Pet rehoming sector reforms
The Victorian Government is supporting the pet rehoming sector through a staged program of reforms. These are based on the 17 recommendations by the Taskforce on Rehoming pets. The reforms:
- strengthen animal welfare
- provide clearer regulatory settings
- recognise the vital role of rehoming organisations, foster carers, councils, shelters and volunteers.
Happening now
Authorised Pet Rehoming Organisation scheme (APRO scheme)
Victoria has passed legislation to introduce a new Authorised Pet Rehoming Organisation (APRO) scheme.
The Domestic Animals Amendment (Rehoming Cats and Dogs and Other Matters) Act 2025 amends the Domestic Animals Act 1994. It establishes a voluntary, benefits‑based authorisation scheme for pet rehoming organisations. These include community foster care networks (CFCNs), rescue groups and pet adoption groups.
The APRO scheme starts on 10 April 2027.
Under the scheme, authorised organisations will be eligible for specific benefits, including:
- exemptions from registering foster cats and dogs with local councils
- the ability to hold adoption day events at approved locations.
The scheme responds to recommendations 7–11 of the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets.
Guides to help assess rehoming suitability
In response to recommendation 4 from the Taskforce, Animal Welfare Victoria developed the Guides to help assess the rehoming suitability of cats and dogs (the guides). We did this in collaboration with the pet rehoming sector and independent animal behaviour experts.
The guides are a free resource for organisations that rehome cats and dogs in Victoria. These organisations include pounds, shelters and pet rehoming organisations. The guides can also be used by research and teaching organisations seeking to rehome cats or dogs.
We have developed video learning modules and body language posters for cats and dogs. These will provide a foundation for recognising and interpreting animal behaviour.
Visit Guides to help assess pets for rehoming for more information and additional resources.
Working with the sector
The Rehoming Pets Working Group supports the design and delivery of the pet rehoming reforms by providing expert, sector-based advice.
Formed in September 2023, the Rehoming Pets Working Group brings together representatives from rescue groups, foster carers, animal shelters, pounds, local government and animal welfare organisations. In partnership with the Victorian Government, the group helps to design, develop and test policy proposals to support the delivery and implementation of the reforms
Current members
- Mhairi Roberts, RSPCA Victoria
- Amanda Doolan, Lort Smith
- Nadia Peiris, The Lost Dogs' Home
- Mark Menze, Victorian Animal Aid Trust (Animal Aid)
- Susan Taylor, Homeless Hounds
- Nell Thompson, Australian Companion Animal Management & Sheltering Services
- Dr Diana Rayment, Australian Institute of Animal Management
- Raphaela Lesmono, Tails of The Forgotten Paws
- Tom Wright, Project Underdog Rescue
- Nikki Steendam, Beagle Freedom Australia
- Teresa Minniti, Give a Kitty a Home Rescue Inc./Wyndham Community Vet
- Georgie Marinucci, The Cat Protection Society of Victoria
- Ben Radford, Bendio Animal Relief Centre
Coming up
- APRO scheme commencement: 10 April 2027
- End of Foster Carer Registration Scheme: The voluntary Foster Carer Registration Scheme will be removed from 10 April 2028.
Updates will be shared through the newsletter and this page.
Stay informed
For news and updates about the rehoming pet reforms please subscribe to the newsletter.
For more information about the rehoming pet reforms, email pet.reforms@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Progress update
Phase 1 consultation
There was significant consultation with the rehoming sector before reform commenced. Consultation has included interviews, workshops, and surveys, with the aim of accommodating as many participants as possible.
Download the summary of the consultation activities here:
- Rehoming Pets Reforms Phase 1 Consultation Summary
[PDF File - 199.5 KB] - Rehoming Pets Reforms Phase 1 Consultation Summary
[MS Word Document - 1.0 MB]
Regulatory framework development
In June and July 2024, we ran a consultation on the development of a regulatory framework for Victoria’s pet rehoming sector. This focused on community foster care networks (rescue groups) and foster carers.
Engagement included online expert sessions and surveys that involved:
- Rescue groups
- Foster carers
- Shelters
- Pounds
- Councils
- Animal welfare organisations
- Other stakeholders
Download the consultation outcomes:
- Regulatory framework consultation summary [PDF File - 143.1 KB]
- Regulatory framework consultation summary – accessible [MS Word Document - 1022.5 KB]
Background
Taskforce on Rehoming Pets
The Taskforce on Rehoming Pets (the Taskforce) was established in March 2021. It investigated and recommended how to improve and further support the rehoming of dogs and cats in Victoria. It then gave its recommendations to the government.
The Victorian Government announced its support for the 17 Taskforce recommendations. These included the development and implementation of a regulatory framework for Victoria’s pet rehoming sector.
Key resources:
- Taskforce on Rehoming Pets [PDF File - 767.2 KB]
- Taskforce on Rehoming Pets [MS Word Document - 360.1 KB]
- The Victorian Government response to the final report and recommendations of the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets [PDF File - 232.9 KB]
- The Victorian Government response to the final report and recommendations of the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets [MS Word Document - 335.8 KB]
Earlier review and action plan
Taskforce recommendations built on the 2018 Victorian Government-commissioned review of Victoria’s Community Foster Care Networks (CFCNs) and rescue groups.