Our role

The state and territory member Societies provide services to animals in need through their shelters and inspectorates. In the national office, RSPCA Australia works to influence animal welfare policy, practice and legislation across the country
Go to Our role

Key issues

The RSPCA advocates for the welfare of animals across a number of industries, issues and platforms. Help from our supporters is important to progress change. Working together is key.
Go to Key issues
take action live sheep export alternate
Priority issue
Australia is closer than it has ever…
Live sheep export

Support us

Whether you're an individual or a business, there are multiple ways you can support the RSPCA
Go to Support us
An animal in the RSPCA care being cared for by an RSPCA vet
Donate now to support your local RSPCA and make a difference to animal welfare across Australia
Donate

About

The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.
Go to About
about us national statistics
Read our National Statistics
Compiled on a national basis by RSPCA…
Annual statistics

Adopt

By choosing adoption, you’ll not only have the chance to make a friend for life, but you’ll be giving an animal a second chance and helping support the RSPCA.
Go to Adopt
adopt a pet logo
Visit the Adoptapet website
Make a difference to a pet’s life today.
Search Adoptapet
Our history

The RSPCA’s history in Australia dates back to 1871, when a public meeting to discuss the ill treatment of horses in Victoria led to the formation of Australia’s first Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Following the establishment of a Society in Victoria, other states soon followed.

ACT
ACT

1955

RSPCA Established
NSW
NSW

1873

RSPCA Established
DAR
NT

1965

RSPCA Established
QLD
QLD

1883

RSPCA Established
SA
SA

1875

RSPCA Established
TAS
TAS

1878

RSPCA Established
VIC
VIC

1871

RSPCA Established
WA
WA

1892

RSPCA Established

1871

SPCA formed in Victoria

Following a public meeting to discuss the welfare of horses, a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was formed in Victoria with just a handful of members. Its first President is prominent Australian, and former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Sir William Foster Stawell.

1873

SPCA NSW forms

SPCA NSW forms following a significant public push for a welfare organisation. The Society’s first president is a former Chief Justice of NSW.

1875

SPCA SA forms

SPCA South Australia forms in Adelaide and is the collaborative effort of politicians, public officials and members of Christian and Jewish religious groups.

1878

SPCA formed in Tasmania

SPCA Tasmania is formed by a group of concerned citizens who call themselves ‘animal protectionists’.

1883

SPCA Queensland re-opens

SPCA Queensland had an initial inception in 1876. It folded but re-opened with greater support in 1883.

1920

about us our history banner 1903x400

SPCA becomes RSPCA

The royal imprimatur is bestowed on SPCA WA by King George V - the first society outside the United Kingdom to have this honour. In coming decades, other states will follow.

1955

RSPCA ACT forms.

RSPCA ACT forms.

1965

RSPCA NT forms.

RSPCA Northern Territory forms.

1965

Meeting of all Societies

An informal meeting of all Societies takes place in Melbourne. From this, Societies agree to meet once every two years, on a rotational basis, to discuss mutual problems. Despite this, the occurrence of meetings comes down to the enthusiasm of the host Society.

1980

RSPCA Australia takes shape

By 1980 it was clear that the RSPCA movement had to become a national organisation to speak with one voice on policy matters, and to offer advice to the Federal government on national animal welfare issues. In May 1980 the eight RSPCA Societies met in Melbourne and agreed unanimously to form a properly constituted national Society.

The new organisation was named RSPCA Australia and formally constituted in the ACT under the requirements of the then Companies Act. Following this, the first meeting of RSPCA Australia was held in February 1981.

The foundation membership of RSPCA Australia was limited to the existing eight RSPCA Societies, being ACT, Victoria, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia.

1981

First meeting of RSPCA Australia

Following this, the first meeting of RSPCA Australia is held, formally constituted in the ACT under the requirements of the then Companies Act. The foundation membership of RSPCA Australia is limited to the existing eight RSPCA Societies, being ACT, Victoria, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia.

1996

RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme begins

The RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme is established, Australia’s leading independent certification scheme focused on animal welfare.

1998

RSPCA Darwin replaces NT

RSPCA Darwin Regional Branch applies and is accepted as a member Society of RSPCA Australia, to replace RSPCA NT.

2002

RSPCA Pet Insurance is formed

RSPCA Pet Insurance forms.

2021

150 years of RSPCA

The RSPCA commemorates its 150th anniversary.

2024

RSPCA Darwin reconstituted as RSPCA Northern Territory

A special resolution passed at the RSPCA Darwin AGM which changed the name to RSPCA Northern Territory, effective 1 Jan 2024.

subscribe box

Stay informed on big issues and how you can help improve animal welfare across Australia.

Subscribe today and we’ll keep you updated on all the latest campaigns, events and news.