How you can help
Want to lend a paw?
There are many ways you can help ARRG continue our mission to protect, care for, and rehome animals in need. Whether it’s opening your home, lending your time, or offering financial support, every contribution counts.
Be a foster carer
Help us give animals a soft place to land while they wait for their forever home. We’ll sort out the food, vet bills, and supplies — you bring the belly rubs. Whether it’s a week or a few months, your spare room could save a life.
Do I have to live in the Northern Rivers?
Yes! Our animals are located in these areas and as such our carers need to live within these areas.
Do I have to pay for Food for animals in my care?
There was a time when all food costs were covered by the carers, but through the generosity of public food donations, we can now provide food to our carers.
What about Veterinary Fees?
ARRG pays for all veterinary fees for animals in care.
Can I be a 'Foster Carer' if I have other animals?
Yes, if your pets are comfortable to receive short-term or long-term visitors and are up-to-date with their vaccinations, parasite treatment and are sterilised.
I have children, does that rule me out from being a 'Foster Carer'?
No, although we are careful in the choice of animal where toddlers live. We explain further when talking to potential new carers.
How long are the animals in care?
There is no strict time-frame for animals in care. They remain with the carer until such time as a suitable permanent home can be found.
Is there a limit to the number of animals I can foster?
Our priority is the care of the animals, therefore we are guided by practicalities, your facilities and the time you have available to care. We do not want to overburden our carers.
Most local councils do not have limits on the number of dogs you can house on your property, other than Kyogle Council who do have a limit.
Do I have a choice of the type and size of animal I would want to foster?
Your situation, other pets, and your choice determines what size and type of animal you are able to care for.
If you live within (or are moving to) the Northern Rivers Region and would like to become an Animal Rights and Rescue Group carer, please download and fill out this Expression of interest and attach it in the contact form below.
We will call you within the next few days to discuss your possible caring further.
Join the volunteer pack
Want to lend a hand (or a car)?
Live in the Northern Rivers and love animals? You might be just who we need!
We’re on the lookout for kind-hearted humans to help with all sorts of things — big or small. From driving animals to the vet, picking up donations, or helping out at our Lismore Centre, there’s always something to do.
Here’s where we really need help:
- Administration — receptionist, data entry, filing.
- Maintenance and Gardening – those with a green thumb and a love for all things living.
- Driving — for the whole region Ocean shores, Lismore, Casino, Evans Head, Ballina
- To pick up and deliver animals to vets and/or carers (we’ll provide the cages!)
- Transport food
- Pick up donations
- Pet Education – Interested people with the ability to visit schools.
- Volunteer your time to help at our Lismore Centre (7 day roster)
Got a fundraising idea or a special skill? We’d love to hear it.
If you would like to become an Animal Rights and Rescue Group volunteer, please download and fill out this Expression of interest and attach it in the contact form below.
Donate today
ARRG runs entirely on community support – and every dollar goes straight to helping animals in need. Whether it’s vet care, food, or assisting in emergency rescue, your donation helps us keep tails wagging and purrs going.
Ways to donate:
🐾 Shelter supplies
Food tins, sachets or bags of kibble (especially kitten and puppy specific), parasite treatments, bedding, leads, collars, jumpers and bowls. We can put most pet care supplies to use if in new or good condition.
🐾 Goods for re-sale at our Op Shop
We are able to take in bric-a-brac, CD’s, DVD’s, clothing, linen, small furniture items, tableware, accessories, books, homewear and toys. We just ask that donations are clean and in good condition to save us unneccessary disposal fees and help our funding focus on the animals in care.
🐾 Online monetry donation
We have set up a secure online donation option – easy, fast, and safe.
🐾 Direct deposit
Prefer to donate straight to our bank account? Too easy:
Account name: Animal Rights and Rescue Group Incorporated Gift Fund
Bank: Commonwealth Bank
BSB: 062674
Account number: 10130003
When making your deposit, please include your name as a reference.
Need a receipt? Just send us a message with your name, address, and donation amount, and we’ll send one out to you.
💛 All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible.
The Animal Rights and Rescue Group is a registered charity that was formed in 1995, following the closing of the RSPCA branch in the region.
Become our Sponsor
Would you like to become one of our amazing sponsors?
If you're interested in supporting our animals through sponsorship, please fill out this form below and we’ll be in touch.
Sponsor a pet
Some of the animals we rescue need a little more time, love and healing before they’re ready to find their forever home. By becoming a sponsor, you’re giving them exactly that – a second chance.
ARRG is proudly no-kill, which means we never give up on the animals we rescue. Some stay in foster care a little longer – especially older pets or those who’ve had tough pasts. Others come to us in urgent need, suffering neglect, injury or trauma and needing specialist vet care to get back on their paws.
Sponsorship helps cover the cost of ongoing vet treatment, healing time in foster care, and everything they need to recover both physically and emotionally.
💛 Whether it’s surgery for a broken leg, treatment for a severe skin condition or just the gift of time – your support makes it all possible.
We’re proud to share that in over twenty years, fewer than 1% of the animals we’ve rescued needed to be put to sleep – We stay with them by their side to the very end, when medical prognosis lets us know there is absolutely no chance of recovery.
Become a pet sponsor today and help us keep tails wagging, purrs going, and hearts healing.
Leave a legacy of love
Want to keep helping animals, even beyond your lifetime? Leaving a bequest to ARRG is a beautiful way to make sure your love for animals lives on.
Your gift can be a specific amount, a piece of property, or a percentage of your estate. No matter the size, every bequest helps us continue rescuing, healing and rehoming animals who need us the most.
If you’d like to chat more about leaving a bequest, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you want to:
- meet with us to discuss your options
- get a little more information
- or simply let us know you’ve included ARRG in your will
Just reach out — we’re here to help.
We do recommend speaking with your solicitor to make sure everything is arranged just right.
ARRG recommends SP Walters Solicitors — one of our proud supporters.
Thank you for thinking of ARRG and the animals we care for. Your legacy means the world to us (and to them!).
Become a member
Another wonderful way to support our rescue work is by becoming a member of Animal Rights and Rescue Group. Your membership helps us continue caring for animals in need and gives you a special place in our big-hearted community.
We have membership options for everyone:
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Junior – $5.00
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Concession – $8.00
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Standard Membership – $15.00
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Life Membership – $150.00
It’s a simple way to make a difference and show your support for a kinder future for animals.
Join today and help us continue the work we love — rescuing, healing, and rehoming animals across the Northern Rivers.
Download the membership form here, fill it out, and return it to us together with the payment.
Sound good?
Let us know how you’d like to help! Pop your details below and we’ll be in touch. We’re always excited to welcome new humans into the ARRG crew.