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

PET OF THE WEEK

Cute as a button, Trixie is an adorable grey domestic short hair cat who is equal parts cute and chunky.

Trixie is a quiet and content little lady who is more than happy as an indoor only cat.

She loves a nap and a snack, and at a little over a year and a half she is settled, and undemanding.

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

Cute as a button, Trixie is an adorable grey domestic short hair cat who is equal parts cute and chunky.

Trixie is a quiet and content little lady who is more than happy as an indoor only cat. 

She loves a nap and a snack, and at a little over a year and a half she is settled, and undemanding. 
  
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

5 CommentsComment on Facebook

She is beautiful. Is she okay with dogs?

Little cutie!! Love grey cats.

Beautiful 😍

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On this, NATIONAL VET NURSE DAY, and every other day, we pay tribute to those that help us care for sick and injured animals.
For your compassion, your dedication and your strength.
You are true heroes. Thank YOU!!!
Ballina Veterinary Hospital VetLove Goonellabah @vetlove_ballina @keenstreetvetclinic @racecoursevets @casinovetclinic
We love you all
#nationalvetnurseday🧡🐾
... See MoreSee Less

On this, NATIONAL VET NURSE DAY, and every other day, we pay tribute to those that help us care for sick and injured animals.  
For your compassion, your dedication and your strength.  
You are true heroes.  Thank YOU!!!
Ballina Veterinary Hospital  VetLove Goonellabah  @vetlove_ballina @keenstreetvetclinic @racecoursevets  @casinovetclinic    
We love you all
#nationalvetnurseday🧡🐾

2 CommentComment on Facebook

Where would the animals of this world be without vet nurses? Thanking each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.

HERE'S CHEERS TO 23 YEARS!!! Happy Birthday NRAS

There’s been highs & lows
We’ve shed many tears
But it’s all been so worth it
These past 23 years.

The cats and the kittens
The dogs, big and small
With your own personalities
We have loved you all.

You might hide in a corner
Or bark loud in your fear
You just need to be comforted
You just need us to hear.

That this life’s not your choosing
You want a family to love
A warm blanket; full tummy
So you pray to above.

That one day they will find you
And know right away
You’re the one that they want
And they ask you to stay.

So we’ll wave you goodbye
As you walk out of our gate
Safe with your new family
A change to your fate.

NRAS has saved you
As we cry happy tears
We'll continue to do it
Another 23 years!!
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HERES CHEERS TO 23 YEARS!!!    Happy Birthday NRAS

There’s been highs & lows
We’ve shed many tears
But it’s all been so worth it
These past 23 years.

The cats and the kittens 
The dogs, big and small
With your own personalities
We have loved you all.

You might hide in a corner
Or bark loud in your fear
You just need to be comforted
You just need us to hear.

That this life’s not your choosing
You want a family to love
A warm blanket;  full tummy
So you pray to above.

That one day they will find you
And know right away
You’re the one that they want
And they ask you to stay.

So we’ll wave you goodbye 
As you walk out of our gate
Safe with your new family
A change to your fate.

NRAS has saved you
As we cry happy tears
Well continue to do it 
Another 23 years!!

19 CommentsComment on Facebook

Happy Birthday to the most amazing, compassionate organisation, putting happiness and love into the future of so many animals. You are simply the best organisation to volunteer with - surrounded by kind, caring animal lovers who make every volunteer hour an absolute pleasure.

Thank you for caring and saving all the unwanted. I have 3 out of 4 of my fur babies come from you guys. The best decision I ever made was adopting two pups and two kittens all aged 10 weeks and all at the same time! I had my hands full but they have all grown into beautiful babies now 8 1/2 yrs old. Together forever 🙏❤️

Poppy (leia) says happy birthday, as she is about to celebrate her 3rd bday. Thanks for picking me as her mum. She’s the best girl 🧡

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PET OF THE WEEK

Loyal, intelligent and affectionate one and a half year old Diesel is everything and more you would expect to find in a Stumpy tail Blue Heeler.

Diesel is beautifully behaved and responsive when given direction. He travels well in the car and is quiet in the yard. He has a gentle manner is building confidence out and about.

A charmer with good looks and a wonderful temperament Diesel will devote himself to his human and provide a lifetime of companionship.

Mandatory Re-homing #R251 00 00 60

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

Loyal, intelligent and affectionate one and a half year old Diesel is everything and more you would expect to find in a Stumpy tail Blue Heeler.

Diesel is beautifully behaved and responsive when given direction. He travels well in the car and is quiet in the yard. He has a gentle manner is building confidence out and about.

A charmer with good looks and a wonderful temperament Diesel will devote himself to his human and provide a lifetime of companionship.

Mandatory Re-homing #R251 00 00 60
  
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 attachmentImage attachment

5 CommentsComment on Facebook

Good looking boy

Holly Claridge boots wants a friend

Lovely boy

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Fun Fact:
It's WORLD ANIMAL DAY ... the international day of ACTION for animal rights and welfare celebrated annually on October 4, the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Animals.
... See MoreSee Less

Fun Fact:
Its WORLD ANIMAL DAY ... the international day of ACTION for animal rights and welfare celebrated annually on October 4, the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Animals.Image attachment

🤣 7.5 year old Luna watching the big dog crazy from the safety of the office.

This lucky little lady is off to her forever home tomorrow. 🎉

Her lucky humans have been on our waitlist for some time and Miss Luna is the perfect fit!
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1 CommentComment on Facebook

Oh Luna, you don’t want to play with those big dogs. Stay safe in the office.

PET OF THE WEEK

2-year-old Dream is a vision of feline excellence with a soft, feathered peach and white coat and striking green eyes.

With a gentle nature and sweet disposition Dream is a pleasure to spend time with and stunning to look at.

He has previously lived in a multi cat household, and with an appropriate introduction and settling period would enjoy a home with the company of another cat.


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

2-year-old Dream is a vision of feline excellence with a soft, feathered peach and white coat and striking green eyes. 

With a gentle nature and sweet disposition Dream is a pleasure to spend time with and stunning to look at. 

He has previously lived in a multi cat household, and with an appropriate introduction and settling period would enjoy a home with the company of another cat. 

  
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

5 CommentsComment on Facebook

I’m really thinking I want this guy!

He is a dream ❤️

He's beautiful ❤️

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Birdy has a deep love for her pot of grass.

When she's not giving the humans leg rubs and love she can be found affectionately massaging her face into grass.

At one with nature?
Plant enthusiast?
Dreaming of greener pastures?

She's a quirky, cute, multifaceted cat of unique taste; and we love her!
... See MoreSee Less

Birdy has a deep love for her pot of grass.

When shes not giving the humans leg rubs and love she can be found affectionately massaging her face into grass.

At one with nature?
Plant enthusiast?
Dreaming of greener pastures? 

Shes a quirky, cute, multifaceted cat of unique taste; and we love her!

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

Birds is absolutely beautiful and in addition to her model looks she a total sweetheart.

Birdy ❤️