Pets & Animal Management

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Lost & Found

What should I do if I've Lost my dog or cat?

If you have lost your dog or cat, you can report it online using eServices, or if you prefer see our Contact Us page for all the ways to contact City of Port Phillip. Ask for Animal Management.

When making a report, please provide the following information:

  • A description of the animal
  • The current registration tag number
  • Microchip number
  • When and where the animal was lost 
  • Your name and a contact phone number

If an animal fitting the description of your pet is found in Port Phillip, you will be contacted and asked to come to the Lost Dogs' Home to determine if it is your pet.

See the Animal Registration page for details about life-long animal ID tags and Microchipping which both increase your chances of getting your pet back.

What should I do if I've Found a dog or cat?

If you have found a dog or cat and have it contained, you must contact Council as soon as possible. If the animal has identification, Council can get in contact with the owners by tracing the registration tag number or microchip. It is important to report any found animals to Council.
Although you may not wish to see the animal impounded, you are required by law to deliver the cat or dog as soon as is reasonably possible, to an authorised officer of the Council or to a person or body which has an agreement with Council, such as the Lost Dogs' Home. Not doing so can reduce the owners' chances of finding their dog or cat, as the pound is the most likely place they will check. It is also important not to take the animal out of the area where it was found as this also makes it more difficult for owners to find their pet.

If you have found an animal, you can report it online using eServices, or if you prefer see our Contact Us page for all the ways to contact City of Port Phillip. Ask for Animal Management.

All animals that are found in the City of Port Phillip are taken to:

The Lost Dogs' Home
2 Gracie Street, North Melbourne, Vic 3051
Phone: (03) 9329 2755
Fax: (03) 9326 5293
Email: info@dogshome.com
Lost & Found - 24 hour service (03) 9329 9493
After-hours emergency ambulance  (03) 9625 5000 Pager #35945
Website:  http://www.lostdogs.com.au/ - You can check for lost or found animals, and submit your lost or found animals. There is also a Free Pet Registration ID tag service to help you get your pooch or moggie back.

The shelter is open for residents to collect their pets during the following hours:

Dogs
Monday to Thursday: 10am to 6:15pm
Friday: 10am to 4:45pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 12:30pm

Cats
Monday to Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 4:45pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 12:30pm

Other places to look for your lost pet (PDF 15KB)