People & Pets Community Days are a key initiative within RSPCA Queensland’s broader Community Outreach program, designed to support pet owners in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. Local events held in an easily accessible park or public space target regions with higher rates of animal welfare complaints, aiming to address the root causes of neglect and prevent ...
RSPCA Queensland
People & Pets Community Days
GOAL
$15,000
Australia > QLD > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Community and economic development
- Individual/family services and support
Target Population
- People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
- People experiencing or at risk of homelessness
RSPCA Queensland
RSPCA Queensland exists to ensure a better future, free from cruelty, neglect and harm, for all domestic, farmed and native animals.
For over 140 years, we have worked tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need, while also advocating for stronger legal protections and promoting responsible pet ownership.
Our five-year strategy aims to deliver animal impact by focusing on prevention and welfare initiatives in communities across Queensland.
Our work extends across Queensland, from major urban centres to rural and remote communities. We operate animal care centres in key locations, including Brisbane (Wacol), Cairns, Mackay, Bundaberg, Gympie and Toowoomba. These facilities provide shelter, veterinary care, and adoption services for thousands of animals each year.
Additionally, our Wildlife Hospital at Wacol treats over 27,000 injured and displaced native animals annually, playing a crucial role in conservation efforts.
Beyond direct animal care, we are committed to addressing the root causes of cruelty and neglect through proactive programs. Our Inspectorate team investigates reports of animal cruelty across the state, ensuring enforcement of Queensland’s animal protection laws.
Our community outreach initiatives provide desexing, microchipping, and vaccination services to pet owners in need, helping to reduce overpopulation and improve animal welfare standards. RSPCA Queensland’s work is made possible by the generosity of donors, volunteers, and corporate partners who share our vision for a cruelty-free future. Together, we are creating lasting change and ensuring that all animals—no matter where they are—receive the care, protection, and respect they deserve.
Project Summary
People & Pets Community Days are a key initiative within RSPCA Queensland’s broader Community Outreach program, designed to support pet owners in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. Local events held in an easily accessible park or public space target regions with higher rates of animal welfare complaints, aiming to address the root causes of neglect and prevent pet surrenders.
Delivered by Community Liaison Officers and trained volunteers, the mobile program provides means-tested services including free veterinary care, desexing, vaccinations, parasite control, pet food, bedding, collars, and harnesses. Education on responsible pet ownership is central to every visit to support long-term behaviour change.
Pet owners in low-income communities can often face barriers that limit access to essential care. People & Pets Community Days aim to keep people and their pets together by providing practical support, vital education and essential resources leading to healthier pets, better educated pet owners and stronger, more resilient communities.
In FY26, we aim to deliver 40 community days across Queensland, directly supporting 800 animals and their families.
Project Outcomes
1) Decrease in welfare complaints and pet surrenders
By addressing the root causes of neglect through education, desexing, and basic veterinary care, the program is expected to reduce the number of animal welfare complaints received on the 1300 ANIMAL call centre number and reduce the number of pet surrenders in regions where People & Pets Community Days are held.
This is measured by data collected from internal call centre and shelter reports.
2) Increase in community education
People & Pets Community Days provide one-on-one practical education tailored to each attendee’s circumstances. Topics may include managing aggressive behaviours such as barking or biting, appropriate exercise and nutrition, and the importance of desexing and vaccination.
This is measured by pre- and post-event surveys and participant feedback to assess improvements in knowledge before and after attendance.
3) Better resource allocation for RSPCA QLD Inspectorate
With fewer reports for preventable issues, the Inspectorate team can focus their expertise on more complex cruelty investigations improving overall efficiency.
This is measured through internal case management data which will track changes in case complexity and volume for Inspectorate staff in regions where People & Pets Community Days are held.
4) Safer, healthier, more liveable communities
Preventative pet healthcare, behavioural education and de-sexing services will reduce the number of unvaccinated, aggressive, or roaming animals supporting public safety and wellbeing.
This is measured by desexing data from People & Pets Community Days, and council reports on local dog bite incidents, roaming dogs and nuisance complaints (where possible).
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $219,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Perpetual Impact Philanthropy Grant | $30,000 |
| RSPCA Funded | $189,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vet Support | $36,000 |
| Preventative medication | $45,000 |
| Vaccinations | $30,000 |
| Microchipping | $8,000 |
| Desexing services | $75,000 |
| Use of vehicle | $25,000 |
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