About Us
For more than a decade, the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation (APWF) has developed and shared lifesaving knowledge and advocated for changes to policy and practice that improve the health and wellbeing of pets and people.
By introducing evidence-based, best-practice solutions, we are shifting the needle on pound and shelter intake and their animal management strategies, and encouraging moves away from enforcement and towards assistance, to help keep pets with loving owners.
Our holistic approach to stray cat management is indicative of our vision; challenging perceptions, leading trials to identify more effective solutions and giving pet lovers the support they need to care for animals in their community.
From community interventions designed to reduce the breeding of unwanted pets and prevent the loss of wanted pets, through to lobbying for affordable veterinary care and couraging shelters and pounds to disclose euthanasia rates, we’re committed to building a happier, healthier and safer world for pets, people and their environments.
Meaningful impact
We’re here to make the world better
Trusted information
We’re independent and evidence-based
Productive collaboration
We strengthen relationships to benefit us all
The Australian Pet Welfare Foundation (APWF) was founded by Jacquie Rand, Professor Emeritus of Companion Animal Health, after more than twenty years researching ways to make life better for the animals we love.
Driven by the need to find life-saving strategies for the many thousands of healthy and treatable animals being euthanised in shelters and pounds each year, Jacquie and the charity’s founding members drew on the power of research and advocacy to improve outcomes for not only animals, but humans and the world we live in.
Today, APWF is creating a significant cultural shift in how animals are treated and the importance of pets to the wellbeing of people and the environments within which we live. In developing evidence-based interventions to prevent unwanted births and end unnecessary deaths, reduce surrenders and support pet ownership, the Foundation is working to ensure that companion animals have a voice, a home and can live the life they deserve.
Profound respect for animal life
The value of the human-animal bond in enriching lives
Evidence-based decision-making
The power of collaborative change
At the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation, we believe in a world where pets, people, and their environments all thrive.
Our 2024–2029 Strategic Plan lays out a clear roadmap for achieving this vision - through collaborative programs, research, and advocacy that drive meaningful, evidence-based change.
Explore how we’re working to:
Keep pets and people together
Get to zero euthanasia of healthy, treatable animals
Make vet care more affordable and accessible
Champion pet-friendly housing and better animal management laws
Anna is a behaviour strategist who specialises in helping boards and leaders solve complex people challenges and make better decisions. Drawing on behavioural economics, neuroscience, and practical experience, she works with organisations in Australia, Europe, and the USA to strengthen leadership dynamics, improve decision-making, and build partnerships that create lasting system-wide change.
She is a co-founder of Decision 84, the world’s largest virtual governance conference, and co-author of Behavioral Economics for Business, launched at the World Bank. An experienced facilitator and international speaker, Anna has delivered programs on leadership, culture, and digital ethics, and lectures in Monash University’s Evolving Health Leadership course.
As Chair of the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation, Anna brings her expertise in strategy, governance, and human behaviour to guide the organisation’s vision and impact.
Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, adventure movies, and life with her two rescue cats, Jasper and Dash. View Anna's Linked In profile here.
Emeritus Professor Jacquie Rand is Australia’s leading expert in urban domestic animal management and a national voice for evidence-based animal welfare reform. As Executive Director of the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation, she leads innovative research, advocacy, and community programs that are reducing shelter intake and euthanasia across the country.
Jacquie’s work has shaped national policy, guided councils, and been recognised internationally for transforming the way communities care for cats and dogs. She brings proven leadership experience from directing multi-million-dollar research programs at The University of Queensland and has published widely while mentoring the next generation of animal welfare leaders.
With a bold vision of achieving Zero Euthanasia in Australia by 2027, Jacquie is driving a One Welfare approach that improves the wellbeing of pets, people, and communities alike.
At home, she enjoys life with two adopted cats and a Cavoodle named Ottis. View Jacquie's Linked In profile here.
Dylan is a respected leader recognised for consistently delivering high-quality outcomes across academic and professional settings. With extensive experience in teaching, research, and leadership, he brings strong analytical and problem-solving skills combined with a collaborative approach to every role.
He is passionate about fostering positive team culture and building leadership capability to drive enduring change. Known for his ability to quickly acquire and apply knowledge across diverse fields, Dylan is equally comfortable leading from the front or working alongside others to achieve shared goals.
Dylan’s strengths include outstanding communication skills, rigorous analytical expertise, and the ability to translate complex ideas into practical solutions. His commitment to continual improvement and innovation makes him a valuable contributor to any board.
Dylan is the proud dog owner of Banjo. View Dylan's Linked In profile here.
Emeritus Professor Jacquie Rand is Australia’s leading expert in urban domestic animal management and a national voice for evidence-based animal welfare reform. As Chief Scientist, Jacquie leads innovative research, advocacy, and community programs that are reducing shelter intake and euthanasia across the country.
Jacquie’s work has shaped national policy, guided councils, and been recognised internationally for transforming the way communities care for cats and dogs. She brings proven leadership experience from directing multi-million-dollar research programs at The University of Queensland and has published widely while mentoring the next generation of animal welfare leaders.
With a bold vision of achieving Zero Euthanasia in Australia by 2027, Jacquie is driving a One Welfare approach that improves the wellbeing of pets, people, and communities alike.
At home, she enjoys life with two adopted cats and a Cavoodle named Ottis. View Jacquie's Linked In profile here.
Anna Hewlett is the Business Manager at the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation, where she keeps research, advocacy, and community programs running smoothly so impact can stay front and centre. With a background in professional services, she brings strengths in finance, marketing, governance, and stakeholder engagement - coordinating staff, students, and volunteers with efficiency, care, and clear communication.
Known for her warm personality and practical approach, Anna thrives under pressure, meeting challenges with a focus on detail and a dash of humour. She is the steady hand behind APWF’s projects, keeping everything on track so the organisation can focus on impact.
Outside of work, Anna is an AFL tragic, mum to two energetic boys, and pet parent to Maggie, her Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. View Anna's Linkedin profile here.
Dr Kate Dutton-Regester is an Ecology Research Officer at the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation, where she leads research on urban cats, wildlife, and land use. Her projects include camera-trap surveys, GPS tracking, and large-scale data analysis, with publications spanning urban cat management, wildlife hospital admissions, and echidna ecology.
Alongside her APWF role, Kate lectures at The University of Queensland in One Health, Epidemiology, and Biosecurity, supervises Honours, Masters, and PhD students, and manages Wildlife Queensland’s EchidnaWatch program - engaging communities across South-East Queensland in hands-on conservation science.
An accomplished researcher and grant writer, Kate has over 20 peer-reviewed publications and a strong track record of securing competitive funding. Her work is grounded in a One Welfare approach, linking the wellbeing of animals, people, and the environment.
At home, Kate is a passionate wildlife advocate, creative entrepreneur through her For the Wildlife initiative, and cat mum to Ms Nibbles and Logan. View Kate's Linkedin profile here.
Jenny Cotterell is the Policy Officer at the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation, where she translates frontline experience into evidence-based policies that improve outcomes for pets, people, and councils. With 24 years in Local Government Animal Management and over a decade in pound and shelter operations, she brings deep operational insight to humane, practical solutions. Jenny holds a Graduate Certificate in Animal Science and has authored three peer-reviewed research papers on urban cat management and community cat programs, helping to shape best practice nationally. Known for her collaborative approach, she works with councils, shelters, and community partners to reduce shelter intake and euthanasia through compassionate, effective policy.
Outside of work, Jenny is kept happily grounded by two much-loved dogs Gaskey and Whisky who make sure she never misses a walk. View Jenny's Linkedin profile here.
With a background in business, customer service, and baking, Andre brings a unique blend of precision, warmth, and creativity to his role. He supports our team across research, admin, donor care, and community programs, combining his passion for animals, science, and spreadsheets with sharp Excel and coding skills.
Calm and solutions-focused, Andre is a key part of our behind-the-scenes operations - and shares his home (and heart) with Gizmo, a spirited pup he co-parents with his partner.
Ashleah supports field ecology and camera trap research, assisting with everything from cat tracking and camera deployments to data analysis and preparing publications. With a background in wildlife conservation and a strong interest in animal welfare, she plays a vital role in bridging the gap between science and on-the-ground impact. Outside of work, Ashleah enjoys travel, time with her family dogs and a passion for protecting animals of all kinds.
