POOPS WA (Pets of Older Persons) is a registered, no-fee, not-for-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers. We provide free pet care support to older adults and palliative care patients who need assistance caring for their animals.
At POOPS WA, we believe pets are family. Our mission is simple: no one should have to give up their beloved companion due to age, illness, or financial hardship. With the help of our compassionate volunteers and community sponsors, we assist eligible clients with regular dog walking and pet transport to vet appointments and grooming.
For many older people and those living with illness, a pet provides more than companionship, it brings purpose, connection, and joy.
Studies show that having a pet can:
The support POOPS WA offers ensures that our clients can continue to experience these benefits, safely and confidently, with their beloved animals by their side.
POOPS WA began in 2010 as a grassroots initiative sparked by a simple idea: to help older people stay connected with their pets. Inspired by a similar service in NSW, a small group of passionate volunteers brought the concept to life in Perth.
What started in just a few suburbs quickly grew through word of mouth, community support, and a shared belief that no one should have to give up a beloved pet due to age or illness.
Today, POOPS WA supports hundreds of clients across Perth and beyond, with volunteers assisting in areas from Yanchep to Mandurah, the Hills, Armadale, Rockingham, and Busselton.
For many of our clients, pets are more than companions, they’re lifelines. By offering practical, no-fee support, POOPS WA helps people remain independent, connected, and comforted, while ensuring their animals are safe, active, and well cared for.
Our incredible team of volunteers provides a range of free, practical services to help people care for their pets:
In addition to hands-on care, we also work with councils, vets, and community partners to offer clients access to discounted grooming, boarding, and veterinary services.
POOPS WA is founded on the values of:
Compassion – treating every client and every pet with empathy and care
Respect – recognising the dignity and independence of our clients
Community – building strong, meaningful connections between volunteers and clients
Integrity – operating with transparency, honesty, and reliability
Commitment – doing our best to support people and pets across WA.
Together, we can make sure no one has to choose between their health and their best friend.
For questions, contact us at admin@poopswa.org.au
There are many ways you can help us keep people and pets together:
Leave a lasting legacy or support through your organisation
Your time could change someone’s life
We receive no government operational funding, and there is no paid administrative body at POOPS WA. Every dollar we receive, from donations, fundraising, or sponsorships, goes directly toward the work of supporting our clients and their pets.
