Thinking of adopting a cat or dog? Hunter Animal Rescue saves cats, dogs, kittens and puppies across Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and Central Coast. Discover why adopting a rescue pet saves lives and changes two lives at once.
Change Two Lives
Every day, loving cats and dogs across Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and the Central Coast face euthanasia in overcrowded pounds and shelters. Hunter Animal Rescue (HAR) is a foster-based rescue organisation that gives these animals a second chance — and helps you find your perfect new companion.
When you adopt from HAR, you’re not just welcoming a pet into your life — you’re saving a life.
Adoption Helps Reduce Pet Overpopulation
Australia faces a serious pet overpopulation problem. Too many cats and dogs are born each year, and there simply aren’t enough homes for them all.
Hunter Animal Rescue is part of the solution — every animal in our care is desexed before adoption, helping to break the cycle of unwanted litters and reduce the number of animals ending up in shelters.
Adoption Saves Lives
When you adopt a pet from HAR, you directly save a life. Each adoption makes space in our foster network for another cat or dog at risk of euthanasia in a pound. You’re giving one animal a forever home and creating room for another to be rescued.
Adoption Gives Pets a Second Chance
Many rescue cats and dogs end up in shelters through no fault of their own.
Some have lost their homes due to a move, a family breakup, or financial hardship. Others were simply unwanted. These animals are healthy, affectionate, and eager to love again — they just need someone like you to give them that chance.
Adoption Costs Less Than Buying
Adopting from Hunter Animal Rescue offers incredible value and peace of mind.
All our pets are vaccinated, microchipped, desexed, treated for fleas and worms, and vet-checked before adoption. Even a “free” pet will need these essential costs covered — which means adoption can save you hundreds of dollars while ensuring your pet starts off healthy and cared for. Check out our adoption fees page for info on our adoption fees vs covering the costs yourself!
Adopt Locally with Hunter Animal Rescue
Hunter Animal Rescue is 100% foster-based — we don’t have a physical shelter. Our foster carers open their homes to cats, dogs, kittens and puppies rescued from pounds across the region.
When you adopt locally through HAR, you’re supporting a community of volunteers dedicated to giving every animal the best start possible in a real home environment.