Shelters & Rescues in Cairns

Looking to adopt, foster, or support local animal welfare in Cairns? Here you’ll find a list of shelters, rescue groups, and adoption centers dedicated to helping animals in your community.

YAPS rescues and shelters homeless, abandoned, or unwanted dogs and cats across Cairns and the surrounding region. They operate a rescue shelter and offer adoption, boarding, foster-care, and surrender services for pets.

Their goal is to provide animals with care, rehabilitation (medical and behavioural if needed), and eventually to rehome them into loving, permanent homes.

🐾 Services offered by YAPS

• Adoption of dogs and cats: YAPS maintains up-to-date listings on their website for animals ready for adoption.
• Boarding services: They provide kennel-care for dogs and cats — each pet receives proper accommodation, exercise, diet care, and access to vet services if necessary.
• Foster-care and surrender program: People who can’t keep their pets can surrender them. YAPS also places animals in foster homes temporarily until a permanent adoption is possible.
• Community support & donations: As a non-profit with no government funding, YAPS depends heavily on public donations, memberships and volunteers to operate.

The shelters and rescue groups in Cairns are working every day to care for animals in need—and they can't do it alone. Whether you choose to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate, your support helps save lives and build a more compassionate community. Reach out to a local organization today and become part of the change.