Get to know us
About Us
We rescue, rehabilitate, foster & find loving forever homes for Cavaliers.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue Queensland (CKCSRQ) is a registered charity and not-for-profit animal rescue organisation specialising in the rescue, rehabilitation, fostering, and rehoming of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels across Queensland, Australia.
Founded in 1997 on the Gold Coast by Lois Shepherdson and Jan Fowles, CKCSRQ is one of the longest-standing Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescue organisations in Queensland. The organisation is dedicated to rescuing Cavaliers that have been surrendered, abandoned, or neglected, and providing them with the care, veterinary treatment, and behavioural support needed to successfully transition into safe, loving forever homes.
As a trusted dog rescue in Queensland, CKCSRQ operates through a network of experienced volunteers and foster carers who are passionate about improving outcomes for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The organisation is funded entirely by community donations, sponsorships, and fundraising activities, enabling it to continue delivering life-saving rescue and rehoming services across the state.
CKCSRQ is an incorporated association governed by Australian regulatory frameworks, including the Associations Incorporation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2020, Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Governance Standards, the Privacy Act 1988, the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, and Australian Consumer Law.
Our Goals
To rescue and rehome Cavalier King Charles Spaniels throughout Queensland
To collaborate with other dog rescue and animal welfare organisations across Australia
To raise awareness of Cavalier rescue, responsible ownership, and rehoming
To advocate for animal welfare legislation that supports rescue and rehoming efforts
To reduce the number of Cavaliers requiring rescue through community education and responsible pet ownership
How you can help
Our History
Today
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue Queensland Inc (CKCSRQ) is one of Australias few smaller incorporated rescue groups. This means that our operation is conducted under Government supervision. It also means that we are monitored via Annual Reports to the Office of Fair Trading Qld (OFT), and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). The association also operates under the Privacy Act 1988 and the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001.
Since it started in 1997, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue Queensland has been operated by volunteers, with many covering expenses with their own funds. Following recognition as a charity by the ATO and ACNC, this is no longer necessary due to the generosity of our community. At no time now or in the future is it intended for any member to receive payment for their services to the association. It is truly a labour of love rewarded by Cavalier kisses and wagging tails.
The current membership is limited to 7 and all are members of the Committee. At each Annual General Meeting, all positions are declared vacant and the new committee for the following year is selected from nominations received from Members and Friends of the Association. Our Friends group is made up of supporters and volunteers. Learn how to become a Friend.
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
President
Secretary
Treasurer
Rehoming Co-ordinator
Administration Co-ordinator
Outside of our committee we have a Sponsorship Co-ordinator and a Website and Social Media Co-ordinator. We also have a number of foster carers, transporters and event volunteers. We couldn’t do what we do without every one of them. We are so thankful that they choose to donate their time to help Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in need.