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 of 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 “living 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” 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 at 6681 1860 and ARRG at 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 article What to do if I need to re-home my pet for good advise. If you want to surrender it through NRAS, please complete our questionnaire here. 

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

We are on Facebook

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

A lot can change in a couple of months, but sadly for some of residents, being without a home is one thing that's stayed the same.

7 year old gentle soul staffy Tidda has been waiting patiently for 64 days.😢

10 month old Love bubble Pebbles is hoping after 46 days in care someone will say yes.🥺

Adorable 3.5 month old pup Fernando has seen all of his littermates find their forever homes, but is still looking for love after 49 days in care.😭

If you would like to know more about any of our animals please call 66811860, email shelter@nras.org.au or check them out through our website www.nras.org.au
... See MoreSee Less

A lot can change in a couple of months, but sadly for some of residents, being without a home is one thing thats stayed the same.

7 year old gentle soul staffy Tidda has been waiting patiently for 64 days.😢

10 month old Love bubble Pebbles is hoping after 46 days in care someone will say yes.🥺

Adorable 3.5 month old pup Fernando has seen all of his littermates find their forever homes, but is still looking for love after 49 days in care.😭
 
If you would like to know more about any of our animals please call 66811860, email shelter@nras.org.au or check them out through our website www.nras.org.auImage attachmentImage attachment

11 CommentsComment on Facebook

I hope you are all safe and well after the horrendous weather we have just had. I truely can’t believe that Fernando is still looking for his forever home. All I can say is, if you are looking for a beautiful kind and loving natured puppy look no further and adopt Fernando. We adopted his brother and we have never looked back. They are the most loving and kind hearted puppies we have ever meet. ♥️ We have also meet Pebbles and Tidda and they are fantastic dogs as well. Do yourself a favour and go and meet them, you won’t regret it. You will just fall in love like we did and adopt a new family member.

These are three of the most loveable and friendly dogs you’re ever likely to meet. I have met all three of them and they each have so much affection and fun to share with somebody. Tidda is currently in foster care with a wonderful young family who tell us she is fantastic with their very young child - exceptionally gentle and kind. If you can offer one of these wonderdogs a furever home you certainly won’t regret it.

They are gorgeous and so deserving of a good home ....hopefully one comes soon🙏

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

13-month-old Kia is an established and settled cat with an eye-catching medium length coat and a calm manner.

Striking, sweet and just a little sassy Kia came into care still feeding her five kittens, who have all now grown and moved onto their forever homes. Now is Kia’s turn to be the star and she deserves the spotlight!

Kia has a gentle yet commanding presence, conducting herself with confidence. Happy to relax and offer constant companionship this sweet little lady is ready and deserving of all the love you have to offer.


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

13-month-old Kia is an established and settled cat with an eye-catching medium length coat and a calm manner.

Striking, sweet and just a little sassy Kia came into care still feeding her five kittens, who have all now grown and moved onto their forever homes. Now is Kia’s turn to be the star and she deserves the spotlight!

Kia has a gentle yet commanding presence, conducting herself with confidence. Happy to relax and offer constant companionship this sweet little lady is ready and deserving of all the love you have to offer.

 
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

6 CommentsComment on Facebook

so pretty 🙂

Such a pretty girl

Stunning!

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Please make sure your animals are inside and safe!

If you are a "pets outside" household please make an exception during this extreme weather and create a safe space for your pets.💜
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13 CommentsComment on Facebook

I’ve been sharing some tips, I hope it helps I was the veterinary nurse in SCU evacuation centre 2022 Please share

Literally just bought my 3 chickens inside. Would bring the cows in if i could.

Too bloody right.....people who leave pets outside in these conditions ( or any time) are heartless!

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Shelter closed Thursday 6/3/25 & Friday 7/3/25. We will reopen Monday 10/3/25 at 10am (weather permitting)

For the safety of our animals, volunteers and the public, the NRAS Shelter will be closed until the predicted extreme weather passes.

Please stay safe and keep your pets contained indoors and safe during extreme weather.

All animals at the shelter have been moved offsite and into emergency foster care.

Thank you to all of the kind people who have opened their hearts and homes to hosting extra animals during this stressful time.
... See MoreSee Less

Shelter closed Thursday 6/3/25 & Friday 7/3/25. We will reopen Monday 10/3/25 at 10am (weather permitting)

For the safety of our animals, volunteers and the public, the NRAS Shelter will be closed until the predicted extreme weather passes.

Please stay safe and keep your pets contained indoors and safe during extreme weather.

All animals at the shelter have been moved offsite and into emergency foster care.

Thank you to all of the kind people who have opened their hearts and homes to hosting extra animals during this stressful time.

9 CommentsComment on Facebook

Amazing work NRAS. Thank you for going all out to keep the animals and the volunteers who look after them, safe.

Thankyou for your caring work stay safe😊

Amazing job Amy & the team securing places for all the animals waiting to find their forever homes

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Shout out to the awesome folks at Petstock Lismore for their recent donation of food for our animals. ... See MoreSee Less

Shout out to the awesome folks at Petstock Lismore for their recent donation of food for our animals.

7 CommentsComment on Facebook

Wow, that’s absolutely wonderful. Thank you so much Petstock Lismore.

How wonderful well done 👍

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Adorable 2-month-old Staffy mix pup, Mandy is ready to join a family for a lifetime of love and adventure.

Mandy has a unique, short, brindle coat and dark chocolate eyes that melt your heart. She will grow to be a medium to large dog who will thrive with regular activity and socialisation.

Perfect for a household with an existing dog, or as a solo pup Mandy will make a loyal and attentive lifetime companion.


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

Adorable 2-month-old Staffy mix pup, Mandy is ready to join a family for a lifetime of love and adventure.

Mandy has a unique, short, brindle coat and dark chocolate eyes that melt your heart. She will grow to be a medium to large dog who will thrive with regular activity and socialisation. 

Perfect for a household with an existing dog, or as a solo pup Mandy will make a loyal and attentive lifetime companion. 

  
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

3 CommentsComment on Facebook

Barry Smith

Mick Ikin

Jacob Hoey

Hey there!
Are you coming to ADOPTION DAY TOMORROW??

It's on tomorrow, Saturday 1/3/25. 10am - 1pm
61 Piper Drive, Ballina.

Come down and say hi, meet our available animals

$10 microchipping, nail clipping and hydrobathing.

🐾Merchandise for sale.

🐾Chai and coffee stall.

🐾BBQ and cold drinks.

All the cool cats and dogs will be there 🐈‍⬛🐕
... See MoreSee Less

Hey there! 
Are you coming to ADOPTION DAY TOMORROW??

 Its on tomorrow, Saturday 1/3/25. 10am - 1pm
61 Piper Drive, Ballina.

Come down and say hi, meet our available animals

$10 microchipping, nail clipping and hydrobathing.

🐾Merchandise for sale.

🐾Chai and coffee stall.

🐾BBQ and cold drinks.

All the cool cats and dogs will be there 🐈‍⬛🐕

6 CommentsComment on Facebook

There are some amazing cats, kittens, doggo’s and puppies available for adoption at the NRAS adoption day tomorrow. If you can offer love and a safe and stable home, come down and meet some of the gorgeous pets looking for forever homes.

I have work but I wish all these beautiful pets and yourselves a wonderful day 💛

Wishing you a successful day NRAS

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Good looks run in the family. 🤩

Mum, Kia and her litter are feline perfection. Stunning, sweet and a little sassy.

We LOVE them! and they are so entertaining 😂

These beauties will make Purrrrfect pets 🥰
... See MoreSee Less

Good looks run in the family. 🤩

Mum, Kia and her litter are feline perfection. Stunning, sweet and a little sassy. 

We LOVE them! and they are so entertaining 😂

These beauties will make Purrrrfect pets 🥰Image attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment

4 CommentsComment on Facebook

Absolutely gorgeous felines. Why not come along to the next NRAS adoption day on Saturday 1st March. It’s held at the NRAS Shelter located at 61 Piper Drive, out near Ballina Airport. The gate opens at 10.00am and there are plenty of cats, dogs, kittens and puppies looking for safe and loving forever homes.

Sent pm

So adorable! 😍