Canberra Pooch Rescue

About the shelter

Founded in 2002 by foster carers who previously worked with ACT Rescue & Foster (ARF), Canberra Pooch Rescue (CPR) initially focused on rescuing small dogs and cats from death row, and saving them from euthanasia. CPR specifically searched for animals that couldn’t be taken in by other rescues in the area.

The foster carers at CPR all operate individually, and the costs for animal care come straight from their pockets. While in foster care, CPR fosters treat their rescue animals like family, introducing them to “pet life,” and activities like car rides, doggie parks, and more! This helps the animals become more socialised, and ready for their forever homes.

In 2012, the aim of CPR changed a bit. Previously, CPR had worked with kill shelters in New South Wales to help save animals from euthanasia. However, the community has become highly educated about spaying and neutering animals as well as microchipping their pets so their owners could easily be identified by rescues and pounds.

These education efforts meant there were significantly less small dogs and cats in need of CPR’s help. Today, CPR focuses on the “other” side of rescue! The CPR fosters help families who need to surrender a pet for whatever reason, and help them navigate the best way to find their animal the right new home or rescue.

They also offer advice on dog training and other questions owners might have. Additionally, the foster carers still see their former foster pets, doing so by pet sitting for the adopters from time to time. CPR is proud of the work they’ve done, having saved more than 4,000 animals collectively. Want to see some of their success stories? You can check out their adopted animals here to see plenty of happy tails.

Mission

• The mission of CPR is to provide aid for small dogs and cats on death row, and help them rehabilitate and find the perfect forever homes.
• They “focus on rescuing animals that other groups cannot take,” and give them personalised care before the animals are adopted by loving families.

How you can help

Interested in helping CPR with their mission? You can donate directly to CPR by contacting Maree at keetamouse@grapevine.com.au or by calling +614 99266838. You can also ask Maree about other donation types, such as food, blankets, and doggie beds! All donations go straight to the care of the animals.