Hahndorf Interim Animal Shelter Inc.: A Safe Haven for Abandoned Pets

The Hahndorf Interim Animal Shelter began its mission back in 1992, offering a temporary refuge for abandoned dogs. By 1997, the shelter was officially registered as a charity and not-for-profit organisation, expanding its care to include both cats and dogs. Founded by Sue Whelan and Dorothy Caddle, the shelter’s goal is to find loving homes for every animal that crosses its doorstep. While some pets are adopted quickly, others require extra time and rehabilitation to rebuild trust, love, and confidence. At Hahndorf, no animal is ever euthanized simply for being unwanted.

As an EMERGENCY shelter for abandoned pets, we focus on urgent cases and do not take in animals whose owners are simply rehoming. For these situations, we encourage owners to explore other options, such as advertising their pets to find them new homes.

Community-Powered and Volunteer-Driven

The shelter operates entirely on the dedication of volunteers, with no government funding. We rely heavily on community support through donations of canned and dry pet food, fresh bones, kitty litter, blankets, towels, toys, treats, and more. Collection tins can be found in various Hills shops, and collection crates are available in local supermarkets. We are always looking for more volunteers to join our team—it’s not only a rewarding experience but also a great way to stay active!

Serving the Mt Barker District

Hahndorf Interim Animal Shelter also serves as the official pound for the District Council of Mt Barker. Many dogs that arrive are unclaimed, often due to a lack of training, family integration, or simply because they became a nuisance. These dogs need patience, reassurance, and the chance to learn respect and good manners. Many arrive with matted, dirty coats, making it difficult to even recognize their breed. But after a much-needed bath and grooming, these dogs transform into confident, happy pets, shedding their neglected past along with their knotty hair.

Heartwarming Success Stories

Our shelter’s newsletter is filled with touching stories of people who have opened their homes and hearts to pets adopted from us. These tales of commitment and love highlight the positive impact of giving a rescue animal a second chance.