“Bella changed our home.”
We found Bella on Pet Rescue and the process was so simple. She’s gentle, playful, and fits right in.
Featured Pets
Explore Pet Rescue
Quick links to help you adopt, rehome, share stories, or support our mission.
About Pet Rescue
We’re a NZ-based community platform connecting pets with loving homes. Our mission is simple: make rehoming safe, transparent, and stress-free for people and pets.
Welfare First
Guided by animal wellbeing with vet-advised tips and safe adoption steps.
Safe & Transparent
Clear listings, direct owner contact, and simple meet-and-greet flow.
Community Powered
Aotearoa-wide network of caring owners, adopters, and volunteers.
250+
Adopted
500+
Listings
30k+
Monthly Views
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you • Get in touch today
How the Adoption Process Works
Whether you’re looking to find a new home for your pet or adopt a companion, our process keeps things simple, transparent, and safe for everyone.
1
Create or Browse Listings: Owners share pet details with photos; adopters explore available pets.
2
Connect Directly: Owners and adopters message each other securely to ask questions and learn more.
3
Meet & Greet: Arrange a safe meeting to make sure it’s the right match for both pet and family.
4
Finalize Adoption: Agree on next steps, share vet records, and give your pet a fresh start in their new home.
For Owners: Listings with clear daylight photos and honest descriptions find homes faster.
For Adopters: Ask about routines, temperament, and health before committing.
Safety Tip: Always meet in a safe, public space for your first introduction.
You Stay in Control: Both parties move forward only when everyone is comfortable.
Need to Rehome Your Pet?
Sometimes life changes and rehoming becomes the kindest option. With Pet Rescue, you stay in control — create a listing, connect directly with adopters, and choose the best new home for your pet.
Easy Listings: Create your pet’s profile in minutes.
Direct Contact: Talk to potential adopters directly.
Owner Control: You decide the best new home.
Rehome Your Pet
It’s free to list • Upgrade anytime for more visibility
Adoption Success Stories
Real families. Real pets. Real happy tails across Aotearoa.
“Max settled in day one.”
Messaging the owner and arranging a meet & greet was easy. Max is the sweetest little shadow.
“The perfect match.”
The meet & greet tips helped heaps. Nina’s now our weekend adventure buddy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you feel confident about adopting or rehoming.
How much does it cost to list a pet on PetRescue.org.nz?
Listing a pet on Pet Rescue New Zealand is free. Optional upgrades place your listing higher in search results and increase visibility.
Compare options on our Pricing page.
Is rehoming pets online in New Zealand safe, and how do I know if an adopter is trustworthy?
Yes—when you follow best practices. Speak with adopters about their home and routine, ask for references if needed, and arrange a first meeting in a safe, public place.
Use a simple adoption agreement and share vet records. If anything feels off, contact us for guidance.
What if adoption doesn’t work out after rehoming?
Start with a short trial period and agree to check-ins during the first weeks. If it’s not a fit, you can re-list the pet anytime and consider an upgrade for faster visibility on
the Pricing page.
How do I remove, update, or edit my pet listing once it’s live?
Log in and edit your listing anytime. If your pet is adopted, change status from Available to Adopted to hide it from searches.
Prefer help? Contact us with your username and listing link and we’ll remove or update it for you.
How long does it usually take to find a match, and do upgraded listings help?
It varies by pet type, age, and location. Some pets find homes in days; others take weeks. Upgraded listings appear higher in search and can speed up enquiries—
see plans on Pricing.
Can I list multiple pets, bonded pairs, or foster animals?
Yes—create one listing per pet so adopters can filter easily. For bonded pairs, clearly note they must be rehomed together. Rescue groups and foster carers are welcome to list;
if you need help, contact us.
What information should I include in my pet listing (age, breed, vet records, photos)?
Include age, breed/size, temperament, energy level, vet history (vaccinations, desexing, microchip), routines, and any quirks.
Add clear daylight photos (face + full body); short videos also help boost enquiries.
Can I charge an adoption fee, and are there rules about fees?
Yes. A reasonable fee can help cover vet costs (desexing, microchip, vaccinations) and encourages commitment. Keep fees fair and list the amount in your description for transparency.
If unsure what’s reasonable, ask us.
Where in New Zealand can I adopt pets — Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or nationwide?
We list pets nationwide. Browse and filter by region, type, and age from the homepage.
Many owners are happy to meet halfway in main centres like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
What types of pets can be adopted on Pet Rescue New Zealand — dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, or senior pets?
Mostly dogs and cats (including puppies and kittens), plus rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and sometimes reptiles or farm animals. Senior pets are common too and make wonderful companions.
What’s the safest way to meet adopters and hand over my pet?
Meet in a public place for the first visit (or have another adult present at home). Exchange vet records and use a simple adoption agreement.
If you’d like a quick checklist, contact us and we’ll send one through.
Can rescue groups or foster carers list pets on PetRescue.org.nz?
Yes—rescue groups and foster carers are welcome. Create individual listings with behaviour notes, training, and health details.
If you’re funding ongoing care, you can mention that in your listing or consider a Membership to support the platform.
List Your Pet
It’s free to list • Upgrade anytime for more visibility
Support Pet Rescue NZ
We’re a free, family-run platform that helps families rehome pets safely and responsibly — no shelters, no barriers. Your membership keeps the service free and accessible for everyone.
View Memberships