At Friends of the Animals Inc., trading as Mareeba Animal Refuge, we’ve been helping animals in need across the Mareeba Shire and surrounding regions since 2007.

 

We are a registered charity run by a passionate local team and supported entirely by our community. We receive no government funding; every rescue, every recovery, and every happy ending is made possible through donations, adoptions, volunteers, and local support.

​

​

​

​

 

​

We provide a safe place for animals who have run out of options.

Our work includes:

• Taking in cats and dogs from local pounds once their stray holding period has ended.

• Assisting abandoned and surrendered pets from Mareeba and surrounding areas.

• When capacity allows, supporting remote and Cape communities by helping rescue and rehome animals in need.

 

Each animal is given the time and support they need - from veterinary care and recovery, to socialisation and confidence-building. We get to know their personalities, needs, and quirks so we can carefully match them with the right family.

​

We currently lease and operate from the Mareeba Shire Council’s Animal Management Facility on Hickling Avenue, Mareeba, where we run both our rescue and boarding services.  As an Incorporated Association we welcome new members to join for a small annual fee of $20. Become a member by filling in our application to join, paying the fee, and attending our AGM (held in December each year) or one of our quarterly committee meetings.

 

It’s here that scared strays become trusting companions, and overlooked animals find their way into loving homes. Animal rescue isn’t always easy but it is always worth it.