Pet adoption and foster care

Any animal that has been admitted into the pound either as a lost animal or surrendered by its owner, may become available for adoption.

Animals must undergo a veterinary exam and a behavioural test prior to adoption.The veterinary exam will attempt to discover any current medical condition. It is also recommended that you gain approval from landlords in the case of rental premises, prior to adoption.

All animals adopted from the pound must be de-sexed, microchipped, wormed, vaccinated and registered with Council prior to release. The cost to adopt an animal from the pound will vary depending on the veterinary work required, however it is approximately $100 - $300 for a dog or cat.

We offer a guarantee on all animals adopted from the pound. If an animal is not acceptable to a purchaser because of health, physical or other reasons (excluding accidents), which is supported by a statement from a veterinary practitioner, within seven days of purchase, we will accept the animal back and refund the purchase price of the animal. If an animal is returned within three days for any other reason, we  will refund 75% of the purchase price or offer a replacement animal with the same guarantee. If the animal dies or is euthanised as a result of a disease that is traceable to the point of sale, we will refund the purchase price or offer a replacement animal with the same guarantee.

Animals available for adoption

If you are interested in adopting an animal from the list below, please give us a call and quote the animals reference number.

 

Foster Carer Registration

What is foster care?

Under Section 3 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, foster care is the care of a stray, abandoned or unwanted dog or cat (whether or not as part of a community foster care network) that is temporary or for the purpose of finding a new home for the dog or cat and that takes place on premises on which the care is being provided to no more than: 

  • five dogs or animal adult equivalent dogs: or
  • five cats or animal adult equivalent cats; or
  • a combination of five dogs and cats or animal adult equivalent dogs and cats.

 

Voluntary Foster Carer Registration

Individual foster carers may apply to their local council to be a registered foster carer as part of a voluntary scheme, with registration valid for one year. In accordance with section 68H of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, Council may charge a fee to register foster carers in the scheme. Voluntarily registered foster carers will receive: 

  • a reduced registration rate of no more than $8 for each dog they foster during the first 12 months the dog is in their care;
  • a reduced registration rate of no more than $8 for each cat they foster during the first 12 months the cat is in their care; and
  • the ability to supply dogs six months of age or older, and cats eight weeks of age or older to pet shops to enhance foster animal exposure and sale opportunities.

 

Apply to be a foster carer

To apply for the voluntary foster care scheme please complete the foster carer application form and submit it to Council.  If approval is granted to join the scheme, council will issue you with a certificate that you will need to show pet shops to demonstrate that you are an approved source and are eligible to supply cats and dogs. 

Council is also looking for foster carers for pound animals that require foster care for juvenile, veterinary or behavioural rehabilitation reasons or for short term relief. These animals are returned to the pound after the fostering period to be prepared for re-homing.  

Please contact us if you are interested.

  

Keeping of animal’s permit

Council sets limitations on the number of animals that you can house at your premises.  A Keeping of Animal permit is required if you keep more than two dogs and/or two cats.  In addition, if you have more than five foster animals you will need to apply to be an animal shelter, regardless of how many animal’s council permits. 

For further information, please see the State Government’s Guide for Victorian dog and cat community foster care networks and rescue groups or visit http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/puppy-farm-legislation for fact sheets about the voluntary scheme. 

Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is correct to the best of our knowledge with the information available at the time and should only be used as a guide. Owners of lost or impounded animals are advised to contact us directly for assistance.

Back to top