Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue (Qld) Inc

About the shelter

As a breed-specific and completely donor-run association dedicated to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels mainly in Queensland, Australia, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue Inc (CKCS Rescue QLD) champions the welfare of these toy dogs. Members of the association are cavy owners as well as supporters of this popular yet quite fragile breed.

Cavies have royal origins, with its species finding its place on noble women’s laps as well as within the court of King Charles II whom which the breed has been named after. Due to the cavies’ popularity, it is unfortunately a favourite amongst indiscriminate breeders and puppy mills. Prone to overbreeding, dogs coming from puppy farms and careless breeders often have dogs that are sick—with heart, eyes, and limb issues being primary problems.

Established in 2005 but only registered as a charity on 03 December 2012, the institution looks after the welfare of cavies that have been left unclaimed in council pounds or shelters, those that have been privately surrendered, as well as those that have been rescued from puppy mills and irresponsible breeders. Although only a small association, cavies that come to the rescue’s care are given love, support, food, and shelter by their generous network of foster carers. CKCS Rescue QLD provides a better quality of life for its rescued cavies, with some having to undergo major surgery such as the removal of an eye or tumours.

CKCS Rescue QLD modified its very thorough adoption process as of January 2017. Formerly maintaining a wait list for potential adopters, they have removed this part of the process as they are no longer able to maintain a wait list. Instead, they have asked that all potential adopters put their names forward for consideration for each individual dog they are interested in. Their adoption process is meticulous as they would like to ensure that all their adopted cavies go to permanent homes with loving, attentive families.

The rehoming process involves following the association’s Facebook or PetRescue page for its list of adoptable cavies; completing and submitting the “Expression of Interest” application form online; waiting for the assessment of the application from its rehoming team; undergoing a phone interview and property meet and greet; and finally, paying for the adoption fee and filling out the final paperwork. The process of matching and rehoming usually takes two to three weeks before it can be completed, and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. All cavies are given full vet checks (both medical and dental), are desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, and groomed before rehoming.

As the CKCS Rescue QLD only has five core volunteers, they are on the lookout for foster carers. Though they don’t lack expressions of interest for these roles, they have specific requirements designed to address the needs of the breed. Those interested to become foster carers are required to fill out the “Expression of Interest to Foster” form.

Mission

• The mission of the CKCS Rescue QLD is to rescue and rehome Cavalier King Charles Spaniels mainly in Queensland, and to reduce the numbers of rescued cavies through public education.
• The association lobbies for legislative change with regards to its activities, raises awareness of its cause, and builds connections with other organisations that support cavies.

How you can help

CKCS Rescue QLD needs your help! There are a number of ways you can help such as donating, volunteering, and supporting the cause of the association. Donations of any amount are welcomed and can be made through direct bank deposit, credit, or PayPal. They are keen on volunteers, particularly an interest from those who can become members of the fundraising committee. Other volunteer positions include rehoming coordinators, a membership officer, a president, a treasurer, and a secretary. The association also has a popular yearly calendar available with a limited print run that can be purchased from the website.