FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We know there is a lot of uncertainty at the moment and understandably people have been reaching out to AWLQ asking questions – from how AWLQ can assist them with surrendering their pet to how they can adopt an animal or become a foster carer.

To improve your experience, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions for you.

ADOPTION

How does the adoption process work?

Please visit our website to see what animals we currently have available for adoption. If you see one or a few animals you are interested in, check their location and visit the appropriate Rehoming Centre/s to meet them in person.   If you have another dog or puppy at home, bring them with you to do a meet and greet.  We also recommend you bring children with you to meet the animal you’re interested in adopting to see how they get on.

You can read more about our adoption process here.

Can you hold the animal until I can make it to the shelter?

Unfortunately, we do not hold animals. You will need to visit the appropriate Rehoming Centre and speak to our Rehoming Team about the animal you are interested in. They will be able to answer your questions and see if the animal you’re interested in is a good fit for you, your family, your lifestyle and your property.

I live in a state outside of QLD, can I do an adoption over the phone and transfer money for you to send the animal to me?

Unfortunately, ALWQ does not transport animals for adoption and requires any potential adopters to meet the animal they’re interested in prior to adopting to ensure it’s a good match for them, their family, their lifestyle and their property. Any potential adopters are welcome to visit our Rehoming Centre’s to view the animals available for adoption and adopt if suitable, however, consideration on how the animal will get home is highly important as it can be a very stressful process for an animal – particularly one that has just been adopted.

We encourage potential adopters to to reach out to their local Rescue Groups to see if they have an animal suitable.

Do I need evidence of landlord approval to adopt?

AWLQ does not require proof of landlord approval when adopting an animal, however, it is always recommended seeking approval from the landlord/body corporate prior to looking at adopting to avoid the disappointment of having to return your recently adopted animal.

Is this animal available for adoption?

To check if an animal is still available for adoption, please search for their profile on our website. If their profile has been removed or marked as ‘adopted’, the animal is no longer available for adoption. 

PET HELP

I have to surrender my pet(s), can I just bring them in?

Unfortunately, AWLQ operate at full capacity a majority of the time which means it can be difficult to accept walk-in surrenders due to limited space being available. We do currently have a waitlist in place for surrender appointments. You can find our online surrender application form and information on how to self-rehome your animal here: Pet Surrender

How many dogs/cats can I have?

The number of animals you can have on your property is dependent on the Council Regulations in your jurisdiction. Each Council has their own rules and regulations for animal ownership, animal registration and property size (for what type of animals you are permitted to keep). We recommend checking the website for your local council for the appropriate guidelines.

How can I get a desexing voucher?

For more information and to find low cost desexing in your area please visit the National Desexing Network.

VOLUNTEER

How do I become a volunteer?

To become a volunteer for AWLQ, you will be required to sign up and complete a Volunteer Induction via our website. Click here to view all current Volunteer Induction dates.

There are no upcoming induction dates for the shelter I want to volunteer at, what should I do?

If there are no upcoming induction days for the Rehoming Centre you would like to volunteer at, please continue to check back regularly. The Volunteer Coordinators work on scheduling new induction dates and times each week. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

I really want to come and help walk the dogs, can I just come in?

In order to walk the dogs at AWLQ, you are required to sign up and register to be a volunteer.

My daughter/son is wanting to help out with the animals, how old do you need to be to volunteer?

To volunteer with AWLQ, you are required to be 18 years of age or older. However, we do have School Holiday Programs available during a majority of the School Holidays – For more information click here!

Do I have to pay the $35 fee for the volunteer induction?

When registering to become a volunteer for AWLQ, you will be directed to pay a $35 fee to cover your induction, along with your Volunteer T-shirt which we require you to wear during your volunteer shifts.

I’m a support worker for someone doing the induction, do I need to attend the induction?

Yes. All Support Worker enquiries can be directed to our Volunteer Coordinators at [email protected].

FOSTERING

I would like to foster an anima,. where do I start?

For more information on our Foster Program, please visit our foster page.

This will have all the information you need to get started, as well as the application form.

Why do animals need fostering?

Animals could need time in a foster home for a number for reasons, including being too young, needing further veterinary treatments, recovering from surgery, socialisation, etc.

Am I able to specify the type of animal I want to foster?

When completing our Foster application form, you will have to option to select which type of animal, along with their size, that would you like to foster.

DONATIONS AND FUNDRAISING

I have items I would like to donate, what do you accept?

Thank you for choosing to donate to AWLQ! We are always grateful for clean, good quality furniture, homewares, bric-a-brac, clothing, linen, towels, blankets, paper towels, pet toys, litter trays, pet food and clamshell pools. Please note, we do not accept doonas, pillows or used scratching posts. 

Where can I drop off my donations?

You are welcome to drop donations to your nearest AWLQ Animal Rehoming Centre.

I would like to donate pet food! Can I do this?

We are very grateful for food donations and the support in helping us feed our animals! You can help by donating good quality, unopened dry and tinned food for the dogs and cats currently in our care. You can donate food directly at an AWLQ Rehoming Centre, Op Shop, AWLQ Community Veterinary Clinic or one of our Shopping Centre Food Bin Locations.

Due to health and safety reasons, we are unable to accept opened food.

I’m wanting to raise funds for AWLQ, how do I go about that?

To view our different Community Fundraising Opportunities, please visit our Fundraising Hub.

I would like to make a direct payment donation, how do I do this?

Thank you so much for your support!

To make a Direct Deposit Donation:

Account name: Animal Welfare League Qld
Bank: Suncorp
BSB: 484799
Account: 084 801 679
REF: yoursurname

How much of my donation will directly go to helping animals?

Our administration costs are less than 6%. This means over 94% of all money raised goes directly to creating a brighter future for animals in need.

LOST/FOUND ANIMALS

I have found a dog/cat/bird/guinea pig/rat, can I bring it in?

If you have found a lost animal, you will need to make contact with the pound in the Council area in which you found them.

I have found an injured bird/possum/kangaroo/wildlife, what do I do?

When you have found injured wildlife, you can contact Wildcare Australia or RSPCA for assistance.

I have lost my dog/cat/bird, have you had it handed in?

We recommend you contact your local Council Pounds, Shelters and Veterinary Clinics if you have lost an animal and also check your local lost pet social media pages. If you have lost or found a pet in your area, we suggest to create a lost or found poster and don’t delay getting the word out around your neighbourhood

Click here to view found or impounded animals.