Our Story
North Queensland Animal Rescue (NQAR) began in 2011 with a single foster dog, Gilly, a small red cattle dog who quickly stole a heart.
For founder Jess Grinter, letting Gilly go to her new family was both heartbreaking and rewarding, and it marked the beginning of a journey driven by a simple purpose: to give vulnerable animals a second chance. What started as fostering soon grew into volunteering—collecting dogs from local pounds, travelling across the region, and working alongside others who shared the same concern about the number of animals being euthanised due to overpopulation.
At the time, there were no foster-based rescue groups in Cairns, and many animals relied solely on limited shelter space. Determined to make a difference, Jess and a small group of like-minded volunteers came together to create what would become NQAR.
Starting with just a handful of foster carers and self-funded vet care, the group formally became an incorporated association on 4 July 2012. From the outset, NQAR has been committed to ensuring every animal receives the care they need—not just the basics like desexing, vaccinations, and microchipping, but also any additional medical treatment required—laying the foundation for the compassionate, foster-based rescue it is today.
Our Achievements
in 2025
Operation
in 2025
Heartworm in 2025
in 2025
Operation
in 2025
Heartworm in 2025
Our Achievements
in 2025
Operation
in 2025
Heartworm in 2025
Our Team
Our Management Committee
Our Operational Team
Our Support Teams
Admin Team
Onboarding Team
Delivery Team
Photography
Fundraising Team
Social Media Team
Admin Team
Our Admin Team manages essential behind-the-scenes tasks, including finalising adoption paperwork, coordinating desexing follow-ups, updating microchip records, and maintaining volunteer databases. Their work ensures compliance, accuracy, and the smooth running of our operations.
Admin Team
Our Admin Team manages essential behind-the-scenes tasks, including finalising adoption paperwork, coordinating desexing follow-ups, updating microchip records, and maintaining volunteer databases. Their work ensures compliance, accuracy, and the smooth running of our operations.
Admin Team
Our Admin Team manages essential behind-the-scenes tasks, including finalising adoption paperwork, coordinating desexing follow-ups, updating microchip records, and maintaining volunteer databases. Their work ensures compliance, accuracy, and the smooth running of our operations.
Our Programs
Our Programs
Discount Desexing
Our Discounted Desexing Program aims to remove financial barriers to desexing. The program supports pensioners, concession card holders, people who are unemployed, low-income earners, and households experiencing financial hardship, helping prevent unwanted litters and reduce the number of animals entering rescue.
Last Litter
The Last Litter Program supports owners who surrender an accidental litter to NQAR by assisting with desexing the mother dog when the cost would otherwise be unaffordable. Where needed, NQAR can also provide food for the mother and puppies until the litter is fully weaned.
Timeless Tales
The Timeless Tails Permanent Fostering Program provides lifelong care for dogs who are unable to be adopted due to age, health, or behavioural needs. With dedicated foster carers and ongoing support from NQAR, these dogs can enjoy safety, stability, and love for the rest of their lives.
Strategic Plan
NQAR’s Strategic Plan provides a clear roadmap for the organisation’s priorities, guiding decision-making and ensuring our activities align with our mission. It helps focus our efforts, measure progress, and support sustainable growth and impact.
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
NQAR is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, the national regulator of charities in Australia. This registration ensures we meet required governance, transparency, and reporting standards, helping build trust with our community and supporters.
Vision
A community where all animals have a loving home and are valued, respected and cared for.
Mission
NQAR transitions dogs to forever homes, serves as a community resource and advocates for responsible dog ownership.
Value Statements
We are compassionate, kind and respectful in all interactions with each other and the community. We are dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of animals in our care.
We support, care for and value our volunteers. We demonstrate integrity by being fair, ethical, open and consistent.
