The Young Animal Protection Society Inc. (YAPS) is a not-for-profit organisation that cares for homeless and unwanted dogs and cats.

Animals that stay with us at our refuge centres are provided with love, care and protection right up until the day they are adopted and rehomed with their forever family. While most of our dogs and cats are able to find loving homes, some end up living out their days with us as permanent residents.

We have two facilities: Dogs at 233-239 McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns, Queensland 4878, and Cats at 167 McCoombe St, Cairns, Queensland 4870.

Our mission is to provide an animal welfare service of the highest standard. We rescue abandoned and unwanted dogs and cats, providing them with the essential care they desperately need, and we are committed to placing them in appropriate homes and families where they can live in a safe environment.

We also provide a boarding service for both cats and dogs, which is a small source of income to help pay our staff and maintain our facilities.

We rely on the public, community and volunteers to help fundraise for our ongoing costs.

We are always looking for new members and new organisations that would like to become sponsors and provide aid in any form.