23/05/2026
National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, held from 18–24 May. It’s a time to recognise the millions of Australians who generously give their time to support others, while also encouraging people to discover the connection, compassion and purpose volunteering can bring.
At Sweet Paws Dog Rescue Inc, we are an entirely volunteer-run organisation dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming small breed dogs across Melbourne.
Every single person involved with Sweet Paws is completely unpaid.
Nobody receives a wage, salary or financial benefit for the countless hours they dedicate to rescue. From administration, transport, fundraising and social media, to foster care, vet runs, grooming appointments, meet-and-greets and late-night emergency pickups — every single task is carried out by volunteers donating their own personal time, fuel, energy and love.
We cover all approved veterinary care for our dogs, our wonderful friends at Dashing Designer Dogs generously groom our rescue dogs free of charge, Lyka Pet Food helps keep our dogs fed, and Bunnings Mornington continues to support us through community sausage sizzles and fundraising opportunities, and of course our donors whether you donate as a ‘one-off’ or ongoing (thank you 🌸).
But the heart of Sweet Paws — the people who truly keep everything moving — are our foster carers.
Without them, the wheels on our bus would simply stop turning.
Our foster carers are also entirely unpaid volunteers. They receive no financial assistance for the extraordinary work they do. They open not only their homes, but their hearts, to dogs who have often known fear, neglect, uncertainty and heartbreak.
They collect dogs from shelters and private surrender situations, drive to vet appointments and grooming visits, attend house checks, provide transport, administer medication, clean up messes, comfort anxious dogs, and provide around-the-clock care every single day.
They are there for the nervous first nights, the medical recoveries, the toilet training, the cuddles on the couch, the early mornings, the late nights, and the beautiful moments when a dog finally learns what safety and love feel like.
The work they do is endless, emotional, exhausting at times — and completely priceless.
To every single Sweet Paws volunteer and foster carer: thank you. Your compassion, sacrifice and dedication change lives every single day, and we could never do this without you ♥️
Foster Mum Giulia:
“Fostering for us means we can help a little soul that everyone else has given up on, to show not all humans are bad,to show patience and most of all love. Yes it’s hard,frustrating and at times brings you to tears,but even with all that, we will always step up and show up and help where we can.”
Foster Mum Kelly:
“Fostering gives us a loving avenue to give back and provide care to those 4 legged friends who need someone to give them a fighting chance and to advocate for them when they have been let down. Providing what all animals deserve, love, food and shelter importantly care and time to be themselves. It’s beautiful to see them thrive and find forever homes!”
Foster Mum Jo:
“Watching shut down, emotionally hurt little souls come out of their shell and learn to trust has been a real joy. What they give back is wonderful to experience. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to foster such deserving souls who really just want safety, food, care and love.”
Foster Mum Cheryl:
“For me, fostering became something to fill a void after losing my own dog.
But soon became a fulfilling joy to help dogs become happy and learn to trust and appreciate the comforts of a loving and safe home.”
If you’ve ever thought about fostering we’d love to hear from you - just send us a message/email and we’ll get back to you.
All details are on our website at:
www.sweetpawsdogrescue.com.au
