How is RSPCA Queensland Responding to the Coronavirus Outbreak

Rescue Animal Cruelty Animal Welfare Pets Posted May 19, 2021

We are taking the threat posed by COVID-19 extremely seriously and have been working hard to ensure we are able to continue to provide essential care for all animals. Below is a list of FAQs on how RSPCA Queensland is responding to the coronavirus outbreak.

Are your centres still open to the public?

Not all of our public facing facilities are open. Click here for our latest updates. The RSPCA is taking the COVID-19 threat extremely seriously and we are working hard to ensure we are able to continue to provide essential care for the pets and wildlife in our care. The rules instigated by the Australian Government means that some of our operations have closed or have restricted services until further notice. Stay up to date here.

Can I still adopt a pet?

All RSPCA Adoption Centres are closed to the public. However, if you are interested in adopting head to rspcaqld.org.au/adopt and if you see an animal that you would like to adopt please complete the expression of interest form here.

Petbarns will continue to adopt out RSPCA cats at their locations, at this stage.

When will you be re-opening your centres to normal business?

We will be closely monitoring Government advice on when to re-open some of our facilities and services to the public. Stay up to date here for the latest updates.

If all of your centres close, what happens to the animals? Will they be euthanised?

We have plans in place to ensure the care of our animals is not compromised. Thanks to members of staff still able to be onsite, we can guarantee that each and every animal will continue to get veterinary treatment, essential care and of course the love they need. Many RSPCA pets are also currently in foster homes. Pets will not be euthanised due to centre closures. They will still receive the same care they always have at our facilities.

Can I come in and offer my time to help look after the animals?

Thank you for your kind offer, however we cannot accept new foster carers or volunteers at this time. We must reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for you and our staff. The best way you can help us continue to care for our pets and wildlife is to make a donation. We receive less than 4% of Government funding each year, so your support is vital so we can continue to operate.

How can I help the RSPCA?

The best way you can help us continue to care for our pets and wildlife is to make a donation. We receive less than 4% of Government funding each year, so your support is vital so we can continue to operate.

You can also sign up for free to take part in Million Paws Walk: Walk this May! You can log your physical activity with your pet online, and help fundraise for our cause while keeping active at home.

You can still purchase your pet products from RSPCA World for Pets (restricted in store hours) or anytime in our online store – with all profits helping our RSPCA animals too.

If your dog needs to brush up on some training or you have behavioural questions, talk to our RSPCA School for Dogs team – now offering online dog training courses!

Need some extra reading at home? Subscribe to our RSPCA Magazine digitally here! All profits go towards caring for animals with us right now.

I’d like to foster a pet for you in my own home. Can I do this?

Thank you for offering to help. We’ve temporarily closed new applications to foster whilst we prioritise working with our existing staff and volunteers to provide ongoing care for our animals. The best way you can support us currently is by making a donation to help us continue to be here for every animal in need.

I’d like to surrender a dog or cat, can I still do this?

Please visit our animal surrender portal. At this stage we cannot accept incoming animals.

I’m struggling with my pet’s behaviour at home, what do I do?

We have a lot of helpful advice already on our website. Learn more with our animal training fact sheets to see if this answers your specific concern. If you can’t find what you are after, call us on 07 3426 9954. Our RSPCA School for Dogs team are also offering online, in-home dog training! Find our more here.

My RSPCA foster pet is sick. What should I do?

Please contact us 24/7 on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625). We will walk you through the next steps to ensure your foster pet can receive medical treatment. We will be providing support via video call as well to ensure your pet can be assessed. Download this handy guide for when visiting the RSPCA Domestic Hospital during COVID-19 or click the image below.

If your own pet becomes sick, please contact your local vet as we do not offer public veterinary services at RSPCA Queensland.

My recently adopted RSPCA pet is sick. What should I do?

If you’ve adopted a pet from the RSPCA and within 14 days your pet becomes sick, we can provide veterinary treatment. Please contact us on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625). We will walk you through the next steps to ensure your adopted pet can receive medical treatment. We will be providing support via video call as well to ensure your pet can be assessed.

If it’s been over 14 days since you’ve adopted from us and your RSPCA pet becomes sick, please seek veterinary treatment from your local vet. You’re welcome to stay in touch with us too.

Download this handy guide for when visiting the RSPCA Domestic Hospital during COVID-19 or click the image below.

I’ve found a sick or injured animal. What do I do?

Call our 24/7 Animal Emergency Hotline, 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625). Our team can advise what to do next. If you are able to, you can also take an injured or sick animal to your local vet if closer, and also safe to do so, but please call them in advance as their admission process may have changed.

Our Animal Ambulances will still be operating, but please be patient with us. We will provide further information over the phone on how to prepare a sick or injured animal for our ‘contact free’ support.

I’ve lost my pet and need advice

Our 1300 363 736 Lost and Found number is still operating to take information about lost and found pets and match any records we may have.

Please also contact your local Council and Vet for help in searching for your pet. More advice about lost and found pets can be found on our page here.

I’ve found a pet and need advice

At the RSPCA we cannot take in stray animals unless they are sick or injured. If the pet you’ve found is sick or injured please call our hotline on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) so we can advise of next steps as our processes for on-site admission have changed.

If you’ve found a healthy stray pet, you can call our Lost and Found team on 1300 363 736 and we can take information to match any records we may have. Please contact your local Council about found pets for collection. You can also seek advice from your local vet as they can scan for a microchip to see if the owners can be located. For more information about lost and found pets click here.

Can I still order my pet products from RSPCA World for Pets?

Although our physical retail stores have restricted operating hours due to COVID-19, you can still place orders for your pet products online at www.worldforpets.com.au anytime!

Our warehouse will continue to dispatch orders until advised otherwise, so you can still provide for your pet. Please be advised it may take up to a week to arrive. Here is more information so you can plan for your pet needs early.

I want to donate some items to the RSPCA, what can I do?

Thank you for wanting to help! Our Op Shops have closed (except for Bundaberg, Bundall, Gympie, Labrador, Robina, Rockhampton, Sherwood, North Tamborine and Toowoomba).

Please call your closest RSPCA for advice if you wish to donate items to our Op Shops or RSPCA animals.

We would love donations of food and veterinary items at this difficult time so we can continue to help animals in the community. You will find a food bank drop-and-go area for food and veterinary items at the front of our Adoption Centre during operating hours (10am – 6pm).

Please also heed Australian Government advice when travelling, and if required, stay home. You can stay up to date with RSPCA updates here.

My pet has died, what should I do?

We’re terribly sorry to hear your pet has passed away. Our Pets at Rest Qld Cremation Service is still operating and is able to pick up your beloved pet.

Contact us on 0437 686 999 or visit www.petsatrestqld.com.au for our online bookings and more information during this difficult time.

I need to update my Will and want to help the RSPCA. What should I do?

Thank you for considering the RSPCA and leaving a lasting legacy for animals in need. You can read more information about how to update your Will, and information our Pet Legacy Program – to ensure your pet is cared for should anything ever happen to you.

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Emma Lagoon

As the Communications & Media Manager for RSPCA Qld, Emma's passionate about making a real difference and believes every animal has a story to share. She has over nine years experience working in animal welfare and is the voice for the RSPCA on digital, print and broadcast channels.

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