Beverley Eastmond
I adopted my puppy ' Toby' from the Refuge and 8 months later, when we decided to get a playmate for Toby we didn't hesitate to go back there and adopt 'Remus'. My impressions of the Refuge are that all the staff there go above and beyond their duties and give so much extra. Their main goal is to ensure the animals are as happy as possible till they find their forever homes. If we get another dog, it will be from the Refuge!
​Toby (left) and Remus (right)
How To Adopt
At Mareeba Animal Refuge, our goal is to match every animal with a safe, loving, and suitable forever home. To ensure the best outcomes for both pets and families.
Step 1: Enquiry
Interested in adopting? Please reach out to us in one of the following ways:
-
Call: 4092 3060
-
Email: foamar@bigpond.com
-
Visit: Mareeba Animal Refuge, 35 Hickling Avenue, Mareeba (open 7 days, 8am–4pm). Same day adoption is available IF there is a suitable match.
​
When enquiring, please provide:
-
The type of companion you’re looking for (e.g. “active dog for jogging,” “quiet indoor cat,” “family-friendly puppy, "farm cat")
-
Your living situation (e.g. home owner, rental with pet approval, acreage, suburban yard, apartment etc.)
​
Please note: We must confirm that you are able to legally and practically keep an animal on your property. Renters will need to show proof of landlord approval.
Step 2: Matching Process
We work with you to find the most suitable match for your home and lifestyle. Our team knows the personalities of our animals and will help guide you toward the right companion.
Step 3: Adoption Paperwork & Payment
Once you’ve chosen your new family member, there is some paperwork to complete:
-
Purchase agreement
-
Microchip change of ownership
-
Desexing Voucher ( For Puppies/Kittens UNDER 6 months)
​
You will also receive a take-home folder with all your pet’s medical records, including vaccination history, desexing certificate, microchip details, and any other relevant health notes.
Adoption Fees: Cover desexing, microchipping, C5 (dogs) or F3 (cats) vaccinations, flea/tick/worm prevention, and other vet care.
Payment: Full payment is required at adoption/the start of the trial. (Cash or bank transfer only – no EFTPOS).
Step 4: Trial Period (Optional)
We offer a 2-week trial adoption period.
If the adoption doesn’t work out, the animal must be returned to us within this time.
Adoption fees will be fully refunded during the trial period.
Step 5: After Adoption
Our team will follow up by phone or message at around the 3-month mark to check in.
Adopters are encouraged to contact us anytime with questions, concerns, or happy updates.
You’ll also be invited to join our Facebook group:
-
Rescue Family – Adoption Support by Mareeba Animal Refuge
-
Here you can access training tips, health care advice, and share your rescue’s progress with our supportive community.