SCARS History

The Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge (Sippy Creek Animal Refuge Society Inc) was established in 1979 to provide temporary refuge and find new homes for abandoned, abused, stray and unwanted cats and dogs. The Refuge is an independent, non-profit, charitable organisation with a regulated non-euthanasia policy. We also run education programmes for the community on responsible animal ownership.

All cats and dogs admitted to the Refuge are Vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, desexed, micro chipped and medically treated if necessary prior to being available for sale to the public. We have comprehensive terms and conditions of sale to ensure the animals are adopted into an appropriately loving home.

The Refuge is managed by an unpaid, elected committee, and run by a small staffing compliment and a large dedicated group of volunteers. The Refuge operates from a 1.08 hectare site at Sippy Creek Road, Tanawha (adjacent to the Council Pound) and can house approximately 50 dogs and 50 cats at any given time. We accept cats and dogs from the Sunshine Coast Council Pound after owners cannot be traced, and from private surrenders.

We rely on the support of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council Partnership Funding programme, bequests, local businesses, clubs and the community in general, for which we are very thankful and could not survive without. If you would like to find out more about making a donation or bequest, please click here.

We always need reliable and dedicated volunteers 18 years plus, to assist with early morning work, feeding cats and dogs, cleaning pens, preparing food, lawn mowing, maintenance and washing. If you would like more information or to become a volunteer, please click here.