Aotearoa Animal Refuge

💛 Why Your Koha Matters

Every week, our phones ring with heartbreaking calls. A whānau sleeping in their car with newborn puppies. Tenants being evicted because landlords won’t allow pets. Bunnies and chickens abandoned in parks or wandering the streets. And we have to say the hardest word of all: "We can’t take them in."

At Aotearoa Animal Refuge, we don’t have a shelter—yet. But we’re doing everything we can to help.

We offer what we can:

💉 Desexing support to break the cycle of unwanted litters

🐶 Advocacy for whānau being forced to give up beloved pets

🐔 Advice for families overwhelmed by backyard chickens

🐰 Education for rabbit care and responsible rehoming

🐾 Workshops and guidance for dog and cat care — from basic needs to responsible ownership

The housing crisis, cost of living, and lack of pet-friendly rentals mean more animals are being abandoned than ever before. We’re also seeing an influx of poorly cared-for pets simply due to a lack of knowledge, not lack of love.

Your donation helps us:

Desex animals and prevent suffering

Provide feed, flea/worm treatment, and medical care

Deliver free education and resources to help families keep their pets safely and happily at home

We can’t help everyone—but with your support, we can help more.

Please donate to support our mission.

When animals thrive, families thrive, and the land is healed.