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A year at a glance

Our Animal Stories

Evie and Donkey

Evie and Donkey’s journey to us was one of hunger and exhaustion. Their owner, unable to meet their needs, reached out for help.

Donkey
Evie

Hungry and frail, Evie, the black girl cow, was so exhausted she lay down for the entire journey to safety, unable to stand.

Thanks to the support of this community and their generous donors, we were able to provide them with the care they so desperately needed. They got a second chance at life.

After some much-needed care and love in one of our foster homes, they began to open up and enjoy life again, showing us their loving and playful spirits. Their story is one of the power of compassion. Animals once frail, afraid, with very little to give can transform into the most fun and loving companions. There are no lost causes at ‘Til The Cows, only those who need a little extra love.

Hope is a number

This year, ‘Til The Cows proudly rehomed 2,903 farmed animals—each one a life spared from neglect, abandonment, or slaughter.

Among them were hens finally free to stretch their wings, calves and cows no longer reduced to units of production, sheep and goats discovering care for the first time, and alpacas given the chance to live in peace.

Behind every number is a story. A lamb bottle-fed in foster care until strong enough for a new family. A hen once caged, now sunbathing in the grass. A calf once unwanted, now cherished as part of a herd. These are the lives that matter, and together with our supporters, we’re rewriting their futures—one rescue at a time.

We operate across Australia, saving the lives of farmed animals. During 2025 / 2026 we look to expand our operations into Western Australia.

Our Animal Stories

Teddy:Our 10,000th Life Saved

In 2024–25, ‘Til The Cows reached a remarkable milestone: 10,000 animals rescued and rehomed into safe, loving homes. This achievement is symbolised by Teddy, a gentle calf rescued alongside his companions, Albert and Oscar.

Teddy and his adopter

Born into the dairy industry, Teddy’s life was considered “surplus.” Like over 400,000 calves born on Australian dairy farms each year, his future would likely have been short and grim. Male calves are often killed within days, sent to slaughter within weeks, or raised for veal before their first birthday.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Teddy’s story is different. Instead of facing an early end, he was welcomed into foster care and has since found his forever home—valued as a companion, not a commodity.

Teddy represents more than a single rescue. He marks 10,000 lives saved from neglect, abuse, and slaughter—10,000 animals given the chance to live with dignity and care.

His story reflects the heart of our mission: creating a future where farmed animals are recognised as individuals,deserving of safety, compassion,and love.

10,000 Lives Saved – And Counting

In 2024–25, ‘Til The Cows reached a historic milestone: 10,000 animals rescued and rehomed into safe, loving homes.

Teddy, our 10,000th rescue, symbolises this achievement—a life once deemed “surplus,” now cherished as family. Every number is a life transformed, and together we are creating a kinder future for farmed animals.

What our adopters, donors and foster carers have to say...

Donor story

Jacqui shares her ‘why’

“If I could change one thing in the world it would be this, I would make strong laws to give rights to all creatures, tiniest to largest, to be free to live their lives in peace.”

This is the message from Jacqui, a long-time donor and life-long animal lover.

Jacqui’s wish is for there to be a world free of poachers, slaughterhouses, fisheries, use of feathers and hides for fashion, animal showbusiness, laboratory testing and experimentation. “No cruelty in any form!”

“Pipe dream, I know, but I keep hoping I will live long enough to see an immense reversal in human appreciation of our animal co-inhabitants on this Earth.” Jacqui says. 

Jacqui is 76, she decided at age 3 that she would never eat meat again. A promise she has stuck to for the subsequent 73 years. 

Jacqui describes herself as a committed animal admirer and lover. 

At age 3 Jacqui learnt where meat came from, “to say I was horrified would have been an incredible understatement!”

“I was inconsolable for days and took my blanket and pillow out to the barn and stables to sleep with my dearest friends.”

This strikingly compassionate young Jacqui is talking about her family’s animals. Their cows, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and chickens. Who she describes as her closest, most loving companions.

After marrying and moving to her own farmland, Jacqui took in many rescued animals. 

These were mostly farm animals and former racehorses but also small creatures she found abandoned in the nearby woods or beside the highway.

“Once, we even took in an alpaca for whom a travelling tent show could no longer afford to care. He lived contentedly for many years amongst our horses and even was the ring bearer at my elder daughter’s wedding.” Jacqui tells us.

 

We reached out to Jacqui to find out her ‘why’, why she chooses to give her kindness to us. Why she chooses to be such a loyal donor? 

‘Til The Cows is a wonderful organisation that is held in very high regard amongst our family as it gives a caring, positive, secure and safe home and new beginning to many animals who would otherwise be left unattended or ill, abandoned, sentenced to a horrible death all alone in cold frightening slaughterhouses or barely surviving in small dark sheds, unwanted and dismal.” 

“Without thought to the immense cost for care, veterinary attention, good nutritious food and supplements, ‘Til The Cows way in and rescues those poor unfortunate animals who, without their prompt actions, would perish or suffer miserable lives.”

“It is my privilege to, in my small action of monthly donation, support these wonderful people in their endeavours. I feel I can, at least, offer some help to animals in need or in crisis.”

Without people like Jacqui, we would be lost. She, and all donors like her, are the lifeblood of this organization. 

We asked her if she had anything to say to anyone who was thinking of becoming a monthly giver to ‘Til The Cows.

“I would urge anyone who has a love for the beautiful creatures who share this planet with us to join, endorse, support with regular donations and/or make others aware of the plight of many farm and domestic animals in their midst.”

“It is, indeed, a privilege for me to be a small part of your kind and sincere efforts on behalf of farm animals and I am grateful for the opportunity to join your compassionate group.”

“I hope you, with the help of many donors,are able to assist those animals who desperately need love, care and attention for many long years to come.”

our community

Volunteer survey results

The 2025 Volunteer Survey provided valuable insights into the experiences, motivations, and needs of volunteers. The results highlight strong commitment and satisfaction among volunteers, while also pointing to opportunities for enhanced support and engagement.

1. Volunteer Recruitment

The majority of volunteers discovered ‘Til The Cows through social media, with smaller numbers referred by word of mouth and existing foster networks.

Digital outreach continues to be the most effective recruitment channel.

2. Motivations to Volunteer

The leading motivations are animal welfare concerns, alignment with the charity’s vision and mission, and a desire to make a tangible difference.

Many volunteers also value the sense of community and personal growth gained from their involvement.

3. Overall Satisfaction

A large proportion of volunteers reported being extremely satisfied with their experience.

While the majority feel well-supported and valued, a small minority indicated dissatisfaction, highlighting areas for improvement. Increasing our satisfaction rate is a key area of focus in the coming year.

4. Communication and Support

Most respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they understand their role, can ask for and receive support, and experience open and honest communication. Regular updates are generally well received, though some volunteers noted gaps in frequency and responsiveness.

5. Volunteer Needs and Opportunities

Volunteers expressed interest in more social opportunities (both online and in-person) to connect with peers.

There was also demand for additional training opportunities, particularly in animal care.

Comments emphasised the importance of local support structures and better coordination for specific programs, such as hen adoptions.

The survey confirms that volunteers remain highly motivated by compassion and aligned with the mission of ‘Til The Cows. Satisfaction levels are strong, but there is room to further strengthen communication, training, and community building. Addressing these priorities will help sustain volunteer engagement and expand the charity’s capacity to rescue and rehome animals in need.

foster caring

A Foster Carer’s Journey

I became a foster carer in 2021 after retiring from the Australian Defence Force and moving to acreage. I was looking for purpose and a way to give back to the community—and fostering gave me exactly that.

Foster carer, Ben

Since then, we’ve cared for 144 calves, 29 sheep and lambs, 15 goats, eight chickens, four alpacas, two pigs and one donkey while also helping with other rescues and rehomes.

Each animal has had their own challenges and personality, and even those who could not survive were shown love and dignity until the end.

This journey has been one of growth and joy. With the support of the ‘Til The Cows team, I’ve seen incredible recoveries and learned just how much animals give back when shown compassion. In truth, they have helped me far more than I could ever help them.

In 2025, we had

23
foster stations

How you can help

Every small gesture counts

Acts of kindness

Many thousands of newborn calves are waiting to be rescued, hens languish in crowded barns and neglected and abused animals cry out for help. Please consider making your donation a regular monthly one and help save more lives. 

Adopt

Save a life

When you adopt, you are choosing to save a life. A life that oftentimes would have been prematurely ended. It takes a very special person to choose to take in an animal who has known little love and give them everything they have.

Open your heart and home

Imagine being a lifeline for an animal in need. By opening your heart and home, you provide warmth, care, and companionship, saving lives one step at a time. Our network of passionate volunteers spans the expanse of Australia, and together, we’re changing the narrative for animals in search of a second chance.

Create a lasting legacy of compassion

The most enduring legacies are those that leave a lasting impact, shaping a better world for generations to come. You have the incredible opportunity to do just that by adding ‘Til The Cows to your Will.

Facebook Birthday Fundraiser – Celebrate your special day by creating a fundraiser to support rescued animals.

Containers for Change – Nominate ‘Til The Cows as your charity when recycling bottles and cans. Every container makes a difference.

Vote on MyGivingCircle – Cast a free vote at MyGivingCircle.org to help us win life-saving grants.

PayPal Giving – Add us as your chosen charity in PayPal Giving. 100% of donations go directly to the animals.

Workplace Giving / Payroll Donations – Supporters can nominate ‘Til The Cows through their employer’s payroll system and give a small amount each pay cycle. Many workplaces also match donations.

Round-Up Giving Apps – Some apps (like Shout for Good or RoundUp) offer supporters an option to automatically “round up” everyday purchases to the nearest dollar, donating the spare change.

Ways to Partner

We work with businesses of all sizes to design partnerships that meet your goals while delivering maximum impact for animals. Options include:

Financial sponsorships – Provide direct funding to support our work or specific projects.

Cause-related marketing – Dedicate a percentage of product sales.

Workplace giving – Enable employees to contribute through payroll deductions, matched by your organisation.

In-kind support – Donate products, services, or expertise to help reduce our operational costs.

Recognition and Impact

Corporate partners receive tailored recognition, including public acknowledgement across our website, social media, and publications and impact reporting that shows exactly how your contribution has helped animals in need.

Join us in creating a future where every farmed animal has the chance to live a safe, happy life.

To explore partnership opportunities, contact us at info@tilthecowscomehome.org

At ‘Til The Cows, we believe that partnerships are more than just a logo exchange — they are a shared commitment to creating a kinder, more compassionate world for farmed animals. Our corporate partners play a vital role in helping us rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals who would otherwise face slaughter or neglect.

By becoming a corporate partner, your organisation can:

Demonstrate social responsibility – Align your brand with an ethical cause that resonates deeply with communities across Australia.

Make a tangible impact – Your support helps fund life-saving rescues, veterinary care, and foster programs for vulnerable animals.

Engage your team – Offer staff meaningful volunteer opportunities and foster pride in supporting a charity that changes lives.

Strengthen customer loyalty – Today’s consumers value brands that care about animals, the planet, and social good.

Our Favourite Two-Legged Friends

We are grateful to the veterinarians who treat our farmed animals with the same care and compassion as a dog or cat. Their expertise and dedication are vital to the health and well-being of every animal in our care.

on average

A calf  that is rescued, fostered and adopted will receive…

504

litres of milk

16

bales of hay

2

bales of bedding

84 

goodnight kisses

168

bottles

40kg

of chaff

1 bag

of lime

30

litres of electrolytes

81 kg

of calf pellets

1-2

hours of vet visits

an infinite amount of love and time, and a whole heap of laughs.

2,903 Thank yous

As we close this year’s report, we reflect on the 2,903 lives that were rescued, rehomed, and given a second chance through ‘Til The Cows. Behind every one of those numbers is a beating heart, a story of survival, and a community that chose compassion.

To each donor, foster carer, adopter, volunteer, and supporter who made these rescues possible—thank you. In truth, this year is not just measured in milestones or metrics, but in 2,903 thank yous for every life transformed. Together, we are proving that kindness creates change, and with your continued support, the next chapter will be even brighter.