Chally Animal Rescue

About the shelter

There has never been an unwanted animal that Chally Animal Rescue founder, Laura, has not rescued. Her Bendigo-based, self-funded rescue organisation was named after two of her rescue dogs, Charlie and Sally. Charlie had come from the Ararat council pound whilst Sally was from a puppy farm.

Founded in 2014, Chally Animal Rescue mostly cares for dogs and cats. However, it has also taken in rabbits, rats, and guinea pigs at one time or another. Laura dedicates the rescue to the “forgotten ones.” She has worked full-time to support the organisation and cover its costs while animals were in foster care waiting to be adopted. In October 2017, Chally Animal Rescue’s operations moved to a committee-based system where they all work together to make a difference in the lives of animals who have been forgotten in society. With the assistance of its network of foster carers and volunteers, Chally’s committee promotes public education and hopes to find long-term solutions to the issue of unwanted domesticated animals.

A cornerstone of the rescue is its fostering program. Most of the animals that Chally’s takes in are those that require some sort of veterinary care. From microchipping and desexing to vaccinations and minor or major surgeries, these animals need a temporary home where their needs are looked after. Applications for foster carers are always ongoing and require filling out their foster carer application form online. Chally’s provides all food and supplies for all its fostered animals, as well as discounted treatments for foster carers who may have animals of their own. The rescue ensures that all fostered animals are flea and worm treated. Support through their Facebook group or through their network of foster carers is always available. Additionally, they have in their service a professional dog trainer who can work with dogs who may have complicated issues as well as provide training tips and advice to foster carers. Chally’s shoulders the cost of all veterinary work for its animals in their care as a way of minimising and inconveniencing its carers. Foster carers are highly encouraged to provide photos and write-ups of their fostered animal for the Facebook and PetRescue pages.

Adoptions through Chally’s include filling out their adoption form. As they are a rescue entirely run by volunteers, they indicate that only applications filed online will be considered. The process is not on a first-come, first-served basis, but rather, considerations for adoption depend on the suitability of a potential adopter to the animal. Whilst a majority of cats are in foster homes, Chally’s also has an adoption cattery at PetStock Epsom where potential adopters can meet a few of the cats up for adoption. Approved applications go through a “meet and greet” process. All adopted animals are desexed, have up-to-date vaccinations, are microchipped, and have received worm and flea treatments.

Mission

• Chally Animal Rescue’s main objective is to rescue and rehome the forgotten animals in society.
• The organisation fosters a variety of animals with the goal of finding them forever homes where families provide love, care, shelter, and protection.
• Chally’s is also an advocate of public education, and hopes to find long-term solutions to decrease animal abandonment.

How you can help

Chally animal rescue is all about giving former pets a second chance at life. As a completely volunteer-run organisation, they are in constant need of donations. Their donation page lists a variety of donation options and its corresponding cost. Examples of which are “Vaccinate a Cat – AUD 35” or “Desex a Large Male Dog – AUD 150.” Chally’s also hosts a number of community fundraising events such as movie fundraisers, Tupperware fundraisers, and BBQ fundraisers. They hold adoption days throughout the year, as well as have existing partnerships with a variety of community organisations and companies.