SWEET PAWS DOG RESCUE INCORPORATED

Our Mission & Vision

We are a registered Victorian animal charity, our mission is to rescue and rehome small dogs in Melbourne, providing them with essential veterinary care, grooming, and securing loving forever homes. Our vision is to create a community where every dog receives the care and love they deserve, living out their years in comfort and happiness.

Why Donate to Sweet Paws Dog Rescue Incorporated?

Your generosity is the foundation of our ability to make a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable small dogs. By contributing, you enable us to provide ongoing care for the dogs in our organisation and expand our capacity to rescue and support more dogs in need. Sweet Paws Dog Rescue Incorporated is solely run by volunteers, ensuring that 100% of your donation goes directly towards the well-being of these deserving dogs. Every donation directly fuels our mission, ensuring that these loyal companions receive the love and care they deserve. Your support is invaluable and helps us create a brighter future for each dog we rescue.

Adopt a Dog

Choosing to adopt from Sweet Paws Dog Rescue Inc means welcoming not just a pet but a cherished family member into your home. Our focus on small dogs ensures that your adoption makes a profound difference in the life of a dog who may have faced neglect. We take pride in our thorough adoption process, which includes careful screening, home visits, and ongoing support. By adopting from us, you are not just gaining a loyal companion but also contributing to our mission of providing love, care, and forever homes for these deserving dogs. Dogs available for adoption can be viewed on our website, social media and PetRescue.

Why Foster with Sweet Paws Dog Rescue Inc?

Fostering a dog with Sweet Paws Dog Rescue Inc is a rewarding and compassionate way to make a direct impact on the lives of small dogs. By opening your home to a dog in need, you provide a safe and loving environment where they can thrive while awaiting their forever home. Fostering is a flexible and fulfilling commitment, allowing you to experience the joy of transforming a dog’s life without long-term responsibility. Sweet Paws provides support, covers essential veterinary care, and ensures you have all the necessary resources. It’s a great way to give back to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of dogs in need. 

We Welcome Volunteers!

Our rescue organisation welcomes volunteers who are passionate about supporting our mission. As a volunteer, you become an integral part of our dedicated team, contributing your time and skills to support various aspects of our mission. Whether assisting in dog transport, participating in events and fundraisers, or helping with administrative tasks, your efforts directly contribute to the well-being of these deserving dogs. Thank you for considering volunteering with us. 

Frequently Asked Questions

I want to adopt/learn more about/meet one of your dogs. What do I do?

You can view photos and read about all our available dogs by visiting our adopt page. When you see a dog that captures your heart, the next step would be to fill out and submit our Adoption Form.

I submitted my application. What happens next?

Once your application is submitted, it typically takes a few days for our foster carers to review your application (remember we are all unpaid volunteers with jobs, families and our own pets). 

Please read more about our Adoption Process on our Adopt page.

I need to re-home my dog. Can you take them into your organisation?

We take in owner surrenders on a case-by-case basis. If you are looking to rehome your dog, please send us a detailed email with as much information on the dog as you can provide, including all medical records and some photos. We will get back to you as to whether we can assist or with recommendations of other rescues to try and reach out to. 

How much is it to adopt one of your dogs?

There is no set adoption fee. Our adoption fees help to cover the cost of the care and veterinary treatment our dogs will receive. Our fees vary based on age, temperament and health status of the dog.

Do you do interstate adoptions?

No. While we appreciate the interest from potential adopters across different regions, our commitment to the dogs welfare drives our decision to stay local. Conducting home visits is a crucial step in our adoption process, allowing us to ensure that the living environment is safe and suitable for our dogs in need. This hands-on approach ensures a smooth transition for the dog into their new home and provides peace of mind for both the adopters and our dedicated team. Local adoptions enable us to maintain the highest standards of care and guarantee that every dog finds a loving forever home within our immediate community.

I want to adopt a specific breed, but I don't see any on the website. Is there a waitlist I can be added to?

We are a small team of volunteers and due to the number of applications we receive, we are unable to keep a waitlist for dogs of a specific breed. Please continue to check our Adopt page on our website to view available dogs and fill in an adoption form when you see a dog that is suitable for your lifestyle. 

Latest News

As we approach the EOFY I thought I’d share with you a little bit of a financial update from our end. We rarely ask for donations, everyone is coping with their own financial situation so we try to raise money for the charity ourselves. We’re extremely fortunate (and...

Bert is home and back on his favourite spot on the couch. The plan is to monitor him for one month, we’ve put his adoption listing on hold for the time being, and if he has any further seizures we’ll start him on medication - there is a possibility the rapid onset of...

Sophia, yes our little lady we took from the LDH last week, has had time to settle in and yesterday she had her initial vet check with our lovely Dr Kyle. She had an extremely high ALP blood count when bloods were taken in the shelter, so we’ve redone those, and will...

Bert is in the clinic today having some tests as well as close monitoring for a series of cluster seizures that began at 4am this morning. We’ll let you know how is when we hear xx

Our dear senior man Dash had his dental work done on Thursday with five extractions and a scale on polish of his remaining teeth. For an elderly man his bloodwork was unremarkable which is always great to hear. Dash will soon be on the lookout for his new home where...

Bert is now ready to find a home where he can truly thrive. We understand if you are not able to adopt, but please help us by liking and sharing our post 🩵

Just arrived. Welcome little Sophia 💕

Jazz is recovering beautifully after her patella surgery, she’s booked in for another postop check this Friday, and will I’m sure be well on the road to recovery. This sweet little poppet seems to have everyone wrapped around her tiny little paws 💕

Believe me when i say the hatred is real. The only reason i removed our reviews page was because of the sheer lies and misinformation that came from people who had literally no idea of how or why dogs were coming into our care. I can argue all day long but it’s time...

Thanks to everyone who came out in the rain and purchased a snag yesterday at our Bunnings sausage sizzle! Our fur supporters were able to bag a bandana courtesy of Tania at T's Dog Coats, so many dogs, shame about our photography skills 😂 We’d like to give a big...