As a federated organisation, the RSPCA’s member societies in each state and territory run animal rehoming shelters, investigate and prosecute animal cruelty complaints, and educate the community on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.
RSPCA Australia, as the federation’s national body, is a leading source of animal welfare science, and works with governments and industries to progress animal welfare across a range of issues. In addition, RSPCA Australia runs the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme, which works with farmers and brands to improve the lives of millions of farm animals.
Read on to find out more about the structure, mission and objectives of the RSPCA.
Mission, Vision and Objectives
RSPCA Australia works with government and industry to establish standards for animal care across a number of industries.
RSPCA member societies in states and territories also operate animal care and adoption facilities, and seek to raise community awareness of animal welfare issues.
Read our mission & objectives
RSPCA Charter
RSPCA Australia believes that animals must be treated humanely. Where humans make use of animals or interfere with their habitat, they should bestow a level of care befitting human dignity as rational, intelligent, compassionate beings, and a level of care merited by the nature of the animal as a sentient creature capable of responding to human care and attention. Such care should be marked by sympathy, consideration, compassion and tenderness towards animals.
Read the RSPCA’s Charter
How we govern ourselves
RSPCA Australia is the federal body of the eight autonomous state and territory Australian member Societies. RSPCA Australia works with its members in establishing national policies and positions on animal welfare, as well as working with both government and industry on national animal welfare issues.
The RSPCA in Australia is a federation, with eight autonomous state and territory RSPCA entities being members of the federal body, RSPCA Australia. Each of the nine entities is governed by a Board. The Board of RSPCA Australia comprises one nominated director from each of the eight member Societies, plus a recruited Chair and up to two other recruited directors.
Find out more about how the RSPCA is governedWe’re proud of our highly experienced team of experts, both in our office and on the RSPCA Australia board of directors.
Meet our team
Our history
The first Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Australia was formed in Victoria in 1871. Since then, RSPCA Member Societies have been established in every State and Territory, culminating in the formation of a national body, RSPCA Australia, in 1980.
Read more about the RSPCA’s history
Our policies
The RSPCA’s policies on animal welfare are based on rigorous scientific evidence, and guide all of our work. Policy statements are adopted on the unanimous vote of the RSPCA’s State and Territory member societies.
View the RSPCA’s policies
Working with the RSPCA
Many people who care about animals consider turning their passion into a career, and enquire about coming to work at the RSPCA. While most people are familiar with our shelter staff and uniformed inspectors, there are actually a wide range of jobs available at the RSPCA.
View available opportunities