After taking in a number of flat-faced cats through our all breeds rescue, Paw Prints, it became clear to us that often these animals were horribly neglected and required significant rehabilitation and care. This is how Squishies began and it means that these animals are able to live in foster homes with experienced flat-faced animal carers who are able to give them the care they need. Often these animals have been so badly neglected that they need hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars of care before they can look for new homes.

Yes! We often take in animals of all kinds with complex medical needs. During kitten season we also take in many neonates who require around the clock care to ensure their survival. We also take in mums and bubs or solo kittens if we have the carers available. In the past we have taken in multiple cats and kittens who have required specialist surgeries.

We work with a number of pound partners within Victoria who contact us when they have an animal that they think is a good fit for Squishies. We also accept private surrenders from owners unable to care for their squishy friends, this allows them to receive any outstanding vet care and have their new owner fully vetted by us.

We do not accept applications for animals until they are ready for adoption and we do not maintain a wait list as they have proven to be ineffective in the past. Any applications received for animals not currently available for adoption will be disregarded. This is because our animals may require considerable vet work or behavioural rehabilitation before being rehomed.

We are based in Melbourne and this is where the majority of our animals are. We consider interstate adoptions on a case-by-case basis with preference given to local homes as the stress travelling can cause is often more than they can cope with. As an organisation we also offer significant support to our adopters and if the animal is in a state where we do not have any volunteers this makes it extremely difficult.

Occasionally we also have cats looking for adoption with our foster carers in NSW so encourage our NSW followers to be patient and keep an eye on our page.

Animals that are available for adoption will be listed under the ADOPT section of our website. Applications for these animals will be accepted from prospective adopters before being carefully considered by their foster carer to select the right fit for the animals. We will then contact the prospective adopter for a phone interview. From there we will organise a meet and greet with the animal and their prospective new family. If this goes well then the adoption fee will be paid and the animal will go to their new home. We are available at all stages to give advice on how best to settle your new friend into their new home.

Our adoption fees are decided on a case-by-case basis but they generally range between $400 and $1000 for cats and $800+ for dogs. These fees go towards covering some of the medical treatments these animals have had while in our care.

Our adoption fees are used to help offset some of the costs incurred when rehabilitating our animals. As a completely volunteer run organisation any fees paid to Squishies are used solely for the care of our animals. All our animals are desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and parasite treated at minimum. Many are given additional specialist care, often at great cost.

No. We are a completely volunteer run organisation that relies on fundraising and donations from kind members of the public to generate the costs not covered by our adoption fees. We occasionally apply for grants made available to rescues when our volunteers have the time to do so. If you would like to contribute to the work we do you can make a monetary donation here.

We can accept physical donations of premium quality food and tofu litter. We may be able to accept donations of other items but it is best to contact us directly as our carers may not have room to store large donations. We have donation drop off points in south-eat Victoria, please contact us to arrange. You can also digitally donate items here.

Yes! We have some animals that are unable to be rehomed based on their behavioural or medical needs. These animals stay in our loving foster homes and are cared for as if they were our own animals. Squishies Animal Rescue continues to cover the day to day and veterinary needs of these animals which can be costly. You can find out more about our permanent fosters here.

We have a Facebook group where we post transport requests and other volunteering opportunities for Squishies. These can be things like collecting/dropping off animals at the vet, assisting in fundraising or other organisational activities. You can access it here.

Alternatively we are continuing to attend markets to raise funds and would love reliable volunteers to assist with this. If this suits you then please get in contact.

Yes! We have a Facebook group for all our Squishies adopters here.