Welcome to Byron Dog Rescue
Byron Dog Rescue (formerly CAWI) is a volunteer-run organisation dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming unwanted or surrendered dogs across the Byron Shire. Situated in a peaceful, rural setting, we provide care for orphaned, sick, and injured dogs, offering them safety, healing, and a second chance at life!
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Through our Brunswick Heads Op Shop and community support, we fund essential vet care, foster placements, and promote responsible pet ownership.
We’re also committed to educating the public about animal welfare and the prevention of cruelty to animals.
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Help us make a difference, one dog at a time.
How To Help
Become A Foster
Fostering is one of the most powerful ways you can help Byron Dog Rescue. We need caring homes to look after dogs short-term until they're adopted.
If you love having a dog but can’t commit full-time, fostering is the perfect win-win.
Join our foster network and help us save more lives.
Giving dogs a second chance
At Byron Dog Rescue, our mission is simple yet powerful:
to give every dog a safe, loving home and a life free from harm. We believe every dog, no matter their past, deserves kindness, care, and a future full of love.
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Our Mission & Values
We are proudly a no-kill shelter, meaning every dog who enters our care has a home with us for as long as they need, until the perfect match is found.
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Our core values guide everything we do:
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Compassion - treating every dog with love, patience, and respect
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Safety - protecting both our dogs and the volunteers who care for them
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Community - working together to create lasting change for animal welfare
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Second Chances - helping dogs heal, recover, and rediscover trust in humans
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How We Care for Our Dogs
Before joining our sanctuary, each dog undergoes a thorough temperament and behaviour assessment.
Why? Because it’s all about creating harmony for the dogs, our volunteers, and future adopters.
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Group Harmony
Our dogs live together at the sanctuary. Socialisation keeps them emotionally healthy, playful, and ready for adoption.
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Volunteer Safety
We’re almost a 100% volunteer-run organisation. While we wish we could help every dog, we simply don’t have the resources for intensive behavioural rehabilitation. Ensuring everyone’s safety is a priority.
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Perfect Matches
By understanding each dog’s unique personality, we can match them with the most suitable loving home, setting them up for a successful, lifelong bond.​
Who We Are​
Byron Dog Rescue is registered as Companion Animals Welfare Incorporated (CAWI), a not-for-profit, volunteer-run charity dedicated to the care and rehoming of abandoned, unwanted, and mistreated dogs in the Byron Shire. Founded on 21 December 2004 by lifelong animal advocate Margaret Brown, CAWI was born from a deep commitment to improving the lives of companion animals in our region.
With decades of experience in cat and dog rescue, Margaret envisioned a sanctuary that would not only rescue and rehabilitate but also provide a safe, nurturing space for animals to recover and find their forever homes.
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Our Evolution​
In 2018, to better reflect our local identity and primary focus, we became Byron Dog Rescue - a name now synonymous with compassion, community, and second chances.
Today, we continue to honour Margaret’s legacy by:
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Advocating for animal welfare
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Promoting responsible pet ownership
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Giving every dog a voice and a future.
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When you support Byron Dog Rescue, you’re not just helping a single dog - you’re part of a movement. A community that believes in kindness, second chances, and creating a better future for all companion animals.
Success Stories
Real Stories, Real Impact
"Adopting our dog from Byron Dog Rescue was the best decision we ever made! The team was incredibly supportive and answered all our questions. Our pup is now a beloved member of our family!"
Jessica L.
"The staff at Byron Dog Rescue genuinely care about the dogs and their futures. We found our perfect match and couldn't be happier. Thank you for the wonderful work you do!"
Tom S.
"I volunteered at Byron Dog Rescue, and it has been a fulfilling experience. The team is amazing, and it’s heartwarming to see the difference we make in the lives of these dogs. Highly recommend supporting this rescue!"
Maria Rodriguez
