Animal Shelters – A Look Inside Daily Operations

Animal shelters and rescues are the heart of the community for lost, abandoned and surrendered pets. These organisations work tirelessly to give animals a second chance at life through a combination of care, rehabilitation and rehoming. But what really happens behind the scenes each day? Let’s take a closer look at the daily operations of a typical animal shelter or rescue in Australia.

Intake: The First Step to Safety

Each day, shelters may receive animals from various sources—strays picked up by councils, surrendered pets, or those transferred from other facilities. Intake is a critical process that involves:

• Identification: Checking for microchips or other ID to reunite lost pets with their families.

• Assessment: Staff assess the animal’s health and behaviour to determine immediate needs.

• Quarantine: New arrivals are usually placed in quarantine to prevent the spread of disease to other animals in care.

Veterinary Care: Addressing Immediate and Ongoing Needs

Once an animal is settled, veterinary staff or contracted vets step in to provide necessary medical care. This may include:

• Vaccinations

• Desexing

• Microchipping

• Treatment for injuries or illness

• Flea, tick and worm prevention

Shelters also work with local vets and animal hospitals to ensure each pet receives comprehensive care.

Rehabilitation: Healing Body and Mind

Not every animal is ready for adoption straight away. Many need time, patience and training. Behavioural rehabilitation is a big part of shelter work, especially for pets that have suffered neglect or trauma.

• Socialisation: Helping shy or fearful animals become more confident around humans and other pets.

• Basic Training: Teaching simple cues like “sit” or working on toilet training.

• Enrichment: Providing toys, exercise and stimulation to reduce stress and encourage healthy behaviours.

This phase can take days, weeks, or even months depending on the animal’s background.

Adoption Procedures: Finding Forever Homes

The ultimate goal is to match each animal with a loving, permanent home. The adoption process typically includes:

• An application or screening process

• Meet-and-greets to ensure compatibility

• Home checks or interviews for certain pets

• A reasonable adoption fee, which often covers veterinary care already provided

Some animals may also go into foster care while they await adoption—a vital part of the rescue network that provides personalised care in a home environment.

How You Can Help

Animal shelters rely on community support to keep their operations running. You can help by:

• Adopting rather than shopping for a pet

• Volunteering your time

• Donating supplies or money

• Becoming a foster carer

If you're ready to welcome a new pet into your life, explore pets available for adoption through local Victorian rescues here:

PetRescue Victoria Listings