Animal Welfare League NSW makes urgent call for pet adoptions
AWL NSW
MEDIA RELEASE - 30 September 2026
Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL NSW) has issued an urgent appeal for people to adopt or foster a pet, with its shelter full, animal surrenders increasing and adoptions declining.
AWL NSW Chief Executive Officer Stephen Albin said rising household costs and housing insecurity, including people moving into rental accommodation, were forcing more people to make the difficult decision to surrender their pets.
“At the moment, we are in a perfect storm; it is a difficult cycle to break because we have a significant increase in the number of companion animals coming into our care, but fewer people willing to adopt because of their financial circumstances,” Mr Albin said.
“Many animals that come into our care require veterinary treatment and behavioural training before they are ready to find their forever homes, and that takes time.
“The Kemps Creek Shelter is not only full, but our dedicated network of foster carers and regional branches is also under immense pressure.
“We understand other animal welfare organisations are experiencing similar pressures, which means there is very limited capacity across the system.”
Mr Albin said now was the perfect time for anyone considering pet ownership to adopt an animal from AWL NSW.
“Our staff do an amazing job preparing animals for adoption. They are desexed, microchipped and vaccinated, and receive the veterinary care and support they need before going to their new homes.
“If you are unable to adopt, fostering an animal or making a donation will also support us in our mission.”
AWL NSW Head of Operations Alisha de Leede-Smith said staff were working hard to prepare animals for adoption and create room for new arrivals.
Ms de Leede-Smith said Moss, an eight-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier, was a wonderful example of a healthy, affectionate and well-trained dog ready for adoption.
Moss was saved more than a year ago after he was found in poor health and in urgent need of veterinary care.
“Under the careful guidance of our veterinary and shelter teams, Moss spent several months recovering, gradually rebuilding his strength and returning to a healthy body condition,” Ms de Leede-Smith said.
“The love and care he has received have put him in a position where he is now ready for a loving home. Today, Moss is a picture of health, with a soft, velvety coat and a happy, affectionate nature.
“He loves human companionship. I can see him thriving in a home where people are around often to share life’s everyday moments and where he can curl up beside them and enjoy their company.
“He is more than ready to find the family he has been waiting for. He will make an affectionate, loving and loyal companion.”
To see pets ready for adoption go to www.awlnsw.com.au
About us:
Established in 1958, Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL NSW) is a leading animal welfare charity with 20 branches across the state.
AWL NSW has rehomed more than 100,000 displaced companion animals and provides a comprehensive range of animal welfare services. These include a veterinary clinic, one of the largest animal shelters in NSW, an inspectorate that enforces animal cruelty laws and regulations, and the Animal Care Truck—a mobile veterinary clinic supporting animals and communities in regional NSW.
Contact details:
Mark Sutton / 0407 918 836 / [email protected]
