ABN requirements for members

As a member of the PetRescue community, we know that you already uphold a high standard of care and services in rescue. The Australian public recognises PetRescue members as trusted and reputable representatives of the rescue community.

But with the rise in popularity of rescue pets, Australia has seen an increase in adoption and donations scams, short-lived rescue ventures, and individuals and organisations not doing right by the pets in their care.

Why does my organisation require an ABN?

An ABN helps verify that members are:

• Committed to setting up and running a rescue for the longer-term
• Aware of and abide by their legal obligations when accepting payments and donations
• Legally are who they say they are
• Can be contacted if things go wrong

My organisation doesn’t have an ABN

If you don't already have an ABN for your organisation, you can apply for one here. Generally, applications are processed, and ABNs are granted on the spot (unless further details require validation).

We require ABNs to either be in the organisation's name or linked to the organisation as an ASIC-registered rescue/business when the ABN is registered as an individual/sole trader.

If you need to update your ABN to be linked to your organisation, you can apply online via this link. Simply select ‘Register your business’ and ‘Business name’. You will be asked for your existing ABN in the form to complete and submit this request.

How to update your rescue group profile with your ABN

• Log in to your admin account and proceed to ‘My Group Profile’
• Click ‘Edit’
• Close to the top, you will find the ABN field
• Input your ABN
• Finally, scroll to the bottom of the page and click ‘Update group’

Need assistance? Please don't hesitate to contact our team via members@petrescue.org.au