One at a Time Pet Rescue

Finding The Perfect Pet

Over 1000 animals rehomed since 2019

A heartbreaking rescue we couldn’t ignore

Recently, one of our volunteers was contacted about a tiny kitten struggling on a footpath. She rushed to help but what she found was far worse than anyone expected. There was an abandoned house, with over 30 cats and kittens living on the street. All were in terrible condition — suffering from flu, ringworm, fleas, worms, and severe malnutrition.
 
No one had stepped into help. Neighbours had even commented that the cats were ‘useful’ for keeping mice away. Others had taken some of the favourties home from time to time, but they were never desexed, and their roaming only further perpetuated the unwanted breeding. 

A rescue of this size is expensive, time consuming, and heartbreaking. But, we couldn't walk away.

Michelle Dryden (One at a Time Pet Rescue)
After difficult conversations with the neighbours, and a lot of education, we began trapping.
 
In total, 10 adults and 20 kittens came into our care.
The tiny kitten we were first called about sadly passed away within just 4 hours. It was severely anaemic from fleas, too weak from illness, exposure, and lack of food to survive.
 
Most were
• extremely underweight
• heavily infested with fleas and worms
• battling infections
• needing urgent, intensive care 
 
Since then, all have received
• veterinary treatment
• daily medicated washes for ringworm
• multiple medications (some multiple times daily)
• specialised diets to regain weight
• desexing, vaccinations, and microchipping
•parasite prevention
• and in some cases, dental work (at a very young age)
 
Some of the kittens have needed around-the-clock care just to survive. Imagine removing fleas one by one from tiny, fragile bodies because they were literally being drained of blood.   To make matters even more confronting, a dog skull was found at the property, and the smell of death lingered from the street. This is the environment these cats were born into.
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This is why desexing matters 

Please- if there are stray cats in your area, don’t ignore them. They don’t “just survive.” They suffer.
Desexing prevents endless breeding cycles,  disease spreading through colonies, kittens being born into cold, hunger, and illness, overwhelming rescues that are already stretched beyond capacity. There are simply not enough homes for the number of kittens being born every day.

Rescue isn’t easy.
It’s emotionally exhausting.
It’s physically demanding.
And it comes at a huge financial cost.

But we do it because they deserve better than this. If you can help- whether by donating or simply spreading awareness — it makes a real difference.

Together, we can stop this cycle of suffering.

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Tips for Finding the Perfect Match

Cats and Dogs can live up to 20 years, so it’s really important that you select a pet that is going to fit with your personality, household dynamics, and future plans. 

Lifestyle Compatability

Are you looking for a pet that is full of energy and playful? Or would you prefer a pet that is content to hang with you around the house all day, and nap on your lap while you watch TV or read a book?

Would you have the time and calm environment needed to nurture a shy, or fearful pet and help build back their confidence and zest for life? Or, would you prefer a pet that is outgoing or independent and that would slot perfectly into a busy home? It’s also important to consider the personality and temperament of any existing pets. How will they respond to a new addition to the family, and how will you manage the integration?

Housing and Council Regulations

The regulations for pet ownership differ between councils, this includes the requirement for registration, curfews for cats, and on/off leash walking for dogs. These are often easily found on each council website.

if you are renting, it’s vital that you consult with your landlord and secure their permission before applying for adoption.

Would you have the time and calm environment needed to nurture a shy, or fearful pet and help build back their confidence and zest for life? Or, would you prefer a pet that is outgoing or independent and that would slot perfectly into a busy home? It’s also important to consider the personality and temperament of any existing pets. How will they respond to a new addition to the family, and how will you manage the integration?

Costs associated with owning a pet

All OAAT pets are vaccinated, desexed and microchipped prior to adoption.   They will also be up to date with all worming and flea treatments.  This is all covered in the adoption fees (which generally range from $200 – $900 depending on the type and age of the animal).

if you are renting, it’s vital that you consult with your landlord and secure their permission before applying for adoption.

Cats and Dogs can live up to 20 years.  This is 20 years of feeding, vet care, council registration, toys, training, etc.  Does this fit with your budget and finances? How would you manage unexpected medical expenses if your animal was to become ill?