An adoption process to support both the animals and their new familes
All adoption fees go directly towards the food, bedding and vet work required for the animals in our care.
Browse our website to view all the animals we have available for adoption. Consider which pet might be best for you, and your family, based on their personality and temperament, your future plans and any local council regulations.
Submit an application form and share as much information as you can about yourself, and why you feel this pet would be your perfect match. Our team are all volunteers, so please be patient while we review all applications, including yours.
The adoption fee must be paid prior to collecting your pet. A non refundable holding deposit may also be requested. ** Put your pet’s name as the reference on the transfer.
One at a Time Pet Rescue
BSB: 633 000
Account Number: 173151366
The foster carer for your pet will organise a time for collection. Make sure you
All pets adopted by One at a Time Pet Rescue have been desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and flea treated. They also spend time in foster care where we get to know their personalities and temperament.
The costs for this care is then bundled into an adoption fee, which will vary depending on the type of animal, their age, the time they have been in care, and any special needs.
As a not for profit rescue, the adoption fees are a necessary contribution towards the care and vet treatment that has been provided to that animal whilst with our rescue, and that will be provided to future animals.
In Victoria, animal shelters and rescues both care for and rehome animals, but they differ in structure, funding, approach, and sometimes the types of animals they help.
Shelters (eg. RSPCA)
An animal shelter is usually a physical facility that takes in stray, surrendered, or impounded animals, and on a larger scale. Due to their funding and business structure they can often discount their adoption fees.
Shelters are typically…
Rescues (eg One at a Time Rescue)
An animal rescue is most often self funded ‘not for profit’ charities that are completely staffed by volunteers. They rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in need. They offer a comparatively more personalised adoption process, making sure that it’s not just a match between pet and adopter, but a perfect match.
Rescues are typically
One at a Time Pet Rescue is a ‘Rescue’.
This means that we provide a more personalised adoption process. eg all pets spend time in foster care where we get to know their personalities, quirks, and preferences. We are a small but mighty team of volunteers dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals in need. We rely on donations and adoption fees to fund our welfare and community education initiatives.
The adoption fees will vary depending on the type of pet (dog, cat, chicken etc), the age of the pet, and the level of care and rehabilitation required prior to being available for adoption.
This information will be shared with potential adopters on a pet by pet basis.
A non refundable deposit secures your adoption intent. We will put a “hold” on that pet and remove it from our website as being available for adoption.
A non-refundable holding deposit of $50 will be required for a pet if …
If the adopter changes their mind – the deposit is not refundable.
A deposit helps cover the costs of the pet while they are in our care, and helps offset risk by ensuring that only genuine adopters are selected. It also covers the costs associated with relisting the pet for adoption on our website and facebook page.
If the rescue changes their mind – the deposit is refundable
If the rescue decides at anytime prior to collection that the animals needs have changed, their health or behaviour have changed, or that you might not be the best fit for this pet, then the deposit will be refunded by bank transfer.
Every application will be considered, and those most suitable will be contacted for a short phone chat, followed by a meet and greet, and then a home check. We want to be sure it’s not just a match – but the perfect match!
Is the pet shy, confident, adaptable, fearful, outgoing, laid back, independent, easily excited etc? Does it prefer to nap most of the day, or does it require regular interaction and stimulation (or in the case of a dog, daily walks)? Does the pet have have any special needs (fears, triggers, medical conditions)? How would this pet’s personality fit with the dynamic in your household and the expectations you have of your new pet?
Does the pet require an indoor or outdoor home? If indoors, what do you have in place to be sure your pet doesn’t slip out an open window or door? If an outdoor home, do you have suitable fencing and security to keep your pet safe?
What are your short and long term plans (cats and dogs can live for 20 years)? Who will look after your pet when you go on holidays? Are you planning to travel, relocate, expand your family etc?
The regulations for pet ownership differs between councils. For example, some require cats to be contained at all times, while others require only night containment. Most councils will provide this information on their website, or you can give them a quick call.
** If you can’t see your perfect match listed above, let us know the personality, age, and type of animal you are looking for by filling in an application form. We often have animals in foster care and it might be one of them is your perfect match. We’ll make sure we contact you before publishing them for adoption.
