonderful with cats – so I never had a worry that she was going to slot in seamlessly. It took her a moment to get used to having a big dog around, but now they sleep in the same bed together and are the best of buddies. The kids love having animals and I think it gives them such a good sense of responsibility as they help to take care of them.
Before adopting Buster and Raspberry, were there any lifestyle factors that you needed to
consider?
I think anyone who is considering getting a pet needs to consider lifestyle factors, how much you’re home, who is going to walk, feed and care for them. It’s not a one to two-year commitment, so I think all facets of how you are going to accommodate a new animal into your life have to be considered.
What have you learnt from rescue animals?
Mostly just how joyous it is to choose a rescue over designer dog and cat breeds. Giving an animal a second chance at a happy loving home, I think you can really tell how grateful they are.
Has adopting taught your daughters Marlie-Mae and Lola any life lessons?
Marlie and Lola don’t know that there is any other option, to be honest, they have never really spent time with any animals that aren’t rescue animals so they have a real sense that when you bring home an animal you’re doing a wonderful thing giving it a loving home.
What makes rescue pets so special?
There are so many reasons why rescue animals are truly incredible. For me, one of the most overlooked reasons is that as much as adopting an animal in need is in essence “rescuing them”, often animals save us too. I was in a really sad place in my life when I adopted Buster; I was fresh out of a bad break up, in a terrible headspace and felt really lonely. I always say Buster was my rescue animal, because adopting him pulled me out of one of the toughest periods of my life. There is also a misconception that rescue animals are going to be harder – this idea that you ‘don’t know what you get’, but Buster is the sweetest, most gentle angel ever. He went through some big scary stuff and lost a leg when he was a puppy, but it has not adversely affected him at all in terms of his temperament and personality. He is a giant beautiful baby.
What would you say to anyone who is considering welcoming a pet into their lives, regarding
adoption?
Speak to the incredible staff about the animals they have in their care and really consider their feedback on the temperament of the animal over the looks of the animal. So many people want a specific breed of dog, but have no idea how to best care for it or the sort of home that it requires. The amazing workers and foster carers spend so much time with the rescue animals that are available for adoption. They do a wonderful job in ensuring animals are a good fit, and if you are unsure try fostering before taking home a permanent pet.
Have you adopted a pet? Share your stories in the comments below!
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