Dog Rescue and Adoption on the Gold Coast: Where to Adopt
Where to adopt a rescue dog on the Gold Coast
If you want to adopt a rescue dog on the Gold Coast, start with the Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ), which runs the city's two animal rehoming centres at Coombabah and Stapylton, on the same sites as the City of Gold Coast pounds. RSPCA Queensland also lists dogs online from its shelters and foster carers, and a few foster-based rescue groups have dogs living in Gold Coast homes right now. Every organisation below was checked against its own website in October 2026.
We're not a rescue, but a calm first groom is part of settling a new dog in, so we've included what helps.
Gold Coast rescue and rehoming organisations
Shelters and rehoming centres
Animal Welfare League Queensland, Coombabah and Stapylton. AWLQ is the Gold Coast's main rehoming organisation, and its two local centres share sites with the City of Gold Coast pounds. Council says dogs that aren't collected from the pound are transferred to the Animal Welfare League, so a lot of local dogs find their next home here. In AWLQ's own words, "no appointment is required" to visit a centre during opening hours, although some animals need an email application first and their online profile will say so. AWLQ says all of its dogs are desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and treated for fleas and worms before they go home. You can browse AWLQ's dogs for adoption before you visit.
Address: Gold Coast Animal Rehoming Centre, 21 Shelter Road, Coombabah QLD 4216
Address: Stapylton Animal Rehoming Centre, 16 Rossmanns Road, Stapylton QLD 4207
RSPCA Queensland, statewide. RSPCA Queensland doesn't list an adoption centre on the Gold Coast (its local sites are op shops), but its online search covers shelters and foster carers statewide, filtered by distance from your suburb. The RSPCA describes adoption in five steps: browse pets online, apply to adopt, chat with the team, meet and greet, then take your pet home. It says every animal in its care is health checked, temperament tested and "desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, worm and flea treated." The closest RSPCA adoption centre is at Wacol in Brisbane's west, and adoptions there are appointment based, so apply before you drive. Start with the RSPCA Queensland pet search.
Address: RSPCA Brisbane Wacol Shelter, 139 Wacol Station Road, Wacol QLD 4076
Foster-based rescue groups
Foster-based groups have no shelter. Their dogs live in volunteer homes, which has one big upside: the carer can tell you how the dog behaves on the couch, in the car and around the neighbour's cat.
Best Friends Rescue, Gold Coast and Brisbane. A non-profit group "dedicated to saving the lives of dogs and cats on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane," taking mostly dogs from council pounds plus owner surrenders. Its dogs live with foster families and are vet checked, desexed, vaccinated, wormed and microchipped before adoption. You apply online, have a phone interview, then meet the dog with everyone in your household, followed by a home check or yard photos. Every adoption comes with a three-week settling-in period. In October 2026 its listings included dogs in foster care in Nerang and Carrara. See the Best Friends Rescue website.
Pei and Pals Animal Rescue, foster homes across Queensland. Formed in July 2025 when Precious Paws Animal Rescue and Shar Pei Rescue QLD joined forces, Pei and Pals has a strong Shar Pei focus but takes dogs of all breeds, many from pounds, remote communities and other at-risk situations. Dogs go into foster homes "where their needs, personalities and suitability are carefully assessed," and its October 2026 listings included dogs in foster in Palm Beach and Helensvale. Its application asks you to accept that a pound rescue "may require time, training and patience to settle." Visit Pei and Pals Animal Rescue.
Breed-specific rescue
Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) Queensland, Churchable. If a retired racing greyhound appeals (they're famously good at lying very still on a couch), GAP rehomes greyhounds from a 20 acre purpose-built facility at Churchable, west of Brisbane. GAP says every greyhound in the program is "health checked and behaviourally assessed, de-sexed, wormed and vaccinated." You apply with photos of your yard and fencing, GAP staff phone you, then invite you to the facility to meet a suitable dog, with any dog you already have. Find out more on the GAP Queensland adoption page.
Address: GAP kennels, 985 Atkinsons Dam Road, Churchable QLD 4311
If you'd like to see dogs from several groups in one place, many of the rescues above also list on PetRescue, a national adoption directory you can search by location.
What to expect when you adopt
- An application. Expect questions about your home, fencing, work hours, other pets and who lives with you. Foster groups often ask for yard photos.
- A meet and greet. Bring everyone who lives in the house, and bring your current dog if you have one. AWLQ also asks renters to confirm their lease allows pets.
- An adoption fee. Every group charges one. It helps cover the vet work already done and the rescue of the next dog.
- Paperwork. You'll transfer the microchip into your name and register your dog with council. AWLQ says Gold Coast residents complete council registration at the time of adoption.
- A settling-in period. AWLQ and Best Friends Rescue both offer one, so ask about it before you sign.
Ask what food the dog is on. AWLQ recommends sticking with it and changing gradually later, which saves a week of upset tummies.
The first week at home
Keep the first week nice and boring. Your dog has just lost every routine it knew, so give it a quiet corner with a bed or crate, regular meal times and short lead walks close to home. Hold off on busy dog parks, beach crowds and visitors.
Walk your fence line before the dog arrives, because new dogs are escape artists until home feels like home. Book a check-up with your own vet in the first week or two to start a health record, and use our Gold Coast vets guide if you don't have one yet. While you're there, ask about tick prevention, because the Coast is paralysis tick country.
Settling a rescue dog who's nervous of handling
Many rescue dogs are wary of hands, especially around the head, paws and collar. A few things help:
- Let the dog come to you. Crouch side-on rather than leaning over, and keep your hands low.
- Learn the early signs of worry: lip licking, yawning, turning away, a tucked tail or the whites of the eyes showing. Stop and give space when you see them.
- Practise tiny handling sessions with treats. Touch a paw, treat. Lift an ear, treat. A few seconds at a time is plenty.
If storms or fireworks set your new dog off, our guide to dogs, fireworks and storms on the Gold Coast has practical help. For bigger worries, our puppy schools and dog trainers guide lists trainers who work with adult dogs too.
Grooming a rescue dog: go gently
Lots of rescue dogs arrive with matted coats and overgrown nails. Unless they're causing pain (a job for your vet), give your dog a week or two to settle first, and please don't cut mats out with scissors at home. They sit tight against the skin and it's very easy to nick.
When you're ready, a calm first groom matters more than a perfect one. Tell us what you know about your dog's history and we'll take it slowly, with breaks when needed. A first visit might be a gentle bath, brush and nail trim rather than a full makeover, and that's completely fine. Book through our dog grooming collection, or start with a dog wash if the coat just needs a freshen up. Our guide to how often your dog needs grooming on the Gold Coast will help you plan from there.
Adopted a young pup? Our Puppy Introduction Groom is a short, gentle first visit from around 12 weeks, after the second core vaccination, and our puppy first groom guide explains how to get them comfortable with handling at home.
FAQs
Where can I adopt a dog on the Gold Coast?
The Animal Welfare League Queensland runs the Gold Coast's rehoming centres at Coombabah and Stapylton. RSPCA Queensland lists dogs online from across the state, and foster-based groups such as Best Friends Rescue and Pei and Pals Animal Rescue have dogs in Gold Coast foster homes.
Do I need an appointment to visit AWLQ?
AWLQ says no appointment is required to visit its rehoming centres during opening hours. Some animals need an email application first, and their online profile will say so.
Are rescue dogs desexed and microchipped?
AWLQ, RSPCA Queensland and Best Friends Rescue all say their dogs are desexed, microchipped and vaccinated before adoption. You'll transfer the microchip into your name and register your dog with council.
When should I book my rescue dog's first groom?
Give them a week or two to settle in first, unless matting or long nails are causing discomfort. Keep the first groom simple and let your groomer know about any handling worries.
Bring your rescue in for a gentle first groom
Calm hands and no rush, so they go home feeling brand new.
Book a groomOrganisations last checked October 2026. We're humans, not council, so we can get things wrong. Check the details with each rescue or shelter before you apply or visit.
Straight from Google
Five stars from the people holding the leads
Rated 5.0 on Google (opens in a new tab)We took our two toy poodles in for grooming today and couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the moment we walked in, the team was warm, welcoming, and clearly passionate about what they do.
They took the time to listen and treated our boys with such care and patience throughout and they came out looking absolutely beautiful! Perfect cuts, soft coats, and so happy & relaxed.
It’s obvious they genuinely care about the dogs, not just the end result. The attention to detail and level of professionalism really stood out. We’ve already rebooked, will definitely be coming back regularly and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality groomer.
Thanks so much guys!
Lots of love from Lenny & Boo 🐕 🐕
OBSESSED
Got my senior queen Lady (husky x GSD) groomed here when her regular groomers couldn’t fit her in (they would often cancel as well due to her size and hair type). Pets Juicy did an incredible job - Lady came back happy, smelling fresh and well de-shedded. Really happy with the service and kindness of the staff here, this will be the new go-to spot for our dogs. Thank you for being so accommodating to bigger dogs, which are often seen as a chore by many places. I can see based on reviews you have many larger regulars. Thank you team!
Excellent service and care
HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR COCKER SPANIEL OWNERS 🤍
Had such a good experience at Pets Juicy. My dog Monty had the worst mats in his ears and I was honestly so stressed about it. The team were so patient and gentle with him, especially because he’s a bit silly and crazy They really took their time and made sure he was comfortable, and did an amazing job. I honestly wish I took before photos of how matted his ears were because the difference is crazy. So grateful for how kind they were with him. Definitely recommend!
Great job on my mini groodle Coco
Such an amazing place and team. The environment was very calming and relaxing for our dog. It was his first ever professional groom and wow, he looked fantastic. From booking to confirmation to reminder to collection was absolutely brilliant. Our dog didn’t want to leave at the end of his groom leaving with a big smile on his face and one very happy one at that. We have found our forever groomers for our large dog!!
Thanks Pets Juicy
Best haircut in 16 years for my spoodle
I’ve brought my two pups to Pet’s Juicy a few times now, and every visit has been such a positive experience. The team is incredibly gentle, caring, and clearly loves what they do! My dogs are always excited when we arrive! Their grooms are beautifully done, and they come home smelling amazing and happy every time. I feel completely at ease leaving them in such capable, loving, kind hands. Highly recommend!
Always amazing & professional a great team
Sami looked and felt absolutely fabulous after her long haired deshedding service. The team did an awesome job with my golden girl who hates her nails being trimmed. Our vet couldn’t manage trimming Sami’s nails without sedation but the team ensured she had a proper and perfect dogicure. Being a water lover, Sami had some matting which the team were able to also tidy. 10/10
Awesome open space, needed for our local area
This was our first time at Pets Juicy and we were very impressed with our visit. It’s a very friendly space and I liked how my pup was able to hang out with the day care dogs while he waited for his cut. Also the staff was very accommodating, booking was easy and prices were very reasonable. We will definitely be back!
Awesome groom - our Labradoodle looks so handsome!
Our big beautiful GSD loves this place. Hes very anxious at groomers but the whole vibe is just chill, welcoming and loving. He immediately relaxed and blended in well.
I struggle to take him in public to dog parks as he gets very unhappy, but id happily leave him here as long as needed. Well managed and run.
Love this place .
The best dog groomers on the Gold Coast .
Our 15yold Moodle has lots of bumps and lumps. Had been avoiding groomers due to fear of distress. Had been recommended Pets Juicy and couldn’t be happier. Easy to book, lovely reception on arrival and felt very comfortable. And in picking up our dog, he was happy calm and looked wonderful.
Great experience and a lovely groom for my cavoodle- I didn’t recognise him!
My little Archie seemed to instinctively love this place.
A chilled welcoming venue, very nice staff, and they did a really great job on grooming, I passed by at one point while he was being groomed & saw for myself the care and attention that was taken.
Would definitely recommend.
Pet Juicy have been amazing for our little Luna. Highly recommend their services.
The team at Pets Juicy were amazing! They did such a good job helping with our Border Collie’s matted coat and took really great care of him the whole time. He came home looking so much better and seemed super happy and comfortable. Couldn’t recommend them enough :)
Very friendly service, 100% recommended. You can really tell they love and care for animals
I took my dog for his very first grooming today and I honestly couldn’t have chosen a better salon! The staff were so lovely, everything was done really quickly, and my pup looks absolutely adorable. They did such a great job 👏🏼 highly recommend!
Love coming here. The team genuinely love what they do and always take the best care of my Baxter.
Had my dog groomed today and they did amazing job, they were gentle and made my dog comfortable before starting. Will definitely be coming back, and i recommend going as they prices are affordable and staff are so friendly.
Absolutely highly recommend.
My pup Ava looks great and the service and price was great.
Barry
Robina
Everyone at Pets Juicy is amazing. They gave our gorgeous 3 month old labradoodle Barry, his very first grooming session and we were so impressed by their patience and care. Thank you! Barry will be back.
Highly recommend absolutely amazing service thank you Teddie looks insane look forward to his next pamper 💙
Phenominal service, they took care of my queenie she looked absolutely gorgeous ❤️❤️💜💜 thank you so much for helping us out we appreciate you and we are beyond grateful ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Amazing place! Staff were super friendly and caring with my dog! My dog looks happy and amazing! 100% would recommend
2nd time we send our swiss shepherd for deadheading and the results are fantastic. The team is super helpful and friendly and the location is convenient. Highly recommended.
Friendly local dog groomer, used for first time and happy with the cut and service all around. Will be back again next time
Bath time at pet Juicy is marvellous for us. We have two cavoodles and to have the care and service from Pet Juicy works a treat. It's clean, friendly and homely.
Fabulous team at Pets Juicy. Obviously love their work and customers!!!
Did a great job on our old boy he looks so handsome now.
Amazing service!! So happy with how the dogs looked I accidentally stuffed up my booking and they were so kind to still accommodate me can’t recommend enough 🙏🏻
Honestly, couldn’t be happier! The team are so lovely, kind and accommodating. They went above and beyond for our pups. Highly recommend!
A great local dog groomer that is well priced, fast and takes great care of the dogs! Our groodle always looks just as we like him when we collect him!
Shane and the team were very kind to our beautiful Zara. First time we’ve used Pets Juicy for a groom and they were great! A very happy puppy!
I so happy and appreciative of the great job your team has done to make my miniature Poodle and Cobberdog looks so gorgeous.
Thanks heaps
Claudia
Highly recommend the Pets juicy team to look after your furry babies. I was so hesitant and nervous as I’d never had my dogs previously looked after but moving interstate and trying to take our family to theme parks left me no choice but to bite the bullet and try. I’m so glad I came across these guys. They put my mind at ease. My dogs were happy to go each day (they went for 3 days). I was updated on the first day with texts and photos to put my nerves at ease. Thank you for such a pleasant experience. Can’t recommend these guys enough. Thank you.
Teddy loves pets juicy!!!
We absolutely love this place! Odin and Scooby always come home happy, relaxed, and looking amazing after their grooming sessions. The team truly cares for the dogs as if they were their own, and I feel so comfortable leaving them here for daycare knowing they’re in safe hands. Grooming is always done perfectly—clean, tidy, and they smell incredible! Most importantly, both dogs actually get excited when we arrive, which says it all. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a professional and loving groomer/daycare.
Great service and great results!
I would highly recommend Pets Juicy . I popped in this morning to see if they could possibly trim my 14 year old Boxers nail's.
I was in Awe... usually Ruby is a shaking mess and stressed in new situations.
Shane took Ruby through to the grooming room and tender to those nails while I waited.
What I witnessed was a serene/happy atmosphere in the doggy daycare area and Ruby was relaxed on the grooming table while her nails were attended to.
Extremely affordable, Kind and Professional experience.
Beautiful results, affordable for all.
My 1 year old labradoodle Bryson had his first full groom this morning and couldn't feel more comfortable and pleased with this service. Very impressed with how patient and helpful Shane was. Bryson wasn't the easiest puppy to groom but with the guidance and advice given, I have no doubt it will get essier and he will be less nervous each time. Have definitely found our new grooming service! Very happy, thank you so much! 🙂
Great service and love the free bandana
Extremely happy after collecting our Husky Sasha from his first visit. We really appreciate the extra time and care taken to de-fluff our adored fur ball and especially impressed we were not charged extra for the additional time taken. Have already started recommending you and looking forward to seeing you again next month! Thanks again from Sasha and the Spencer Family 🩷🩷🩷
Thank u Dudley looks awesome after his groom
It was our puppy’s very first grooming session and we couldn’t be happier with the experience! The staff was so gentle and patient, and made sure our little one felt safe and comfortable. He came out looking absolutely adorable — clean, fluffy, and happy! Thank you for taking such great care of him. We’ll definitely be back! 🐾💕
They did a really great job with my dog's groom
Had such a lovely experience!
My Golden Retriever can be a bit nervous, but the team at Pets Juicy looked after her so well. Such lovely, caring people.
She looks amazing and their services are very well priced.
Bonus is that they post super cute photos of your dog on Instagram ♡
We'll be back, thank you!
Amazing service and an easy and user friendly website
Amazing service! After being told by multiple groomers across the GC they weren’t taking on anymore large breed clients, I came across Pets Juicy who were more than happy to help. Both dogs groomed the next day and was better priced than I expected! Will definitely be using them from now on.
They took amazing care of my little pup will
Definitely be back !!
We take our two miniature groodles here for their grooming regularly & they do such a good job!!
We’ve had previous experiences at a large salon where our 3yr old would become anxious & distressed, but not here - both our doggies love going to Pets Juicy Miami. Definitely 5 ⭐️ from us!
Gorgeous people with my puppy she came home happy and looking and smelling great.
This was my first time here and I’m so happy with how they groomed my dog, he looks amazing and it’s perfect for his active lifestyle. I love how much everyone there cares for the dogs! It made me feel comfortable leaving him and knowing he will be well looked after. Will 100% be back!
They are amazing and very kind with my furry little baby!!! I strongly recommend!!!
I took my 16 month old Border Collie (Ziggy) to Pets Juicy in Miami today for a warm bath and deshed. The staff are so friendly. You can tell that they really care about the dogs they look after. Ziggy looks amazing after his grooming session. Stella job guys!
They have amazing staff and my dog came out smelling so clean with a fresh hair cut for spring.
My beautiful 15 year old, blind Shihtzu Stella has been here 3 times now and honestly the BEST grooming service we’ve ever experienced. Kind, caring, great grooming- very happy Shihtzu mum and most importantly an extremely happy pup. ❤️
Alfred loved his experience at Pets Juicy. We can't thank them enough for looking after our little guy.
Awesome!!! My little lady is always so happy to go for her beauty treatments. The guys always do such a fantastic job. It used to be such a stressful process but not since coming to Pets Juicy she is relaxed and happy.
Pets Juicy did a great job of grooming our Groodle. Will return for sure.
Recommend to anyone in the area
Hi guys! After a missed booking (my bad) you guys managed to fit us in anyway. Franny was loved and cared for and looks great! So happy and many thanks. We will be regulars going forward. 10/10.
Took my shih tzu cross maltese Lou Lou here for a groom, she smelt lovely. They did a great job and were very nice.
Julius absolutely loves going to Pets Juicy! They always do such an amazing job grooming him. He comes home looking and smelling incredible every time. Would definitely recommend!
Fantastic service, our wee girl was quite matted but she’s come back home feeling and looking wonderful. Highly recommend.
A fantastic new doggy grooming company and doggy day care in the heart of Miami GC. Who doesn’t love local, especially when that local loves and cares for our fur babies!?
Stumbled across these groomers online
No wait time. Excellent job and surprisingly well priced. Very happy and will be returning
Took my Border Collie for wash and deshed, my boy is looking as handsome as ever. They did an excellent job and the team was very friendly and great to deal with.
I’m really impressed, honestly have done a really good job in grooming my dog exactly what I wanted. Very nice people and worth it.
Our regular pet groomer and always a great experience with Pets juicy. Grooming of our labradoodle is always done professionally and with love and care.
This place is awesome…super kind and friendly staff and a beautiful haircut and wash given to little Crème. 100% recommend this to everyone 🙌🏼
I went to Pets Juicy yesterday and the staff there where amazingly attentive, they took such care and time with our little puppy. I couldn't be happier
We were very impressed with Milly’s first groom since moving to the area. The staff listened to what we wanted and did a fab job. We’ll be back!
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