Victorian Dog Rescue & Resource Group

We are a family of four who welcomed our beautiful dog Cosmo into our lives in February 2024, when he was just 8 weeks old. As first-time pet owners, we’ve learned so much over the past 13 months, and Cosmo quickly became a cherished member of our family. He brought us so much love, joy, and laughter.

However, being new to dog ownership, we sometimes worried about leaving him home alone during school days for around 6–7 hours while the kids were at school and we were at work. Out of concern for his well-being — and with heavy hearts — my wife reached out to Victorian Dog Rescue, believing we were doing the right thing for Cosmo.

Unfortunately, that decision has brought us nothing but heartbreak and regret.

On March 21, 2025, a family came to take Cosmo, saying they had adopted him. The moment he left our home, our world fell apart. The emotional toll on our family has been overwhelming. Our daughters, aged 12 and 8, have been inconsolable, crying daily and struggling with the loss. We quickly realized that we had made a terrible mistake — a mistake born from love, not neglect.

We immediately contacted both the new family and Victorian Dog Rescue the very next day to explain our situation and to beg for a chance to bring Cosmo home. Sadly, the new family stopped responding, telling us to contact the rescue. Since then, we have sent nearly ten emails to Victorian Dog Rescue — pouring our hearts out, admitting our mistake, and pleading for a second chance — but we have received no reply.

What’s even more confusing is that we recently learned this family may only be fostering Cosmo, not his official adopters. This has left us devastated. Why was Cosmo taken from us if the adoption wasn’t even finalized?

We were transparent in our initial contact: Cosmo was not desexed (as per their policy, he should not have been accepted), and we clearly stated that we did not want him going into foster care. We feel deeply misled and ignored.

To anyone reading this — especially the team at Victorian Dog Rescue — please, we are not asking for anything unreasonable. We are ready to pay any fees involved and reimburse any expenses. The only thing we want is to bring our Cosmo back home where he belongs.

My mother is arriving from overseas soon and will be home during the day, so Cosmo will no longer be alone. The very reason we gave him up no longer exists.

We made a mistake, but we’re asking for compassion. We are a loving family who wants nothing more than to be whole again. Cosmo is not “just a dog” — he is family. Please help us reunite.

We have adopted 2 dogs from Victorian Dog Rescue Group and fostered one. We cannot recommend Victorian Dog Rescue Group enough. Their compassion and care for their furry charges is unparalleled. The adoption and foster process is rigorous to ensure the best outcome for both fur baby and future / final home. There is always someone at this group to contact for any assistance whatsoever required. We will continue to support this group as their beliefs match ours….a fur baby is forever.

I cannot praise Victorian Dog Rescue highly enough. Their love and compassion for their furry charges are unmatched in my experience of animal adoption (I’m 55 and my many pets in adult life have been all rescues). Four years ago I adopted the lovely Olive, a shy tabby from VDR. I was happy to host the home inspection - I love that VDR are so concerned about their fosters’ welfare. Do it right the first time.
A year ago two black kittens were also welcomed into my home. Rescued from an unforgiving rural location, one of them has a malformed front leg. VDR chose to get a second opinion (at extra cost) rather than amputate the kitten’s leg as their first vet suggested. Nothing is too much effort or expense. That little girl is asleep on my lap as I write, wonky leg no issue at all.
Their dedication is astonishing. Will there sometimes be delays within an organisation completely staffed by volunteers who have multiple obligations, often including 9-5 employment? Inevitably. It’s important to remember everyone is doing their best. It’s also possible (don’t be offended!) that they know more about the individual needs of each dog and cat than you do. We all think no one could possibly be a better pet owner than we are, but VDR has seen everything. The marvellous Hugh Wirth used to say that an only pet is a lonely pet, so if VDR insist on a companion being what’s best for your potential pet - trust their opinion. Their advice is based on years of knowledge and hard graft. I’m glad their adoption process is so onerous; weed out the inappropriate applicants, decide if they are actually prepared for the expense and time required for pet ownership. No one has the right to a pet. I’m in awe of the passion and commitment displayed by all the volunteers I’ve dealt with personally.
Please support them in any way you can.

I adopted my two dogs from VICDRG and have nothing but good things to say. The process is rigorous to ensure the pets land in their last home. There is always support available if required.

Approximate cost: $600

We adopted our beautiful girl through Vic Dog Rescue. We appreciated the thoroughness of the process, making absolutely sure that the right dog was placed in just the right home. The volunteers are so dedicated to the work they do and any animal that is lucky enough to find themselves in their care can rest assured that absolutely everything will be done to make sure they have the perfect forever home. Breaking the cycle of wrong dog/cat in wrong environment is crucial. We love the continued support and guidance that Vic Dog Rescue offer. We can't thank them enough.

This organisation is comprised of compassionate people who are committed to the dogs and cats they help. They do everything possible for the animals’ welfare.
I adopted a young kitten from them. He had been injured at only 8 weeks of age and they organised specialist, orthopaedic, surgery and had him in foster care for 6 weeks crated rehabilitation before I adopted him. They are a dedicated charity, who spend all their hard earned donations on the animals they vow to give a better life. The charity is run by volunteers who give freely of their time and energy. Their foster carers’ keep these dogs and cats in their private homes whilst seeking adoption, so that the pets spend time in the most normal of loving, home, environments, something many of them have never experienced previously.
Keep up the good work Vic Dog Rescue; you are one special organisation.

I have had the good fortune to adopt both a dog and cat from Vic Dog Rescue. Although some might find their thoroughness a little daunting, the outcome is a totally transparent knowledge of the pets I adopted. They were exactly what I expected and this made their integration into my family and with my other pets so easy.
Those volunteer members I had cause to deal with throughout the adoption process were warm, friendly and obliging. They kept me updated at each step in the process.
I would highly recommend Vic Dog Rescue to anyone wanting to have a full understanding of the pet they wish to adopt and their suitability to fit into the family. Due to the time Vic Dog Rescue took to understand my home, my pets and our requirements, the dog and cat have settled in very easily as they were the ‘right’ match.
Vic Dog Rescue’s support does not stop at the adoption - they have subsequently followed up to check all is going well and have been there to assist and support me afterwards, even with some simple queries.
Their care for the dogs and cats they rehome is very evident.
Yes, a great experience all-round and I would highly recommend.

What a fabulous organisation, I adopted 2 beautiful cats from VDR, not only are they the perfect fit for our family the support and guidance we received from the adoption team and foster carer was excellent. They have a very thorough process to ensure the right pet is matched with the right home. Very professional, highly recommend.

I have found this organisation to be wonderful for the creatures they have been created for. They are all about the animal in need and finding the right home for the cat or dog. I am of the understanding this organisation is entirely run by volunteers who give up their personal time to help animals in need. I have adopted cats from them and found their philosophy of putting cats and dogs a first priority to be commendable. Also that they pay for all required medical needs is wonderful. I wish there are more not for profit organisations like this to help all companion animals in need

We were so blessed to find Victorian Dog Rescue who do so much to save difficult and senior dogs. First we rescued our Staffy x Kelpie, who had been in care for months whilst trying to find the right home that could cope with his mix of separation anxiety and leash reactivity (and for which they provided training assistance).

Then we adopted our Staffy x Beagle who was very anxious and also leash reactive - and again training assistance was provided when needed.

The care taken to match these special dogs with the right homes is extraordinary.

Approximate cost: $590

Well, I did put in an adoption application for an older dog, a partner for my male Jack Russell X Hanky 12 years old. His female partner recently passed on and he was very bored and quiet. He had also successfully bonded with another female before.
Hanky has anxiety issues with male dog's, but not females.
Iade the above clear when I applied for an older female dog last month...
I received a "polite" reply inferring that I'd need to get rid of Hanky before I would be suited to adopt any of their dogs.
Fortunately I now have a lovely old female miniature foxy X Pippa from another welfare organisation... Both dogs got along straight away ...
If you want a recommendation, try " Rescued with love".

Approximate cost: $1

Incompetence on a grand scale! I applied to adopt a young cat on 6 August (it was as invasive and judgemental an application as a Centrelink one!). She was a mother, and it was conditional I take one of her kittens. I agreed. I waited. I emailed twice to remind them I was still here. Received the “We are volunteers. We are busy” email. I waited. Finally today (9 October!) I received an email saying “Her kittens have been sold. She needs to be housed with another cat. Sorry – you can’t have her!” This statement actually makes NO SENSE!
The place runs on volunteers. But ‘volunteer’ does not equal incompetence as our society runs on volunteers. You clearly just don’t know what you are doing. Furthermore you are doing serious harm and damage to already traumatised animals by your total inability to do your job. To prospective owners I say don’t waste your time with these people.

I applied to adopt a kitten, they suggested 2 sisters. I loved the thought of having 2, growing up together. I applied. I waited. They asked for photos and more personal details, vet references, cat hotel references. I supplied. I waited. I followed up. I waited. I followed up. Now, it's only been a few weeks but my persistence paid off. I've been DECLINED in no uncertain terms.
The girls are still available for adoption. SAD.
I give them 2 stars for service. At least they kept me waiting for only a few weeks.

Atrocious reasons for rejections! “Unfortunately, because a kitten is more likely to grow into a well-rounded cat if they have constant feline company, we only place our kittens with one of their siblings (or mother) or where there is already a resident cat. As you are only able to register one cat this means we are unable to proceed with your application.“

Whoops I wanted to adopt a dog a small pomeranian but, well after reading the negative reviews about this organization, I wont even bother to apply. They should be very worried at how many negative experiences people have had as a consequence of applying for dog adoption with them. Its pointless having a volunteer organization if its all too much for the volunteers. thanks for saving me the anxt

The lack of communication between everyone at this organisation is concerning! I was very interested in adopting a dog from them (who is unfortunately still up for adoption, I hope he finds a loving home). There was a lot of going back and forth trying to get the foster carer to contact me because the organisation thought she already had, but she didn't for weeks. When she finally contacted me, she just tried to talk me out of the dog and kept telling me about all of his "negative" traits, which I didn't think were all that negative for the type of dog he is. Then she seemed genuinely surprised when I said I still wanted to meet him, after that she seemed like she just wanted to get me off the phone and told me she would call me back with a date that suited her for a meet & greet. Well, she never called me back, and by this time of going back and forth with others at the rescue I was just over it. I am 99% sure that the lady fostering the dog wants to keep him (understandably) but just isn't willing to tell the organisation, or for some reason thinks she is the only person who can handle him and his "bad behaviour" (which again is not that bad). I was never told by anyone that I was not a suitable fit for this dog, infact the lady who did my initial interview was so happy because she said we were a perfect fit and everything sounded great! They may benefit from reassessing their foster carers.

I found this organisation very rude! My donations will go elsewhere

These people are the reason puppy farms exist, I’ve been trying to adopt for 6 months.

I work from home with a large secure backyard and a French Bulldog who loves inside.

My reason for being rejected is because I don’t have a “normal” dog.

I’ve taken my dog into care as a family member was unable to care for her properly and now as a result apparently I’m not suitable to adopt a dog from this place.

You are scum bags and I will never again make any donations.

An amazing rescue organisation with a compassionate and empathetic President. Everything they do is in the best interest of the dogs - and the dogs come first, always. They never give up on a dog or cat. Slow response times will occasionally occur due to emails getting lost, internet problems, and a high volume of emails. Be patient and you will be rewarded with a best friend for life.

Vic Dog Rescue is run by very dedicated volunteers and their only concern is finding the right home for each animal they are re-homing. They treat each pet up for adoption with much consideration and assess every applicant thoroughly.
Because they are all volunteers it can be sometimes difficult to respond to every application, i know this from personal experience. Due to constraints maybe they can only make contact with the most appropriate applicant? I know there are times when they have experienced problems with their internet too.
I was lucky enough to recently adopt a senior cat through VDR and i couldn't more highly recommend them.
They also do a lot of animal welfare advocacy which is a very important part of their organisation.
All their animals are in foster care, they don't operate a shelter. The foster carers are wonderful people who play such an important role.
Keep an eye on their website, it can be a great way to see who they have available and what they are up to.
A truly wonderful organisation.

My experience has been better than others. Initially I had trouble in getting a reply but when I did they explained that there had been web problems and that they lost a lot of emails. They were very apologetic for this and took a lot of care in talking with us about possiblites for a dog adoption. Give them a try if you are thinking of a rescue dog. They clearly do care about dogs.

I'm not saying that the Victorian Dog Rescue doesn't do good works for rehoming cats/dogs and other animals, however what's the point in advertising dogs that are available for adoption and the staff/volunteers couldn't have the common decency to get back to people that are truly looking for a new companion. I understand that they want to rehome their animals to the right people but they need to understand that they need to make contact at some point instead of just issuing automated responses to emails to potential candidates.

The work these guys do is very valuable and they obviously have a lot of love and care for the animal. What makes them worthy of a 1 star review is how they treat families they deem worthy of a home visit. Dragging the experience out, after jumping through hoops when they have absolutely no intention of homing the animal with them.
The whole process is cruel, unnecessary and personally I would not recommend it to anyone. Sadly organisations like this, fighting to end puppy farms & pet shops are the reason they exist.

What they're doing and stand for is fantastic. The volunteers and foster carers seem to really care so greatly about the animals and really believe in adopting over buying.

The animals are, of course, amazing. The amount of gorgeous looking animals that I've seen on their facebook page and website is amazing.

They have a good relationship with those they adopt to, because they take a real interest in the dogs.

There are two things that do annoy me however, the first is in how if I mentioned a dog I brought or adopted elsewhere I would feel like they were looking down on me. The adopting elsewhere wasn't as bad, but if someone mentions the lost dogs home I've heard some very bitchy comments.
The other thing, which I think is far more important, is when you put in an application if you're not contacted regarding a successful application you don't seem to be contacted at all. I've sent in for several dogs, only to hear nothing back from them and see the dogs continue to be advertised, leaving me unsure whether they had received my application or why I was being looked over.

If I saw a dog I absolutely fell in love with and I think he would fit with my current dog I would send in an application however I'd really have to be in love with him as I'd rather deal with an organisation with the courtesy to inform unsuccessful applications.

I have adopted to cats from the Victorian Dog Rescue & Resource Group Inc. As a not for profit organisation that have so many Dogs & Cats that need a second chance at a new home. I went to there website and search both the Dogs Needing Homes and the Cats Needing Homes Link. The two cats Ive adopted are the best behavioured cats. The cats and dogs they have are varied in sizes and breeds, ages. I went for two 14 month old cats, as i saw their photo on the website I knew which ones I wanted. I also brought some beautiful calenders from the Victorian Dog Rescue & Resource Group website for christmas presents and were very popular as Christmas Presents.