Help save a life

Your donations provide food, shelter and veterinary care for the animals until we can find them new, loving homes.

Next adoption day

Saturday 5th October 2024

All kittens, cats, dogs and puppies up for adoption will be there, plus a good bbq and services for your fur babies. See you there!

Looking to adopt a furry friend?

We are a self-funded, not-for-profit charity dedicated to providing foster care and new homes for abandoned, abused, lost, and unwanted dogs and cats in the Northern Rivers region ofΒ NSW.

Become a Volunteer

We’re always looking for people who want to foster pets, volunteer at our shop in Ballina, help out at our shelter, join in our community events, or assist with general office duties in Ballina.

Become a foster carer

Adopt a furry friend

Donations

Subsidised desexing

Welcome to

NRAS Northern Rivers Animal Services

Established in 2001, Northern Rivers Animal Services (NRAS) is a self-funded, not-for-profit, registered charity committed to rescuing abandoned, abused, lost and unwanted dogs and cats in the Northern Rivers region of NSW.

Its mission is to provide food, veterinary care, and shelter to allow these animals a second chance at β€œliving their best life”.

Adoption Days are hosted on the first Saturday of the month at the NRAS Rescue Shelter – 61 Piper Drive, Ballina from 10:00am – 1:00pm where you can meet the animals available for adoption; utilise the $10.00 services such as microchipping, nail clipping and hydrobathing or purchase essential pet supplies and accessories from the pop-up merchandise store.

We hope to see you there!!!

What are the steps to adopt a pet at NRAS?

Are you ready to have a pet?

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility. Are you and your family ready for it? Consider if you have enough space, time and budget for it. View our “Are you ready for a pet checklist”Β if you need some guidance.

Complete an ADOPTION QUESTIONNAIRE

The first step in the NRAS Adoption process is to complete an Adoption Questionnaire that will be reviewed and assessed by the NRAS team to ensure the animals are matching with suitable adoptive families.

Proof of home ownership or landlord approval to have an animal (if renting) is a mandatory requirement of the Adoption process.

Arrange a "meet & greet"

Once your Adoption Questionnaire has been processed, the NRAS team will arrange an opportunity to meet the animal you’re interested in, spending time getting to know each other.

A two-week trial period is also part of the Adoption process to ensure all parties, including children and other pets, are happy with the new family addition.

Animals remain with their foster carer or at the NRAS Rescue Shelter until a permanent, loving home becomes available and are all desexed, microchipped, vet checked and vaccinated prior to the Adoption being finalised.

Want to get involved?

NRAS is continuously seeking volunteers to assist in various areas of the organisation, from foster caring, volunteering at the Shelter, helping with administration and office tasks, providing animal transportation, tending to the gardens &/or general maintenance, helping out at events or working in the Op Shop.

Additionally, for a nominal annual membership fee you can help to maintain the organisation’s charitable status, can vote at the Annual General Meeting and/or can stand for a Committee position.

What to do when…

What to do if you find a stray or abandoned cat or dog?

Any lost pets must initially be brought to a local Council Pound for a microchip scan and possibly returned to their owner. In case an owner can’t be reached or if there’s no microchip, the animal should be taken to the Pound. Once at the Pound, dogs or cats have a chance to be claimed. If they aren’t claimed within the set time (14 days for pets with ID and 7 days for those without), they can be given to a local Rescue organization or adopted by a member of the public.

What to do if you lose your cat or dog?

If your pet goes missing, start your search at home by checking in unexpected places where your pet might hide. Look around your property, behind furniture, in the garage, and even in the garden. Next, explore your local streets and reach out to your neighbors for assistance. Ensure your pet wears a properly fitting collar with an ID tag containing your current contact information to aid in their return. Contact local vets, the Council/Pound, and animal rescue organizations, like NRAS atΒ 6681 1860Β and ARRG atΒ 6622 1881. Spread the word by doing a widespread letterbox drop and posting information on community noticeboards, shops, supermarkets, beach tracks, and social media. Above all, make sure your pet is microchipped and keep your details up to date with your local council in case of any address or contact changes.

What to do if you need to re-home your cat or dog?

If you think you may need to rehome your cat or dog, please view our articleΒ What to do if I need to re-home my petΒ for good advise. If you want to surrender it through NRAS, please complete our questionnaire here.Β 

Have you got more questions? You may find the answers here.

We are on Facebook

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PET OF THE WEEK
Mandatory Re-homing #R251 00 00 60

Pebbles is bundle of love wrapped in a shiny black coat. With an athletic build, bright eyes and a heart of gold this 10-month-old Staffy cross girl has shown us that she doesn’t have a mean bone in her body.

Pebbles has been thriving in foster care enjoying her daily walks and responding well to basic training. She has been well behaved in the yard and shows no signs of separation anxiety.

Pebbles loves to play and greets new dogs and people with enthusiasm. She will thrive in a home with regular exercise, ongoing training and of course lots of love!


All animals in NRAS’ care are vet checked, flea & worm treated, vaccinated, microchipped and desexed prior to their adoption.

For further information contact the NRAS Shelter Office on 6681 1860 or email: shelter@nras.org.au

Download an Adoption Questionnaire from the website: www.nras.org.au
... See MoreSee Less

PET OF THE WEEK
Mandatory Re-homing #R251 00 00 60

Pebbles is bundle of love wrapped in a shiny black coat. With an athletic build, bright eyes and a heart of gold this 10-month-old Staffy cross girl has shown us that she doesn’t have a mean bone in her body.

Pebbles has been thriving in foster care enjoying her daily walks and responding well to basic training. She has been well behaved in the yard and shows no signs of separation anxiety.

Pebbles loves to play and greets new dogs and people with enthusiasm. She will thrive in a home with regular exercise, ongoing training and of course lots of love!

  
All animals in NRAS’ care are vet checked, flea & worm treated, vaccinated, microchipped and desexed prior to their adoption.

For further information contact the NRAS Shelter Office on 6681 1860 or email: shelter@nras.org.au

Download an Adoption Questionnaire from the website:  www.nras.org.auImage attachment

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Where is she?

Frank & Fernando! Such bright boys ⭐️ ... See MoreSee Less

4 CommentsComment on Facebook

Beautiful puppies

Which ones Is the one with more white on its face

Can see Z in the staffy faces lol Amber Smith

These sweet boys are still looking for a home!πŸ’— Frank and Fernando are a Staffy x Boxer mix! These handsome boys are learning so fast and are bursting with love. If you want to find out more give us a call on 6681 1860. Videos to come on the next post 🌻🐢 ... See MoreSee Less

These sweet boys are still looking for a home!πŸ’— Frank and Fernando are a Staffy x Boxer mix! These handsome boys are learning so fast and are bursting with love. If you want to find out more give us a call on 6681 1860. Videos to come on the next post 🌻🐢Image attachmentImage attachment

5 CommentsComment on Facebook

Total cuties.

Adorable

Kate Hamilton

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PET OF THE WEEK

7-year-old Rag doll cat, Chloe has been patiently waiting to find a home for over 5 months. In that time, she has won the hearts of her carers with her placid, gentle nature and unique looks.

NRAS is desperately seeking someone special to give sweet Chloe the life she deserves. She has endured horrific neglect in her life prior to coming into care, and despite such treatment remains trusting, curious and affectionate.

Chloe is a cat that requires assistance with grooming which is a daily task.
If you are a compassionate and committed person looking for an adoring companion, please contact NRAS to discuss beautiful Chloe.
We are happy to discuss her needs and all the things that make her special to support her being successfully adopted.

All animals in NRAS’ care are vet checked, flea & worm treated, vaccinated, microchipped and desexed prior to their adoption.

For further information contact the NRAS Shelter Office on 6681 1860 or email: shelter@nras.org.au

Download an Adoption Questionnaire from the website: www.nras.org.au

Mandatory Re-homing #R251 00 00 60
... See MoreSee Less

PET OF THE WEEK

7-year-old Rag doll cat, Chloe has been patiently waiting to find a home for over 5 months. In that time, she has won the hearts of her carers with her placid, gentle nature and unique looks.

NRAS is desperately seeking someone special to give sweet Chloe the life she deserves. She has endured horrific neglect in her life prior to coming into care, and despite such treatment remains trusting, curious and affectionate.

Chloe is a cat that requires assistance with grooming which is a daily task. 
If you are a compassionate and committed person looking for an adoring companion, please contact NRAS to discuss beautiful Chloe. 
We are happy to discuss her needs and all the things that make her special to support her being successfully adopted.
 
All animals in NRAS’ care are vet checked, flea & worm treated, vaccinated, microchipped and desexed prior to their adoption.

For further information contact the NRAS Shelter Office on 6681 1860 or email: shelter@nras.org.au

Download an Adoption Questionnaire from the website:  www.nras.org.au 

Mandatory Re-homing #R251 00 00 60

25 CommentsComment on Facebook

A little more information about our sweet Chloe. Yes she could share a home with another pet if it was the right match. She is very easy going and docile. Yes she was in horrific condition when she came into care and required immediate veterinary attention. We have worked hard to see her heal and be happy and healthy. Through everything she has been an absolute trooper. She is easy to shave, but you probably won't need to bother as her coat hasn't grown back in 5 months! After lots of testing and many vet visits we still don't know why her coat hasn't come back. She needs help with grooming, specifically her bottom wiped. She uses the litter perfectly but needs someone to keep her back end fresh and clean. She is chunky, yet funky. Built for feed not speed. An inside lady who easy to spend time with and easy to love.

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Got any Sunday plans?
If not, head down to the WHARF RIVER CLUB - Wharf Bar & Restaurant, Fawcett Park, Ballina. A great FREE community event featuring live local Northern Rivers bands.
If you see any of the "purple" NRAS people wandering around ... be sure to say g'day and perhaps throw a gold coin donation their way
SUNDAY 9 FEBRUARY, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
... See MoreSee Less

Got any Sunday plans?
If not, head down to the WHARF RIVER CLUB - Wharf Bar & Restaurant, Fawcett Park, Ballina.  A great FREE community event featuring live local Northern Rivers bands.
If you see any of the purple NRAS people wandering around ... be sure to say gday and perhaps throw a gold coin donation their way
SUNDAY 9 FEBRUARY,   3:00pm - 6:00pm

1 CommentComment on Facebook

What band is playing?

Come down and say hello and find out more about NRAS (Northern Rivers Animal Services) and the fantastic work this group does in the community.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS EXPO
Lennox Head Community Centre
Saturday 8 February 9:00am - midday
... See MoreSee Less

Come down and say hello and find out more about NRAS (Northern Rivers Animal Services) and the fantastic work this group does in the community.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS EXPO
Lennox Head Community Centre
Saturday 8 February  9:00am - middayImage attachment

Diggy dog.😍

Started the day strong but chilling under the air con in the office was just too relaxing and he's out for the count.😴

Apparently admin work doesn't interest him πŸ™ƒ
... See MoreSee Less

Diggy dog.😍

Started the day strong but chilling under the air con in the office was just too relaxing and hes out for the count.😴

Apparently admin work doesnt interest him πŸ™ƒImage attachmentImage attachment

6 CommentsComment on Facebook

Oh Diggy, you are simply the best doggo. I envy the lucky person or family who gets to take you home forever.

Beautiful baby!!! Such a good boy ❀️❀️

What breed is he

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