4 Paws Animal Rescue Inc.

About the shelter

4 Paws Animal Rescue Inc. operates mainly in the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia, but they have extended their help to animals in need beyond this area. Proudly supported by the Sunshine Coast Council’s grants program, this not-for-profit organisation was founded in May 2005 and is entirely run by volunteers and relies solely on donations from local business and well-meaning members of the public.

4 Paws Animal Rescue offers a “new home, new life” to companion animals (mostly dogs and cats) that are rescued from council pounds. These animals come from a variety of situations: some have been abandoned, some surrendered, and some saved from cruel environments such as those that have been abused or neglected. 

The organisation is a “no kill” group, so all companion animals that come into the group’s care will not be euthanised unless it is in an untreatable state or if it poses a danger to people. 4 Paws Animal Rescue looks after all its rescued animals no matter how long it takes them to find a new home. The rescue has had instances where its elderly and sick animals have turned into permanent foster care residents to ensure that they receive the best care.

The rescue group does not have kennels or a cattery. Instead, its rescued animals are placed with their network of dedicated foster volunteers or their partner private emergency shelters, Carmichael House and Halfway House. The group recognises and is grateful for all its volunteer foster carers, but they are always on the lookout for new carers. Interested potential foster carers are asked to fill out an online “Foster Carer Application” form. 4 Paws Animal Rescue will attempt to match the animal to a foster carer’s lifestyle and family situation. The organisation is able to provide all food, beds, leads and collars, flea and worm products, as well as all veterinary work whilst the animal is in its care.

Unlike other rescue groups, 4 Paws Animal Rescue requires that its potential adopters own their own home, have council approval for the number of animals kept in their residence, and provide a veterinary reference. The organisation matches each animal to the adopter based on the following criteria: the adopter’s lifestyle, the home environment, and the animal’s personality. Their stricter adoption process ensures that the rescue animal will find its permanent home. 4 Paws Animal Rescue prefers that potential adopters come from the Sunshine Coast as they do not organise interstate adoptions.

Mission

• 4 Paws Animal Rescue Inc. aims to provide a safe haven for homeless companion animals which have been rescued mainly from council pounds, surrendered by their owners, or abandoned on the streets.
• Volunteers believe that providing education to the public about responsible pet ownership will reduce the number of unwanted cats and dogs.

How you can help

Although supported by the Sunshine Coast Council Grant’s Program, 4 Paws Animal Rescue Inc. receives no government funding and relies on supporters’ generosity with all the money received going towards the care of their rescued animals. The organisation holds various events such as Walks for Awareness, Sausage Sizzles, Fashion for a Cause, and Christmas in the Park. 

Can’t foster or adopt? Think of sponsoring a Permanent Resident with a monthly sponsorship that provides ongoing health care to these animals with special needs. You can also subscribe to their quarterly newsletter “4 Paws Tales” for more updates on upcoming fundraisers, behind-the-scenes stories, and featured pets.