Lead: Adopting is cheaper and saves a life. The two major shelters in Brisbane are RSPCA Queensland and Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ). This article covers 2026 addresses, fees, waitlists and home checks.
The two main shelters
RSPCA Queensland
- Wacol hub: Wacol Avenue, Wacol QLD 4076 — largest, full range of cats and dogs
- Op-shop branches: smaller adoption points across Brisbane suburbs
- Website: rspcaqld.org.au — browse dogs online and book a meet-and-greet
Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ)
- Main centre: Logan area; Coopers Plains administration and adoption point
- Website: awlq.org.au
2026 adoption fees
| Animal | Fee |
| Puppies / kittens (<6 months) | $400 – $550 |
| Adult cats and dogs | $250 – $350 |
| Senior pets (7+) | $100 – $200 |
Fees typically include desexing, core vaccinations (C5 / F3), microchip, worming and a starter pack of food.
The process
- Online form: describe your housing, household, current pets and work hours
- Meet-and-greet: spend 20–30 minutes with your chosen animal at the shelter
- Home or video check: some adoptions require a quick check that the yard is safe
- Pay, sign contract, take them home: same day
Tip: Weekends are crowded — go on a weekday for a calmer visit. Senior animals wait the longest, adopt fastest, and tend to have the fewest behavioural surprises.