Out of the Woods: Victoria’s Path to Safety for Displaced Companion Animals
Sadly, many companion animals in Melbourne do not have one. Out of the Woods is here to change that. We are dedicated to finding safe homes for at-risk cats and dogs. We achieve this through transparent operations and compassionate care, supported by our dedicated and kind volunteers.
We are an ACNC registered, not-for-profit animal rescue focused on working collaboratively with community groups, businesses, local councils and individuals passionate about animal welfare.
Every animal deserves to be valued, protected, and given a chance.
Help us ensure a safe future for all of our friends.
Every decision is evidence-based. We use veterinary advice and behavioural science to ensure the best possible pathway to a safe new home for each animal.
Compassion guides our approach, and we offer judgment-free support. We promote responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and adoption through education and advocacy.
We hold ourselves to the same standards we set. We communicate hard truths and are open with our supporters, donors, and volunteers to foster trust throughout our community.
Through responsible pet ownership, a focus on animal welfare, and prioritised adoption, we work to make the need for rescues redundant. Let’s change the future together.
Ready to welcome a companion into your home?
Adopting a cat is a rewarding experience, offering not only a new best friend but also a sense of fulfillment knowing you’ve given a loving animal a second chance.
See Cats for adoption
Fostering saves lives. By opening your home to an animal in need, you’re giving them a safe space to rest, heal, and prepare for their forever home.
Many of the animals we rescue come from council shelters or kill lists — they’re out of time and out of options. By becoming a foster carer, you’re giving somebody vulnerable a lifeline. We’ll support with vet care, and other necessary resources, all you need to provide is patience and love.
Get startedEvery dollar makes a life-saving difference. Your donation helps us rescue companion animals from kill lists and overcrowded shelters, provide urgent vet care, and place them in loving foster homes.
As a volunteer-run rescue, we rely entirely on community support to keep going. With your help, we can give as many as possible the second chance they deserve.
You can donate via PayPal by clicking the ‘Make a difference’ button, or you can transfer using the direct debit details below:
Out of the Woods Rescue Melbourne Ltd
BSB: 063145
ACC: 10565556
We are based in Melbourne, Victoria and are fortunate to operate through a dedicated network of volunteers across the city and surrounding areas.
We currently focus on cats, kittens, dogs and puppies at risk of euthanasia from local pounds and shelters. When capacity permits, we also assist with urgent surrenders and stray animals when an owner cannot be located.
Start by filling out our adoption expression of interest form. We’ll get in touch to discuss suitable matches and next steps. Dog adoption form coming soon!
CAT ADOPTION FORMYes! If your application is approved, we’ll arrange a meet-and-greet at the foster home or a neutral location.
All of our animals are vet-checked, microchipped, desexed, vaccinated and protected against parasites before adoption.
Fill out our foster carer expression of interest form. We’ll chat with you about your home setup, experience, and how fostering works. Dog foster carer form coming soon!
CAT FOSTER CARER FORMNo experience? No problem! Whether you’re a seasoned cat or dog owner or completely new to fostering, we are here to help you along the way. All you need is a safe, secure space, loving care to give, and a willingness to learn.
All veterinary care is fully covered by OOTW at our partner clinics, and our volunteers provide ongoing support and advice. Assistance with food and supplies is available where donations make it possible.
