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 3rd May 2025

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

PET OF THE WEEK

Hope is an hilarious, goofy and endlessly lovable little Staffy Cross pup who’s got gumption in spades.

This confident and curious cutie is only 4 months old, but she’s already packed to the brim with personality.

Hope is playful, cheeky and has that perfect “puppy mischief” energy - but she’s also smart as a whip! She listens well, knows how to sit, is learning to walk on a harness and her toilet training is going really well.

If you’re looking for a pup full of life and love, with just the right amount of sparkle and sass, Hope’s your girl


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
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PET OF THE WEEK 

Hope is an hilarious, goofy and endlessly lovable little Staffy Cross pup who’s got gumption in spades.  

This confident and curious cutie is only 4 months old, but she’s already packed to the brim with personality.

Hope is playful, cheeky and has that perfect “puppy mischief” energy - but she’s also smart as a whip!  She listens well, knows how to sit, is learning to walk on a harness and her toilet training is going really well.

If you’re looking for a pup full of life and love, with just the right amount of sparkle and sass, Hope’s your girl 

  
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 60Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

8 CommentsComment on Facebook

Such a precious girl

Look at those loving eyes♥️

She is perfect ❤️✨

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They say it takes a village and as this year's WORLD VET DAY theme will attest, "Animal Health Takes a Team", and we are so fortunate to work with some amazing VET teams in the Northern Rivers.
Happy WORLD VET DAY ... and THANK YOU for all that you do.
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They say it takes a village and as this years WORLD VET DAY theme will attest, Animal Health Takes a Team, and we are so fortunate to work with some amazing VET teams in the Northern Rivers.
Happy WORLD VET DAY ... and THANK YOU for all that you do.

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Happy Vet Day

Look how clever we are! We have learnt to sit!⭐️⭐️⭐️ Gold stars for lovely Hope and Herby 🥹❤️ ... See MoreSee Less

Look how clever we are! We have learnt to sit!⭐️⭐️⭐️ Gold stars for lovely Hope and Herby  🥹❤️Image attachment

6 CommentsComment on Facebook

These two pups are beyond cute, and even though they’re still babies, they’re showing how quickly they can learn. Going to make great dogs. Come and meet these smart little guys at the next NRAS adoption day on May 3rd. By then they may even have some new tricks to show you.

Ohhh…. They are so cute!

How much do they cost

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PET OF THE WEEK

Kiki is a 5-year-old Ragdoll who is equal parts fluff and affection.

She’s a gentle soul who loves head scratches and cuddles. Ragdolls are known for their laid-back personality and loving nature, and Kiki is no exception.

Kiki will thrive in a quiet home with loads of human company, and will make a perfect companion. Whether you’re a long-time cat lover or new to feline friendship, Kiki will turn your house into a home. Come and meet her today!

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 

Kiki is a 5-year-old Ragdoll who is equal parts fluff and affection.  

She’s a gentle soul who loves head scratches and cuddles.  Ragdolls are known for their laid-back personality and loving nature, and Kiki is no exception.  

Kiki will thrive in a quiet home with loads of human company, and will make a perfect companion.  Whether you’re a long-time cat lover or new to feline friendship, Kiki will turn your house into a home.  Come and meet her today!
 
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

1 CommentComment on Facebook

In the words of Kiki’s foster carer, “she is the best”. This beautiful, loveable, gentle cat has all the best traits of the Ragdoll breed and is going to make some lucky person or family the sweetest companion. Don’t miss this chance to meet your future fur baby.

Our newest “N” babies are pure heart melters! 💗🥹 Meet Nigel, Nash, Nancy and Nitro! We are in love. For more information call 6681 1860! ... See MoreSee Less

Our newest “N” babies are pure heart melters! 💗🥹 Meet Nigel, Nash, Nancy and Nitro! We are in love. For more information call 6681 1860!Image attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment

27 CommentsComment on Facebook

No more animals

The ginger boy I’ve been looking for 🫚 🧡

Very cute babies and hungry too ❤️

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Look at Katia, quite clearly LOVING being with her foster carer! 🥰🥹
For more information about beautiful Katia, give us a call on 6681 1860 💜
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Look at Katia, quite clearly LOVING being with her foster carer! 🥰🥹 
For more information about beautiful Katia, give us a call on 6681 1860 💜Image attachmentImage attachment

6 CommentsComment on Facebook

If I was not working, I would give this beautiful girl her forever home in a heartbeat.

Jacob Hoey now that you are retired you should adopt 😜

Such a lovely girl

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PET OF THE WEEK

3-year-old Labradoodle Ted is looking for love! This big Teddy Bear is ready to find someone who will be devoted to helping him explore the world and build his confidence.

Affectionate and playful with familiar people Ted Still has some work to do when greeting new, unfamiliar visitors. He can be a bit nervous and gives a off an apprehensive bark but is quick to warm up once introduced.

Ted would suit a home with someone with dog experience to see him successfully navigate new experiences. He shows great promise and will thrive with ongoing training and 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

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

PET OF THE WEEK

3-year-old Labradoodle Ted is looking for love! This big Teddy Bear is ready to find someone who will be devoted to helping him explore the world and build his confidence.

Affectionate and playful with familiar people Ted Still has some work to do when greeting new, unfamiliar visitors. He can be a bit nervous and gives a off an apprehensive bark but is quick to warm up once introduced.

Ted would suit a home with someone with dog experience to see him successfully navigate new experiences. He shows great promise and will thrive with ongoing training and 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 

Mandatory Re-homing #R251 00 00 60Image attachment

11 CommentsComment on Facebook

Ted is really the marshmallow he so closely resembles. He’s very soft and sweet and squishy on the inside, adoring the company and attention of the NRAS volunteers. When he first meets new people his nervous bark can be a little off putting but it’s just Ted’s way of greeting strangers. He immediately warms to people once he realises they’re friends, and his calm loving nature along with his amazingly handsome looks have won him many hearts out at the NRAS Shelter. Ted has all the characteristics to make him a fabulous family friend and wingman. Don’t miss the chance to meet him out at the NRAS Shelter in Piper Drive.

I would love to adopt him. I have send you a message.

Awwww sweetie 💗

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COME DOWN TO MISSINGHAM PARK.
DINNER IS SORTED WITH MR POTATO#mrpotat
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2 CommentsComment on Facebook

Rain can't keep us away! Mr potato is pumping out the spuds for Ballina. Come down support the crew and NRAS!

Kyle Chapman