Where to Adopt Guinea Pigs & Rabbits in Australia
Short answer: the easiest places to adopt a guinea pig or rabbit in Australia are your state’s RSPCA and specialist small-animal rescues. RSPCA fees are usually about $30–$95, and specialist rabbit rescues charge around $295+ for a single rabbit. Rescue animals usually come desexed, vet-checked and (for rabbits) vaccinated and microchipped, which often makes adopting cheaper than buying.
You can also search every rescue in the country on PetRescue – guinea pigs and PetRescue – rabbits.
Before you adopt
- Guinea pigs need guinea pig company. Adopt a pair (same sex, or one desexed) and plan for 5–7 years, sometimes up to 10.
- Rabbits are an 8–10 year commitment and do best indoors with a bonded, desexed companion. They struggle in heat above about 28 °C.
- Rabbits need calicivirus (RHDV) vaccination every year and should be desexed. Most rescues do this before adoption.
- Get the setup ready first. Many rescues ask for photos of your enclosure. See our guinea pig cage size guide and indoor rabbit setup guide.
Victoria
| Organisation | Animals | Area | Adoption fee (published) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSPCA Victoria | Both | Burwood East, Peninsula | $30–$95 (pairs discounted). Includes desexing, microchip, vaccination |
| Lort Smith Adoption Centre | Both | Campbellfield (north) | Varies. Includes desexing, vaccination, microchip |
| Rebel Tails Rescue | Guinea pigs (and dogs) | Melbourne foster homes | See their adoption listings. Registered charity; strict indoor, size-appropriate enclosure criteria |
| Rabbit Run-Away Orphanage | Rabbits | Olinda (Dandenong Ranges) | Contact them |
| The Rabbit Sanctuary | Rabbits | Melbourne foster carers (also NSW, ACT) | $295+ single, $395+ pair |
| Beary Fuzzy Forever Rescue | Both | Melbourne foster homes | Varies. Includes desexing, microchip, vaccination |
| Kelly’s Rabbit Warren Rescue | Rabbits | Bendigo | Contact them |
New South Wales
| Organisation | Animals | Area | Adoption fee (published) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSPCA NSW | Both | Sydney and statewide shelters | Rabbits $75, guinea pigs $53 |
| Animal Welfare League NSW | Both | Sydney and regional branches | Contact them. Guinea pigs go in pairs |
| The Rabbit Sanctuary | Rabbits | Northern Rivers, Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle and more | $295+ single, $395+ pair |
Australian Capital Territory
| Organisation | Animals | Area | Adoption fee (published) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSPCA ACT | Both | Canberra | Rabbits $80, guinea pigs $30 |
| The Rabbit Sanctuary | Rabbits | Canberra foster carers | $295+ single, $395+ pair |
Queensland (guinea pigs only)
Keeping pet rabbits is illegal in Queensland without a special permit, and heavy penalties apply (Business Queensland). Guinea pigs are fine.
| Organisation | Animals | Area | Adoption fee (published) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Welfare League QLD | Guinea pigs | Gold Coast | $30 |
| QLD Guinea Pig Refuge | Guinea pigs | North Brisbane | $25 ($35 desexed) |
| Cavy Angels Guinea Pig Rescue | Guinea pigs | Gold Coast | Contact them |
| Miss Piggy’s Guinea Pig Lair | Guinea pigs | Sunshine Coast | $60 |
| RSPCA Queensland | Guinea pigs | Brisbane and regional | Check with the shelter |
South Australia
| Organisation | Animals | Area | Adoption fee (published) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSPCA South Australia | Both | Adelaide (Lonsdale, West Lakes) | From $15 |
| Animal Welfare League SA | Rabbits | Adelaide | Contact them |
In SA, pet rabbits must be kept in an escape-proof hutch or pen (Landscape SA).
Western Australia
| Organisation | Animals | Area | Adoption fee (published) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSPCA WA | Both | Perth (Malaga) | e.g. rabbit $70 (desexed) |
| Guinea Pig Haven | Guinea pigs | Perth | Contact them |
| Under The Willow Tree Rescue | Both | Perth (adopts statewide) | Varies |
| Feathers to Fins | Rabbits | Perth Hills | $180 (desexed, vaccinated) |
In WA, pet rabbits are allowed but must be kept under the state’s code of practice (DPIRD).
Tasmania and Northern Territory
| Organisation | Animals | Area | Adoption fee (published) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mighty Misfits Animal Rescue | Rabbits (and guinea pigs) | Launceston, TAS | Varies, e.g. bonded rabbit pair $450 |
| RSPCA Darwin | Both | Darwin, NT | Contact them |
Setting up for your new friends
Once you’re approved, you’ll need a home ready on day one. Our C&C cages (assembled and shipped from Melbourne), handmade fleece liners and bedding guide cover everything guinea pigs need. For rabbits, start with our indoor rabbit setup guide. You’ll also want a vet who knows small animals: see our rabbit & guinea pig vet directory.
Run a rescue? Get your rescue listed
We’re always adding rescues to this guide, and listings are free. If your rescue rehomes guinea pigs, rabbits or other small animals anywhere in Australia, fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch.
Prefer email? Send your details to [email protected].
Registered rescues can also join our Rescue Partner Program. It gives your adopters 10% off supplies and boarding, and your rescue earns quarterly store credit for animals in care.
Details were checked in September 2026 from each organisation’s website or PetRescue page. Fees and availability change, so please confirm directly with the rescue. Listings are free and aren’t paid placements. To update your rescue’s details, get in touch.