Because every life is precious

GAWS is a not-for-profit animal welfare organisation providing best practice care, community education and re-homing programs.

Purchase a 2027 GAWS calendar

Each calendar sold, supports future rescues and showcases the joy of finding forever homes.

Don't miss out – purchase your calendar today!

Giving animals a second chance

Donate to the Geelong Animal Welfare Society and help care for the animals at the shelter.

Because every life is precious

GAWS is a not-for-profit animal welfare organisation providing best practice care, community education and re-homing programs.

Purchase a 2027 GAWS calendar

Each calendar sold, supports future rescues and showcases the joy of finding forever homes.

Don't miss out – purchase your calendar today!

I'd like to adopt

Community vet clinic

Help! I've lost my pet

Calling all foster carers for cats and kittens

Kitten season is coming, and we are looking for reliable carers who can provide a safe, stress-free environment for our kittens to grow and thrive before heading into our cat adoption centre.

Our corporate partners

Always There Automotive

Aussiewide Financial Services

A to Z Locksmiths

SC Technology Group

Always There Automotive

Aussiewide Financial Services

A to Z Locksmiths

SC Technology Group

Always There Automotive

Latest news

Small animals resources

April 10, 2024

Rabbit adoption information

Congratulations on adopting a furry friend from Geelong Animal Welfare Society to be a part of your family! Please read the following information carefully, and contact us if you have any questions.

April 01, 2023

Living their best life indoors

Learn about why we advocate for cats to remain indoors and ways to help your feline friend live their best life in doing so.

April 01, 2023

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a viral disease which affects the immune system of domestic cats and can leave them susceptible to infections and disease.

September 01, 2026

Introducing the 2027 GAWS Calendar Ambassadors

Paws-itively spoilt for choice! A huge thank you to everyone who entered the 2027 GAWS Graduates Calendar Competition!

August 26, 2026

High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (H5 bird flu)

H5 Bird Flu: What pet owners need to know and simple precautions to help protect your pets.

August 03, 2026

GAWS Graduates 2027 Calendar Competition – Entries CLOSED

We are calling out for GAWS Graduates to feature in our 2027 calendar.

May 25, 2026

Winter blankets needed

Cold nights are here, and our animals need your help!

May 10, 2026

Where are they now?

From a surrendered dog needing understanding and guidance, to a trusted therapy companion changing lives!

April 14, 2026

Update on the recent large-scale dog surrender

As reported in the media recently, GAWS was faced with a distressing animal welfare case - an unexpected surrender of 67 dogs who had been living in unthinkable conditions.

March 18, 2026

A record year for PAWS for GAWS

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s PAWS for GAWS Charity Dog Walk.

March 15, 2026

Charity Wills Week

GAWS and Safewill have teamed up to offer our supporters a FREE and easy way to write your Will.

February 25, 2026

Adoptable dogs to star in PAWS for GAWS Pooch Parade

A special Adoptable Dogs Parade will feature dogs currently in GAWS' care who are waiting for their forever home, while participants can enter their dogs in the Pooch Parade to showcase best ticks, best costume and waggiest tail.

February 19, 2026

Mission: Adoptable

Find Your New Best Friend for Just $50!

February 18, 2026

Local faces and businesses back PAWS for GAWS

Community ambassadors including Kate Darby, Jed Bews and Lauren ‘Loggy’ Temuskos, along with their dogs, will be lacing up their walking shoes on Sunday 1 March in support of GAWS and its vital work caring for and rehoming animals.

November 16, 2025

GAWS Cat Desexing Drive

GAWS is offering discounted cat desexing rates to support our community, prevent unwanted litters and reduce feline overpopulation.

October 26, 2025

Howl-a-ween-special

Celebrate a spooky-sweet deal and give a pup a forever home! For one spooktacular weekend only, all adult dogs are just $99 to adopt!

September 07, 2025

Introducing the 2026 GAWS Calendar Ambassadors

Paws-itively overwhelmed! Thank you to everyone who entered the 2026 GAWS Graduates Calendar Competition. We were truly amazed by the number of entries and the enthusiasm you showed!

August 27, 2025

Free Wills Fortnight with Safewill

We’re thrilled to offer you a FREE and easy way to write your Will, in partnership with Australia’s leading platform, Safewill.

August 25, 2025

Where are they now?

Smart and sassy American Staffy Svetlana finally made it to her forever home!

July 30, 2025

GAWS Graduates 2026 Calendar Competition – entries CLOSED

We are calling out for GAWS Graduates to feature in our 2026 calendar.

July 14, 2025

A heartfelt thank you to the Geelong Cats & Dulux Australia

Moments like these are truly invaluable, they give us the chance to share our story, our mission, and the dedication of our volunteers.

April 13, 2025

Feel Good Fee

From now until April 20, adopt a pet for a Feel Good Fee. Choose your furry companion and an adoption fee* that feels good to you.

April 08, 2025

Fix a Feline Friend for Free at GAWS

Desexing your cat is a a responsible choice which has numerous health and behavioral benefits. It's not just about preventing unwanted litters - it can improve their lifespan and quality of life .

March 27, 2025

GAWS Op Shop grand opening!

The opening of the new GAWS Op Shop was celebrated last month with free coffee, goody bags and bargains on pre-loved items for our customers and volunteers.

March 17, 2025

Write your Will for FREE

We’re thrilled to offer you a FREE and easy way to write your Will, in partnership with Australia’s leading platform, Safewill.

March 11, 2025

A huge thank you for making PAWS for GAWS a success!

Your generosity will go a long way in supporting the wonderful work GAWS does to care for animals in need.

February 20, 2025

Mission Adoptable

Find Your New Best Friend for Just $50!

February 10, 2025

PAWS for GAWS: Our favourite walk of the year!

Last year, my husband Ryan and I participated in the Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) PAWS for GAWS walk, bringing along our Golden Retriever, Lonnie.

November 28, 2024

The GAWS Op Shop is now open!

We’re thrilled to share that the GAWS Op Shop is now open in a brand-new location, 50 Watsons Rd, Newcomb!

November 01, 2024

About 2025 GAWS calendar

Celebrate adoption: The story behind our annual calendar.

October 28, 2024

The Famous Five

We are highlighting The Famous Five – five long-term GAWS dog residents who are still waiting to be adopted.

October 01, 2024

Op Shop Relocation

The GAWS Op Shop is moving to a new location!

September 10, 2024

Grill'd Local Matters

We have been selected for a Local Matters jar. We need your token vote

September 02, 2024

Introducing the 2025 GAWS Calendar Ambassadors

Thank you to everyone who entered the GAWS Graduate Calendar Competition. We were overwhelmed by the support and amount of entries.

August 15, 2024

Calling all foster carers for cats and kittens

Kitten season is coming, and we are looking for reliable carers who have a safe, stress-free environment for our kittens to grow and thrive before heading into our cat adoption centre.

August 01, 2024

Annual vaccinations and general health check for your pet

Pets are unable to effectively communicate when they are experiencing health problems or pain like us humans, but with regular vet visits, any issues can be identified and treated early and quickly, ensuring your pet is not suffering in discomfort.

July 31, 2024

GAWS Graduates 2025 Calendar competition - entries CLOSED

We are calling out for GAWS Graduates to feature in our 2025 calendar.

June 17, 2024

Clean Paws grant donated by Community Bank Leopold, Bendigo Bank

The ‘Clean Paws’ grant, totaling $13,395, has enabled GAWS to purchase four new commercial washing machines from Speed Queen, significantly enhancing their operational capabilities.

June 17, 2024

Long-termers Loki & Albert have been adopted!

Exciting news! Earlier this month, two of our long-term residents found their forever home together. 🎉🐾

April 29, 2024

Autumn health hazards

As the vibrant hues of autumn begin to paint the landscape, pet owners must also be mindful of the seasonal hazards that can pose risks to their furry companions.

April 10, 2024

Cat & kitten adoption information

Congratulations on adopting a feline friend from Geelong Animal Welfare Society to be a part of your family! Please read the following information carefully, and contact us if you have any questions.

April 10, 2024

Dog & puppy adoption information

Congratulations on adopting a canine friend from Geelong Animal Welfare Society to be a part of your family! Please read the following information carefully, and contact us if you have any questions.

Small animals resources

April 10, 2024

Rabbit adoption information

Congratulations on adopting a furry friend from Geelong Animal Welfare Society to be a part of your family! Please read the following information carefully, and contact us if you have any questions.

April 01, 2023

Living their best life indoors

Learn about why we advocate for cats to remain indoors and ways to help your feline friend live their best life in doing so.

April 01, 2023

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a viral disease which affects the immune system of domestic cats and can leave them susceptible to infections and disease.

September 01, 2026

Introducing the 2027 GAWS Calendar Ambassadors

Paws-itively spoilt for choice! A huge thank you to everyone who entered the 2027 GAWS Graduates Calendar Competition!

August 26, 2026

High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (H5 bird flu)

H5 Bird Flu: What pet owners need to know and simple precautions to help protect your pets.

August 03, 2026

GAWS Graduates 2027 Calendar Competition – Entries CLOSED

We are calling out for GAWS Graduates to feature in our 2027 calendar.