Council Pound

Photo by Tom Garrity on Unsplash Panting dog on blue leash.

Have you have lost your dog, cat or another animal? If so, contact our Animal Enforcement Team to report your lost pet or check to see if your pet has been found and arrange collection.

Please ensure your dog or cat registration details are kept up to date.

Microchips record only the last known address. If this has not been updated, the chances of recovering your lost dog or cat are greatly reduced. A fine can also be imposed for not updating microchip information.

When you report your dog or cat as missing, we will confirm your contact details on the Companion Animals Register so that your animal can be returned to you. 

What happens if a pet owner can't be located?

When pet owners can't be located or are unknown, stray or seized animals are transported to Council’s pound for care while we continue our search for the owner. 

How long can seized or stray pets stay in the Council pound for?

The length of time that animals can stay in Council’s pound is determined by the Companion Animals Act which states that identified animals can be held for a minimum of 14 days and unidentified animals for seven days.

Please note that if your pet becomes stray and is seized and impounded, fees may apply for accommodation, food, registration, microchipping and veterinary costs if required, upon collection of the animal.

What happens if pets aren't collected within the time limits?

Sometimes pets aren’t or cannot be collected by their owners.  In these cases, every effort is made by Council to re-home the animal.  

This is done with the help of one of the local animal organisations we work with.  Thanks to assistance from these fantastic organisations and their networks, we have been very successful in finding great new homes for suitable animals.

Are there times when a stray pet in the pound has to be euthanised?

Despite every effort being made to avoid the euthanasia of stray and seized animals, in a very small percentage of cases this is unfortunately unavoidable.  For instance, if Council has a seized or stray animal in the pound that is not collected by an owner and has been involved in dangerous or menacing behaviour, it will not be able to be re-homed. 

Decisions to put animals down are not made lightly and are the result of Council having to prioritise the health of other animals and the safety of our community.

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