About Us

About PAWS Darwin

PAWS Darwin is a stand-alone local animal welfare organisation with charitable status, proudly based at Shop 8, Stavris Complex, Coolalinga. We are not government funded, nor supported by other shelters—every step we take is thanks to the dedication of our community, volunteers, and supporters.

Despite challenges, including the impact that bullying and harassment has had on our capacity, PAWS Darwin continues to do everything possible to provide care for unwanted animals, with the ultimate goal of rehoming them into safe, loving families.

We also work to educate the community on animal welfare issues such as the importance of desexing, achieved through school excursions, campaigns, and awareness programs.

Our Animals

Most of our adoptable pets live in foster homes, where they receive love and care while waiting for their forever families. If you see a pet on our website that you’d like to meet, simply complete the Meet and Greet form and one of our amazing foster carers will be in touch to organise a time.

All PAWS Darwin animals are up to date with vaccinations, worming, flea, and tick treatments before adoption.

Dogs come with four free behavioural class vouchers.
Puppies receive free puppy preschool classes.

If you would like to consider fostering, we’d love to welcome you to the PAWS Darwin team.

Community & Volunteering

PAWS Darwin offers opportunities for volunteers, work experience students, and individuals looking to build skills and confidence to re-enter the workforce. Although our space and activities look a little different now, we remain committed to community involvement.

Support Dog Program

In 2020, we launched our Support Dog Program, which includes both candidate dogs and owner-trained Emotional Support Animals (ESA). Learn more on our Heart Dog Program page if you are interested in this growing area of support.

Why Your Support Matters

Because PAWS Darwin is not government funded, we rely entirely on the generosity of our supporters. Donations play a vital role in ensuring we can continue to:

Provide food, shelter, medical treatment, and loving care for animals in need.
Rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abandoned and surrendered pets.
Fund desexing and vaccination programs.
Deliver education initiatives in the community.
Offer skill-building and volunteering opportunities.

When you adopt, foster, or donate, you’re not just helping an animal—you’re helping to strengthen the entire community we serve.