Lost and Found Pets

If you find a lost dog or cat wearing a collar or tag, please make contact with its owner first. If the owner cannot be contacted, call Council on 9205 2200.

Call Council on 9205 2200 to report finding a lost dog or cat.

Stray cats must be adequately confined in a cage or trap in order for Council officers to collect it. If you are unable to contain the cat, you can Apply for a cat trap(PDF, 188KB)

After hours

  • Dogs will be collected by our emergency after hours team.
  • Cats are not collected after hours. If you have contained a cat after hours, contact Council during business hours for collection.

Deceased animals

To report finding a deceased dog or cat, contact Council on 9205 2200 (includes after hours).

You can also:

  • search all parts of your property and the local area
  • post on the various local lost animal Facebook groups
  • call neighbouring councils
  • call your local vets.

If your pet is wearing a registration tag, it will make it easier to be returned to you.

If our Animal Management team are unable to contact an animal's owner, the dog or cat will be taken to the Lost Dogs' Home at 2 Gracie Street, North Melbourne. If the dog is not registered with Council, owners will be required to pay to register the dog or cat prior to reclaiming it from the Lost Dogs' Home. 

If you are going to reclaim your dog or cat from the Lost Dogs' Home, you will need to take proof of pet registration with you and proof of ID (e.g. driver's license) otherwise you will be required to register your dog or cat as well as pay the release fee at the time of release.

Appointments are required to visit the Lost Dogs' Home to collect your dog or cat. Visit the Lost Dogs’ Home at:

2 Gracie Street
North Melbourne, Vic 3051
Phone: 9329 2755
Email: info@dogshome.com

Hours:

  • Monday - Thursday, 1pm - 6pm
  • Friday, 1pm - 4.45pm 
  • Saturday, 9am - 3.30pm
  • Sunday, 9am - 12.30pm
  • Public holidays, CLOSED

The Lost Dogs' Home and Cat Shelter is one of Australia's largest animal welfare organisations. Its mission is to look after and reduce the number of sick, stray, abandoned and unwanted animals.

For further information regarding collecting your lost pet visit The Lost Dogs' Home website.

Moreland City Council - 9240 1111

City of Whittlesea - 9217 2170

Macedon Shire Council - 5422 0333

Melton City Council - 9747 7200

Brimbank City Council - 9249 4000

To prevent your pet from becoming lost or to allow them to be returned to you, please ensure:

  • your pets are microchipped and registered as required by law
  • they have a secure backyard to play in
  • you close and lock your gates and entrances
  • you keep your cat confined at night
  • your microchip details are up to date with the relevant microchip registry
  • you spend lots of time playing with, exercising your pet and socialising using Council's dog parks and off-leash areas.
  • your pet should be kept inside or securely confined during thunderstorms and fireworks
  • you choose a pet that suits your family and environment.

Find out more about choosing the right pet for you

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