Giving forgotten cats and dogs a second chance
Tails of the Forgotten Paws is a Melbourne-based, 100% volunteer-run and community-funded animal welfare charity.
We work to improve the lives of forgotten, abandoned and vulnerable cats and dogs through foster care, veterinary support, rehabilitation, education and carefully managed rehoming.
Our goal is not simply to find homes for animals. We aim to create better, more lasting outcomes by supporting the people who care for them and promoting positive, responsible relationships between people and animals.
100% Volunteer
Run
Our charity is powered entirely by volunteers, which means our community plays a vital role in every animal’s journey.
Foster-Based
Care
We do not operate a traditional shelter. Animals live in foster homes where they receive individual care, rehabilitation and preparation for adoption.
Experienced Animal
Welfare Team
Our team brings more than 20 years of combined animal welfare experience, supported by professional veterinary nursing and animal welfare knowledge.
What We Do
- Rescue vulnerable, abandoned and neglected cats and dogs
- Provide veterinary care, rehabilitation and foster homes
- Carefully match animals with suitable permanent families
- Support pet owners experiencing hardship
- Promote responsible pet ownership and strengthen the bond between people and their pets
- Work alongside other animal welfare and community organisations
Why We Began
Tails of the Forgotten Paws was established in 2020 after our founder recognised the need for an animal welfare service that addressed not only the rescue and rehoming of neglected and abandoned animals, but also the underlying circumstances that can lead them to be surrendered or impounded.
Financial hardship, housing instability, family violence, illness, limited access to veterinary care and a lack of practical support can all place pets at risk.
By intervening earlier and supporting both animals and their people, we aim to prevent abandonment wherever possible, reduce pressure on already stretched pounds and rescue organisations, and improve outcomes for animals that may otherwise face uncertain futures.
More Than Animal Rescue
We believe that helping animals often means helping the people who love them.
Alongside rescue and rehoming, we work to keep people and their pets together wherever it is safe and possible. This may include practical support, essential pet supplies, education or collaboration with community organisations.
By supporting both animals and people, we can help prevent pets from entering pounds or becoming homeless in the first place.
Every Animal Has a Story
Help Us Give More Animals a Second Chance
As a 100% volunteer-run charity, we rely on foster carers, adopters, volunteers and donors to continue helping vulnerable domestic animals.
Whether you open your home, give your time or make a donation, your support can help change an animal’s life.