About us
Learn more about Northern Rivers Animal Services
Rehoming Number
R251000060
NRAS Office / Shelter
61 Piper Drive, Ballina, NSW 2478
Ph: 02 6681 1860
10:00am – 4:00pm Monday – Friday
Op Shop
Shop 2, 268 River Street, Ballina, NSW 2478
M: 0400 624 863
Monday – Friday 10:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday’s 10:00am – 2:00pm
Donations & Direct Deposits
Summerland Credit Union
Account: Northern Rivers Animal Services
BSB: 728 728
Account #: 2221 4082
Or donate online here
Apply as Volunteer or Foster Carer
We always need your help!
FAQ and forms
Find all our useful information here
Animal Shelter in the Northern Rivers region
Serving Casino, Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay, Bangalow, and surrounding areas, NRAS collaborates with local council pounds, rescuing animals on the brink of euthanasia. Governed by an annually elected Committee, NRAS operates two key divisions: an Op Shop and a Rescue Shelter, supported by dedicated managers and a strong volunteer network.
We go beyond providing food, shelter and medical care for companion animals. With the support of our Vet Partners throughout the Northern Rivers, we assist individuals facing financial hardship by contributing to the costs of desexing their pets through our Subsidised Desexing Program.
Our animals undergo comprehensive care, including vet checks, parasite treatments, microchipping, vaccination and desexing prior to their adoption.
At NRAS, adoption decisions are made in collaboration with foster carers and our Shelter Operations Manager, who intimately understand each animal’s personality, compatibility with other pets, and suitability for various households.
As a registered charity, donations over $2 are tax-deductible. Your contributions directly support the well-being of these animals, providing them with food, shelter, and medical care until they find loving homes.
Join us in making a difference by supporting NRAS. Your generosity ensures these animals receive the care they deserve as they embark on their journey to living their best lives.
Care Philosophy
NRAS is not a high-density facility. We believe in a welfare-based approach to care where animals feel loved, connected and understood. This leads to shorter waiting time in care and happier animals. Our residents are in good health both mentally and physically and therefor present as their best selves, meaning turnover is quicker leading to less stress on resident animals or shorted waiting times for animals needing to come into care.
We believe in treating each animal that enters our care as a new family member who will be respected and valued for their individual needs, temperament and prior experiences.
In order to provide the best level of care possible all NRAS animals afford a level of investment and understanding so that they can thrive while in care and go on to live a deservingly happy life.
Our ability for animal care is also dependent on the number of volunteers and foster carers we have. Without suitable foster homes and reliable and capable volunteers, we are limited in our ability to extend care for animals in need.
Aims of the NRAS
Raise the value of cats and dogs in society so that the intrinsic needs of each are recognised, respected and met.
Find a positive solution for unowned cats & dogs.
Improve humans’ attitudes towards cats and dogs through education.
Prevent the birth of unwanted kittens and puppies.
Find safe and happy homes with responsible owners for as many abandoned cats and dogs as possible.
Achieve zero euthanasia rates of all healthy & treatable cats and dogs.
Dog Adoption Questionnaire
Fill out this form to apply
Cat Adoption Questionnaire
Fill out this form to apply