How much does it cost to adopt an animal?

Our adoption fees start at $450 for canines, and $195 for felines. We reserve the right to increase these prices from time to time so it is best to Contact Us for the latest pricing.

Why are your animals so expensive?

Our adoption fees contribute to the medical and general wellbeing cost of each animal, along with any additional vet work an animal may require. The adoption fees are very reasonable when considering the cost of desexing, microchipping, worming, etc. In the end, it is less expensive to adopt a rescue with all their vet work up to date.

What is included in the adoption price?

The adoption fee includes up-to-date vaccinations, microchipping, desexing (when of the appropriate age), flea, tick, and intestinal worming treatment, and all of our dogs are on heartworm prevention.

When are your adoption days?

Our Adoption Days are held from 9am - 1pm on the second Saturday of every month at Bunnings Domain Central, as well as on the last Saturday of every month at Petstock Domain Central. Follow our Facebook page for any additional dates we may have.

Can you only adopt animals on the Adoption Days?

No. If you find an animal you are interested in adopting, please send an enquiry through our website at www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms and the Coordinator or Foster Carer will contact you within 48 hours.

What is the process to meet foster animals?

After you've completed an enquiry form, the Coordinator or Foster Carer will arrange a time with you for a no obligation meet. If you decide you would like to go through with the adoption process, simply fill out an adoption application form here: www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms

What are your payment options?

We are a non-cash facility. Our payment options include bank transfer, eftpos or you can visit an ANZ Branch to make payment directly into our account.

Does Angel-Paws have a return policy if the adoption doesn't work out?

We will try to assist in helping to settle your new addition and provide recommendations for trainers. However, if there is no other option, we will, of course, endeavour to take back our adopted animals.

I have adopted a young animal that has not been desexed, how is this organised?

To benefit the animal's physical development while growing in their family home, desexing is done between 4 1/2 to 6 months of age. If you have adopted a puppy or kitten, we will contact you when they are ready for desexing to arrange their compulsory appointment at one of our vet clinics. The cost of the desexing procedure has been included in the adoption fee and will not incur any further charges to you.

Can I adopt one of your animals if I don't live in Townsville?

We do many non-local and interstate adoptions. Simply send an enquiry through the website at www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms and our Coordinators will be in contact and can send you the process. If you would like to continue with adoption, the animal's Foster Carer will be in touch and can send you photos, videos, etc. if you are unable to meet in person. You will need to arrange your own transportation of the animal. We are of course, happy to meet yourself or a representative from an animal transport company to hand over the animal.

Can I bring my dog to meet a rescue I am considering adopting?

Absolutely. You can bring your dog when meeting the animal or, we can arrange a playdate on neutral territory. We request that you let the Foster Carer know prior to your meet and greet so they can make appropriate arrangements to ensure neither animal is overwhelmed, and have the best chance of a successful meeting.

What happens to your animals if they don't get adopted?

We always endeavour to find our animals their perfect forever home, however long it takes. Our animals can stay in our care from a week to over a year before they get adopted.

Do you have in- home 'trials' for your animals?

Trials can take place at the Coordinator’s discretion for our adult dogs or cats who have behavioural issues, or who may need that extra time to settle in. We try to limit the number of trials as it is not fair on the animal to be moved around often. Please send an email through our Contact Us page to discuss the option of a trial.

Can I place an animal on hold?

If you would like to adopt an animal, however, are not in the position to take them home right away, (eg. moving house, getting real estate approval, or have a holiday planned in the next few days) we recommend contacting us. Depending on the situation, the animal, and the number of adoption enquiries we have for that animal, we can potentially hold them for you at the discretion of the Coordinators. In order to hold an animal, we will require full payment of the adoption fee.

Do you have waiting lists for certain breeds?

No. We don’t have the resources to keep and update a waiting list for certain breeds. We recommend keeping an eye on our Facebook page or website. Please note that we can get 20+ enquiries for the one animal, especially for pure breeds or small dogs. We will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible.

Do you have hypoallergenic animals?

Not specifically. We understand that it is tough for families who have members that are allergic to cats/dogs. We recommend consulting with your doctor to see if there are any medications which will help with the symptoms. Some people can be allergic to an animal’s fur, saliva, dander, or their flea and tick control, etc. If you do some research on breeds of cats or dogs who are hypoallergenic, keep an eye on our Facebook page or website.

Are your animals desexed?

Yes, all of our animals are desexed if deemed appropriate by our veterinary team. If they are not desexed at the time of adoption, their desexing will be arranged with their new families when they are between 4 1/2 to 6 months old.

Are your animals microchipped and vaccinated?

Yes, all of our animals are microchipped, have up-to-date vaccinations, are flea, tick, and worm treated, and dogs are on heartworm prevention. However, depending on the age of the animal, you may have to arrange the second and third vaccinations at your own cost.

What does it mean to 'foster' an animal?

To foster an animal means to temporarily welcome them into your home with the goal of nurturing and looking after them until a forever home is found.

How do I become a Foster Carer?

There are certain requirements to be met for you to become a Foster Carer, however, they are the normal requirements to be a responsible pet owner i.e. Be able to provide a safe, escape-proof home / yard with adequate shelter, and access to clean water and food. Teaching basic obedience and manners, making time for vet visits and adoption meet and greets, and providing adequate attention and exercise. If you believe you are suited to being a Foster Carer, complete and submit the appropriate application, FELINE FOSTER CARER APPLICATION FORM or CANINE FOSTER CARER APPLICATION FORM found on our website > www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms

Do I have to pay for anything for my foster animal?

No, Angel-Paws will supply appropriate bedding, equipment, and food for your Foster Animal as well as pay any vet bills. However, you are welcome to provide special treats, toys, or bedding for your Foster Animal/s if you have the means to.

What if I want to adopt my foster animal?

If you do want to adopt your foster animal, please let your Coordinator know as soon as possible so we are not advertising an animal that is possibly already adopted.

Do I get a choice of what animal/s I foster?

Yes, to a degree. You can specify whether you prefer large / small dogs, puppies, kittens, whelping mothers, neonates, or older animals. Our coordinators will help match the right animal to the Foster Carer.

How long will I have my foster animal for?

It varies. Some animals may only require a week or two in care while others require long-term care before they are adopted.

Is it a problem that I have children?

Not at all. Many of our Foster Carers have children. It can be beneficial for our rescues to become accustomed to being with children of all ages.

Is it a problem that I have my own animals?

No, however, you will need to ensure your animals are up to date with their vaccinations, intestinal worming, and flea control treatments. Your animals need to be well-mannered, sociable, and likely to accept a new animal into their home environment.

Do I need to live in Townsville to be a Foster Carer?

Yes, due to logistics and animal management, we do require that our Foster Carers live in Townsville.

Do you need Volunteers?

Angel-Paws Inc. operates with a core group of staff working together with passionate volunteers to help our four-legged friends find a well-deserved forever home. No matter what your skill, we can always find a use for someone who is motivated and able to work independently or within a group of others and follow instructions.

How do I become a Volunteer?

If you would like to volunteer with Angel-Paws, please complete the volunteer application form found on the website > www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms. Then follow the instructions in the email that is sent to you via Google Forms. Our Volunteer Coordinator will then be in touch.

What volunteer positions are available?

There are many roles for Volunteers. On our website > www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms, there is a detailed list of the responsibilities for each role we have available.  Following is just a sample of the positions we need volunteers to assist with:

• Administration and Data Entry
• Marketing and Fundraising
• Graphics and Web Design
• Sewing, Crafting, and Baking
• Building and Fencing
• Photography
• Transportation and delivery of animals and supplies

What do Volunteers do?

On our website > www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms, there is a detailed list of the responsibilities for each role we have available. We rely on our volunteers to assist with bingo at the Cowboys Club every Wednesday and Friday mornings, our monthly Adoption Days, and transporting animals and supplies. Not to mention assistance in running special events i.e. quiz nights, online raffles, bake sales, sausage sizzles, involvement in community events, and fundraisers just to name a few.

Does Angel-Paws have insurance that covers Volunteers?

Yes. We have public liability insurance that covers our Volunteers if they injure themselves whilst volunteering for Angel-Paws.

How many hours am I expected to volunteer to be on the team?

Volunteers are required to actively contribute 1-2 hours each month. If this is not possible, and you can only do a one-time donation of your time, please Contact Us and ask to speak with the Volunteer Coordinator regarding your circumstances.

Do Volunteers have a uniform?

If you do not own an Angel-Paws shirt, the Volunteer dress code is either a plain black or purple t-shirt with jeans or jean shorts. Closed-in shoes are essential for WHS. An official Angel-Paws T-Shirt can be purchased through our shop on our website > VIEW SHOP

How can I donate money?

Donations can be made at our information booths or fundraising events. You can also donate through our website:  > www.angelpawsinc.com.au/donate where you will receive a receipt which is tax deductible for donations over $2.

What donation items are required?

We are always in need of donations, they include:
- Good quality wet and dry dog and cat food and treats
- Home Brand Long Life Lactose-Free Milk
- Whiskas Kitten Milk / Puppy Milk / Di-Vetelact Milk Powder
- Kitty Litter (not the clay kind)
- Puppy training pads
- Cat and Dog toys, including heavy-duty chew toys
- Collars and leads
- Kennels, dog beds, cat towers, and cat beds in good condition
- Pet shampoo (Maleseb Medicated wash or Fidos Flea Shampoo) and Flea treatments (preferably Capstar or Advocate for Cats and Nexguard for Dogs)
- Gift Vouchers for Fuel, Bunnings, Supermarkets and Pet Stores
- Reams of Plain A4 Paper

Where can I drop off donations?

Donations can be left at Petstock Domain Central, Woolworths Hermit Park, Coles Aitkenvale, or at Angel-Paws, 156 Southwood Road, in Stuart.

How long do you take to respond to emails?

We have several Coordinators accessing the email account and you should hear back within 48-72 hours. If it is an emergency, please call 4420 3276.

How do I report an animal cruelty or neglect case?

RSPCA Qld takes care of all cruelty, neglect, and abandonment complaints of companion and farm animals, as well as reports of wildlife injuries. If an animal is seriously injured, ill, or trapped and requires URGENT attention please contact the RSPCA Qld Cruelty Hotline 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or 1300 852 188. If the case is not urgent, complete and submit an online Cruelty form which can be found on the RSPCA Qld website.

I found a stray animal, what do I do?

If you have found a stray animal, take it to your nearest vet for a microchip scan. From there, the vet will be able to contact either the owners or the animal shelter. You are welcome to take photos and post on Facebook lost and found pet groups to help them find their way home.

What do I do if I have lost my pet?

If you have lost your pet, please contact your local council, and post a picture of your dog/cat on local lost and found Facebook groups. You can also print out flyers and do letterbox drops in your neighbourhood.

How do I surrender my animal to Angel-Paws?

Prior to completing an Animal Surrender Application form found on our website, please read the 'Animal Surrender Process' document found at > www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.  Please note that a surrender fee may be applicable. Once your form has been completed and submitted, the appropriate Coordinator will be in touch as soon as possible when a position is available in our foster care program. Please be aware, completing a surrender form does not guarantee your animal a position in our foster program as we are often operating at 100% capacity.

Where is your shelter?

Angel-Paws prefers to house our animals in foster care as this ensures they get the comforts of living in a home environment and we can identify any behavioural problems, and socialise them with other animals and children.

We do have a shelter and headquarters located at 156 Southwood Road in Stuart where our animals receive basic vet care, and we can house a limited number of animals until we have foster carers available.

What are your opening hours?

Our office at 156 Southwood Road in Stuart operates Monday to Friday from 10am - 2pm. This is also the location of The Cattery by Angel-Paws and our shelter where we can house a limited number of animals awaiting foster carers. 

Our volunteers operate in addition to their jobs and family life, meaning that regular business hours are not always possible. Contact us or, in the case of an emergency, please call 4420 3276. Our preferred contact method is via email. We can be contacted anytime through our Facebook page or, via our Contact Us page.

Can you come to my workplace/school and bring some puppies?

We love engaging with the community and can certainly attend your workplace / school to help educate on the importance of animal care and responsible ownership.

If you are a business, please contact our Events & Fundraising Coordinator at: sarah@angelpawsinc.com.au.

For school visits, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at: raechelle@angelpawsinc.com.au. 

A donation to our organisation is greatly appreciated at the conclusion of the event.

Do you temporarily look after cats and dogs for the public when they are not in the position to do so?

As we often work at 100% capacity, we unfortunately do not always have the resources to temporarily look after animals that are not in need of a forever home. Given the difficult housing climate in Townsville at present, we may be able to assist in certain circumstances. However, we also recommend contacting Boarding Kennels or Pet Sitters around Townsville who could assist with your situation.