The Hahndorf Interim Animal Shelter officially opened its doors in 1997 to care for abandoned and surrendered cats and dogs. Its founder is Sue Whelan and she hopes to re-home all the animals that come into the shelter. Some animals find homes quickly. Those that don't are kept at the shelter until they do. None of the animals are put down simply because they are not wanted. We would emphasize that this is an emergency shelter for abandoned dogs and cats, we are not looking to take animals from owners who simply don't want them anymore.

The shelter is run on a volunteer basis and there is no government funding. We rely on the generosity of the community for donation of  canned or dried food, fresh raw bones, kitty litter, blankets, jumpers, leads, collars, toys or treats, grooming equipment, etc. Collection tins for financial donations are located in various Hills shop checkout points.
Volunteers help care for the animals and  help with exercising the dogs, which is a great way to keep fit! Volunteers also visit aged care facilities where residents can enjoy the benefits of contact with therapy dogs and even cats, specially selected for their temperament, from the Shelter. This programme is very successful, though there is a great demand and more volunteers are needed to assist.

Our main fundraiser is a calendar with stories and photographs of animals we have re-homed. At $5 it is a beautiful present for anybody who loves animals.

There are many and varied reasons why animals are brought to us. One of the questions we ask prospective new owners is whether they have adequate fencing. Too many dogs end up here for the wrong reasons, such as wandering, lack of clear identification, or not seeking professional help with behavioural problems. We receive animals from the Adelaide Hills Council area Inspectors and The District Council of Mount Barker. Also from individuals whose reasons range from marital breakdown, incompatibility with new marriage partner or child, rental shifts precluding pets, interstate moves, illness, moving into a retirement villages or death of the owner. We always advise them to advertise the pet in the Saturday Advertiser newspaper. Our newsletter is full of heart-warming stories from people who have true commitment to the animals they adopt from us.