Thinking of adding a pet to your family? Adoption is always a more humane way to get a pet than getting one from a pet store or pet breeder. Pet adoption in Malaysia has become more and more popular and accessible, there are now many ways to find the right pet for your family. Whether you want to get the adoption done online or offline, this article has your back.

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Online Pet Adoption Platforms in Malaysia

Thanks to the power of the internet, there are plenty of online animal adoption platforms nowadays where you can pick a cat or dog to adopt without physically visiting the shelter.

Most of these online platforms are animal rescue groups without a shelter. Rescued animals are fostered in temporary homes by a network of foster parents who agree to care for the animal until it finds a forever home.

All the steps of adoption, including eyeing for a pet, understanding the animal’s background or personality, and even the adoption interview, can be done online. It not only saves your time and money of travelling from shelter to shelter in searching for a pet, but more choices are presented to you from the pool of pets available for adoption. In a nutshell, you can find your perfect pet in a more efficient way!

Whether you want to adopt a cat, a dog, or other pet, you can easily search for them via the online platforms as followed:

1. Pads & Paws KL

Pet adoption in Malaysia Cat adoption Dog adoption

A community-run animal rescue group focused on rehoming stray cats and dogs, Pads & Paws KL has been actively posting on their social media the photos of the rescued cats and dogs that are ready for adoption, along with a detailed narrative of the furkid’s background and personality. You can then look through the photos and contact Pads & Paws KL about the one that caught your eye. Then, you will need to fill up an adoption form and if your application is approved, get ready to pick up your pet from the fosterer on the arranged date!

Not sure if the pet can fit in your family? Fret not, Pads & Paws KL offers a 1 or 2 week trial period during which you can get to know the animal better and determine whether it is a good match.

Besides that, the rescue group also practises Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (“TNVR”) for strays too feral to be adopted.

Contact number: +6017-662 4186
Email: padsandpawskl@gmail.com
Facebook | Instagram

2. Allergic Rescuers KL

Established in 2018, Allergic Rescuers KL is formed by a group of friends who rescue, foster and match strays into loving homes in Kuala Lumpur. The adoption process is pretty similar to Pads & Paws KL, whereby you will need to fill in the online application form to indicate which pet you are interested in. You may also reach out to them if you need recommendations. Then, schedule a video call with a member of their team. You will pay a flat adoption donation on the day you meet the cat of your dreams. In addition, they also engage in Trap-Neuter-Return (“TNR”) activities in their own communities.

Email: allergicrescuerskl@gmail.com
Facebook | Instagram

3. Damansara Perdana Strays Rescue (No Longer Rescuing)

Damansara Perdana Strays Rescue is not a shelter, but a team of independent rescuers who are trying their best to care for, protect and rescue stray animals (mostly dogs and cats) from the streets of Damansara Perdana. Their rescued animals are fostered in the rescuers’ own homes. Their rescue missions include Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage (“TNRM”), daily feeding and rehoming of the animals.

Email: dpstraysrescue@gmail.com
Facebook | Instagram

4. i-Furkids Home Pahang (Inactive)

i-Furkids is a dog rescue group (not a permanent shelter) with the primary goal of helping stray dogs in Kuantan, Pahang. Their goal is to reduce the number of stray animals by feeding, treating and ligating them.

Contact number: +6016-838 4688
Email: hellofurkids@gmail.com
Address:
Website | Facebook

5. SAMA – Spay Adopt Manage Assist – Penang

Based in Georgetown, Penang, SAMA is a neutering Society that practices Trap Neuter Return (“TNR”), with an adoption or foster programme open to the public. The Society also offers advice to anyone who has rescued an animal and subsidies for low-income feeders or rescuers.

Contact number: +6012-422 5755
Email: samasamatnr@gmail.com
Facebook

6. PetFinder.my

PetFinder.my provides a one-stop portal for animal lovers, assisting homeless pets in finding homes, and providing NGOs and rescuers with the infrastructure they need to effectively reach out to the public. Animal rescuers from all states in Malaysia can publish their pets’ profiles for free on the website. The public can browse through cute cats, dogs, hamsters, rabbits and birds listed there, and participate in PetFinder.my’s pet lover community and forum.

PetFinder’s primary goals are to better facilitate communication between rescuers and adopters; to achieve economy of scale by promoting a unified resource and bringing in a targeted audience for the rescuers; and to educate the public on responsibly managing their pets.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Offline Pet Adoption Platforms in Malaysia

If you prefer to visit an animal shelter in person to get a feel for all the pets looking for a home, then the list of animal shelters in Malaysia (by region) below is for you!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most animal shelters are only open to the public by appointment, so you are advised to contact the animal shelter beforehand to arrange for the visit.

Animal Shelter in Kl and Selangor

1. Society For The Prevention of Cruelty To Animals (SPCA)

SPCA is an animal welfare organisation with more than 10 shelters in Malaysia, distributed across Selangor, Ipoh, Johor, Kota Bahru, Sabah, Sarawak, Malacca, Penang, Seberang Prai, Kajang, Seremban and Kedah.

The SPCA Selangor has been registered with the Registrar of Societies since 1958. Shelter and adoption, spay/neuter services, education, investigation of animal abuse, caregiver assistance, and lobbying the government are the six pillars of SPCA Selangor, with a new pillar to promote farm animal welfare added in 2020.

Contact number: +603-4256 5312
Email: enquiries@spca.org.my
Address: Jalan Kerja Ayer Lama, Ukay Heights, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Website | Facebook | Instagram

2. Woo & Meow Animal Shelter Organisation

Woo & Meow Animal Shelter is a non-profit organisation established in 2013 for the welfare of stray dogs and cats in Klang Valley. It is run by the founder, Auntie Kim who has been taking care of stray animals for more than 20 years. There are more than 300 dogs in the shelter currently.

Contact number: +6018-7777 698 (WhatsApp)
Email: info@woomeow.org
Address: 6683, Jalan Sungai Tekali, Kampung Kenangan 18, 43100 Hulu Langat, Selangor
Website | Facebook | Instagram

3. MeeFah Homeless Animals Shelter

MeeFah Shelter is a Semenyih-based animal shelter that has been in operation for over ten years. It is a no-kill shelter dedicated to caring for, treating, and saving animals until they are ready for adoption. There are approximately 2,000 stray dogs and 100 cats in need of your help.

Contact number: +6012-331 2680 (Yong)
Address: 1858, Kampung Rinching Hulu, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor
Facebook | Instagram

4. Stray Animal Rescue Aid – SARA (inactive)

SARA is an animal shelter in Semenyih that is run by a man who has dedicated his life to helping stray animals. Since March 2022, the team has also expanded with the addition of a new shelter in Seremban.

Contact number: +6010-368 0836
Email: sara05072019@yahoo.com
Address: Jalan TTS 5, Taman Tasik Semenyih, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor
Facebook | Instagram

5. Strive for Animals Welfare – SAW

Established in January 2014, SAW is a no-kill animal shelter and rescue team formed by true animal lovers. They rescue injured, abused, or homeless animals; re-home abandoned animals; educate and raise awareness about loving and respecting animals; and reduce the number of stray animals through spay and neuter programmes.

Contact number: +6010-293 8551
Email: admin@sawrescue.org
Address: Lot 18343, Jalan Sungai Lalang, Batu 23, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor
Facebook | Instagram

6. Lost Animal Souls Shelter

Lost Animal Souls Shelter (“LASS”) is a non-profit and no-kill canine welfare organisation that houses over 250 abandoned dogs. It is based in Bestari Jaya, Kuala Selangor.

Contact number: +6016-330 9637
Email: lostanimalsouls@yahoo.com
Facebook

7. Sollu Shelter

Founded in 2013 and registered under Persatuan Penyelamat Haiwan Jalanan, Sollu Shelter is currently based in Klang, Selangor. Sollu Shelter has rescued more than 700 stray cats and dogs around Peninsular Malaysia.

Contact number: +6019-372 5129
Email: sollushelter@gmail.com
Website | Facebook

8. MunMun Furry Sanctuary

Uncle Mun founded the shelter in May 2013 as an independent, self-funded, no-kill shelter. The shelter currently houses 180 dogs and 80 cats. Despite this, the number continues to rise because there are too many abused and injured furry kids out in the street in need of help. Aside from rescuing, they are also very active in sterilising to control the stray population.

Contact number: +6017-883 1008
Email: nfmunmun57@gmail.com
Address: No. 28B, Jalan Besar, 45600 Bestari Jaya, Selangor
Website | Facebook

9. S.I Home Shelter

Founded by Muhamad Razeef Che Shamah, S.I Home Shelter situated in Shah Alam now houses more than 400 cats and 12 dogs. Amongst the 400 cats, there are some that require special attention.

Contact number: +6017-320 6869
Address: 63, Jalan Makmur 25/64, Taman Sri Muda, 40400 Shah Alam, Selangor
Facebook

Animal Shelter in Perlis

1. Bustana Kucing

Located in Sungai Batu Pahat, Kangar, Bustana Kucing has been an NGO shelter for unwanted or stray cats since 2015. More than 1,500 cats are available for adoption at the shelter. There is no fixed adoption fee; it can be in any form of contribution, such as money and food. The shelter also arranges transportation for the cat to be delivered to the adopter who lives outside of the Perlis area.

Contact number: +6013-430 0443 Encik Taufik / +6018-668 2303 Encik Thomas
Facebook

Animal Shelter in Penang

1. Cat Beach Penang

Based right on the beach in the small fishing village of Teluk Bahang in Penang, Cat Beach is a “no-kill” sanctuary for over 300 cats rescued from desperate situations. It has become a truly special place for both cats and people thanks to the efforts of many volunteers since July 2014. Adoption of a cat at Cat Beach is free! But you will have to pay for a health check and prepare the supplies your new cat will need.

Contact number: +60 17-575 3419 / +604-881 1015 / +604-881 1122
Email: catbeachsanctuary@gmail.com
Address: 778 Jalan Teluk Awak, MK 2, Teluk Bahang 11050, Penang
Website | Facebook | Instagram

2. Meowy Cat Shelter

Meowy Cat Shelter, founded in 2014, is a non-profit sanctuary for handicapped, injured and vulnerable cats and kittens. Pauline Lim, the sanctuary’s owner, is committed to lavishing love and attention on each and every cat in the sanctuary. Shelter visits are now only by appointment, so please give them a call for an appointment.

Contact number: +6016-422 9091
Email: hello@meowyshelter.com
Address: 501, Jalan Ayer Putih, Bandar Baru Air Putih, 11000 Balik Pulau, Penang
Facebook | Instagram

3. 4PAWS Penang Animal Welfare Society

With over 600 dogs, Penang Animal Welfare Society (“4PAWS”) is a registered, not-for-profit organisation founded by animal lover and advocate, Barbara Janssen. The organisation has a no-kill policy and provides care continuously for animals whose age or disability may make them less likely to get adopted. It’s not your typical animal shelter, the dogs are allowed to roam freely within the shelter’s compound and they even have a swimming pool to “chill out”, especially in the hot weather.

Email: 4paws.penang@gmail.com
Address: 429, Jalan Hassan Abbas, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang
Website | Facebook

Animal Shelter in Perak

1. Mutts & Mittens

Mutts & Mittens (“M&M”), located in Ipoh, first opened its doors in April 2015. The shelter’s mission is to serve as a mid-way home for rescued injured animals, rehome each rescued animal, and educate the community on proper animal care. M&M places a strong emphasis on the TNRM programme (Trap, Neuter, Release and Manage).

Contact number: +6014-624 8070
Email: mutts_mittens@outlook.com
Address: 31450, Ipoh, Perak
Website | Facebook

2. Noah’s Ark Ipoh Animal Welfare

Noah’s Ark Ipoh (“NAI”) does not have a dog shelter, but they manage a cat shelter with over 100 cats. The dedicated volunteers foster the dogs they rescued while they look for an adopter. Since 2009, the team has been practising TNRM (Trap, Neuter, Release and Manage). The rescued pets will be neutered, vaccinated and be prepared to be rehomed. If NAI is unable to rehome the animals, they will be tagged with a green fluorescent collar and released back into the community. Here, the community feeders will be responsible for their well-being.

Contact number: +6012-552 0910 / +6019-556 8292 / +6012-437 2932
Email: noahsarkipoh@yahoo.com
Address: 4 Tingkat Taman 6, Ipoh Garden South, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
Website | Facebook

Animal Shelter in Negeri Sembilan

1. Cherishlife Home

Cherishlife Home is a self-funded and a no-kill forever home for furry kids. Committed to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of stray cats and dogs, Cherishlife Home is owned by Madam Lau Choy Sze or “Auntie Winnie”. The shelter was previously located in Hulu Langat, but then moved to Jelebu.

Being an independent non-governmental organisation, Cherishlife Home solely relies on community support, which includes sponsors, donations and volunteers.

Email: cherishlifehome@gmail.com
Address: Titi gong, Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan
Facebook | Instagram

Animal Shelter in Melaka

1. Pertubuhan Pencinta Hidupan Melaka (PPHM)

Pertubuhan Pencinta Hidupan Melaka is an NGO in Melaka. It was established as a private organisation in 2018 and then approved as a legal charity organisation by the Registrar of Society Malaysia. Their objective is to protect abandoned or under-life-threatening animals and liberate them from euthanasia.

Contact number: +6012-392 5535 Ms. Lau / +6011-6939 5788 Mr. Lee
Email: pphmmalaysia@gmail.com
Address: No 60-1 Jalan PPM 4 Plaza Pandan Malim Business Park 75250 Malacca City, Malaysia
Website | Facebook

2. Shikin’s Team Animal Rescuer (STAR)

Since its establishment in 2014, STAR has rescued more than 1,000 animals. They rescue helpless cats and dogs, providing them with a safe haven in the hopes that they will find forever loving homes. The owner, Norashikin, makes all visits to the shelter by appointment only.

Contact: +6017-633 4461
Email: Shikin.shelter@gmail.com
Location: Alor Gajah, Melaka
Facebook

Animal Shelter in Johor

1. CAT Tiram Shelter

Located in Ulu Tiram Johor, CAT Tiram Shelter is an NGO established on 30 October 2015. It is a shelter with over 300 cats and kittens.

Contact number: +6019-522 9050
Address: 1197, Jalan Haji Noh, Kampung Sungai Tiram, 81800 Johor Bahru, Johor
Facebook

2. H.O.P.E.

Homeless & Orphan Pets Exist – H.O.P.E. is a registered NGO and also a no-kill animal shelter at Pekan Nanas, sheltering over 3,000 rescued dogs and cats. It is founded by Aunty Jia Jia in April 2008.

Contact number: +6012-716 7123
Email: hopejbdonation@gmail.com
Location: Pekan Nanas, Johor
Website | Facebook | Instagram

3. Kluang Stray Dog Home

Kluang Stray Dog Home is an animal sanctuary that houses over 700 dogs (they have cats as well). The organisation also feeds the stray animals outside the shelter, they have a total of more than 1,200 animals to feed each month.

Contact number: +6016-368 8504 (WhatsApp)
Email: kshui518@gmail.com
Address: Jln Sri 2, 85400 Paloh, Kluang, Johor
Facebook

4. Save The Strays Team

Formed by a group of dog lovers, Save The Strays Team (Pertubuhan Pertubuhan Perlindungan Dan Penyelamat Haiwan Wawasan Batu Pahat Johor) is dedicated to taking over the stray dogs caught by the local council and arranging for spaying and adoption. The team also saves abused or injured strays in need.

Contact number: +6010-835 9784
Email: hello@savethestraysteam.org
Location: Batu Pahat, Johor

Website | Facebook

Animal Shelter in Pahang

1. Kuantan Animal Rescue and Education (“KARE”)

KARE, also known as Persatuan Kebajikan Haiwan Terbiar Kuantan, started in 2014 to provide a shelter to care for the well-being of stray animals. Majority of the dogs are not chained or caged and are free to explore their surroundings, whereas nursing puppies are caged for their own safety.

Address: Jalan Pintasan Kuantan, 26100, Pahang
Facebook

Animal Shelter in Terengganu

1. Terrenganu Stray Animals Rescue (“TSAR”)

Established in November 2018, TSAR or Persatuan Penyelamat Haiwan Terbiar Terengganu has been feeding the stray dogs around Kuala Terrenganu and Kuala Nerus. They also manage a shelter with more than 30 dogs.

Location: Kuala Terrenganu, Terengganu
Facebook

Animal Shelter in Sabah

1. IAPWA Borneo

IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK-registered international animal welfare charity, dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need. Their first project, launched in 2009, is based in Sabah, Borneo, where they have a facility and a team that provides a lifeline to thousands of dogs and cats in need of veterinary care each year. Their companion animal programmes have since developed in other countries, including Romania, Penang and United Kingdom.

IAPWA finds loving homes for dogs and cats through the Adoption Programme. They also establish outreach projects in remote areas where veterinary care is unavailable.

Contact number: +60 11-2669 5493
Location: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Website | Facebook

2. Animal Lovers Independent Rescuer – ALIR

ALIR is a registered NGO in Sabah under the name of Persatuan Pencinta Dan Penyelamat Haiwan Sabah. It is a non-profit charitable organisation that relies on the kindness and generousity of the community to carry out their mission and to care for companion animals in need.

Contact number: +6017-899 5159 (WhatsApp)
Email: alir.sabah@gmail.com
Address: Kampung Lapasan, Tenghilan 89200 Tuaran, Sabah
Website | Facebook

3. Shelter Of Hope Penampang, Sabah

Founded by Adrienne Godfrey Johniu, Shelter of Hope rescues injured animals and provides them with vet care, a place to recuperate and rehoming. Most of the animals at the shelter were rescued after being trapped by local authorities.

Contact number: +6016-842 9598
Address: Kampung Tuavon, 89507 Penampang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Facebook

4. Borneo Animal Welfare Society, Sabah

Borneo Animal Welfare Society, Sabah (“BAWSS”) is a non-government organisation for animal welfare, based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Their focus is on awareness, education and TNR programs.

Contact number: +6016-231 1101
Email: animalwelfareunit@gmail.com
Address: Putatan, Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Sabah
Facebook | Instagram

Conclusion – Pet Adoption in Malaysia

Bringing home a new pet is truly exciting. Adopting a pet is not only exciting, but it is an incredible experience to know that you have just saved a life by helping a pet go from being alone to having a home.

Not to mention, many of the animal rescue teams or shelters solely rely on public resources to keep up their work. If you are not able to adopt, you can still make a difference by donating in a form of cash or pet supplies such as pet food; fostering or sponsoring an animal; or volunteering your time at the animal shelter.

Disclaimer: We are not endorsing the animal rescues or shelters on this list. We only seek to compile their information for your convenience.