The Central Coast of NSW is now home to Australia’s first adoption centre for small animals formerly used in research, looking for their forever homes. The Liberty Adoption Centre in Wyong provides a haven for rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and mice, supporting them to transition from research facilities into the community as pets and companions. Operated by independent not-for-profit Liberty Foundation Australia (LFA), the centre is supported by funding provided by the NSW Government. 

LFA Director, Paula Wallace, said, “The opening of the Liberty Adoption Centre is a landmark moment for ex-research animals. The NSW Government recognises the need to work together to provide the best outcomes for animals when they retire from research, and has given a helping hand to charities like ours to scale up our operations. Simply, it means we can provide more homes for more animals coming out of research.”

LFA has been rehoming animals from research since 2017 and over that time has found loving homes for hundreds of animals including dogs and cats. The organisation is on track to celebrate it 1,000th adoption later this year – a milestone that speaks to the growing community demand for this kind of adoption. Operating purely on charitable donations until recently, the organisation is one of only two in Australia dedicated solely to rehoming animals from research.

“This is a unique opportunity to showcase the benefits of adopting animals from research,” Ms Wallace said. “There is clearly a benefit for animals in being able to live out the course of their natural lives in the community and know a different way of life. Research establishments and the broader community also appreciate the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these animals.”

The animals available for adoption through LFA are healthy, sociable and adapt well to home life. The centre has been purpose-built with their needs in mind – from gymnasium areas where rats can exercise and explore, to naturalistic enclosures for mice, and a soft playroom where volunteers can spend relaxed time with the animals and support their social development. 

“It really is amazing to witness the capacity of these animals for love and connection. If you’re looking for a rewarding experience there’s nothing better than seeing a small animal begin to trust and experience the real meaning of home,” Ms Wallace said.

“This is a great initiative for the Central Coast and for New South Wales. It shows we are a compassionate society, willing to make a place in our hearts and homes for animals who literally have nowhere else to go.”

The Liberty Adoption centre is supported by funding provided by the Research Animals Rehoming Grant, an initiative of the NSW Government.

“We are grateful for the support of this unique grant program,” Ms Wallace commented.