Pet owner groups and vets

Associations such as the Dogs Victoria and the Feline Control Council of Victoria are membership organisations that have expertise and information on a wide range of pet related issues.

Dogs Victoria also has a network of obedience clubs around the state. If you're looking to purchase a purebred pet, they can assist you by referring you to breed clubs.

Dogs Victoria
655 Western Port Highway, Skye VIC 3977
Phone: 03 9788 2500

Feline Control Council of Victoria
PO Box 110, Bayswater VIC 3153
Phone: 03 9720 8811

Breed clubs have members who own a specific breed, example Golden Retriever dogs or Siamese cats.

These clubs are most often run by a group of volunteers who promote enjoyment and knowledge about a particular breed. Breed clubs refer interested people to breeders within their locality or according to their specific requirements.

There are many organisations and associations in Victoria that can help with further information or specific questions relating to pets.

Many popular parks have their own unofficial dog owner groups that get together to socialise with their pets.

These groups can be a great way to get to know people in your area and to allow your dog to socialise and play with other dogs. The people in these groups take good care of their parks, helping to promote responsible pet ownership.

Peanut Farm Reserve in St Kilda and Clarke Reserve in Elwood are two examples of parks that are very popular in their neighbourhoods. These parks have active groups of regulars that enjoy spending time socialising with their dogs in the parks.

Another park that has quite a social dog group is Gasworks park which is located in Middle Park. This park is an off-leash park that is used by many dogs for their playtime. The regulars to Gasworks have become quite an organised group.

So if you are new to an area or to being a dog owner, talk to people in your neighbourhood about local doggy activities and news. If you are a new visitor to a park, it's a good idea to talk to other park users to see if there is a group of regulars that get together as it is a great way for you and your pooch to make some new friends.

For more contacts in Port Phillip, please refer to dog trainers.

Vets look after the health and physical well being of cats, dogs and other animals.

This includes:

• treating sick animals
• vaccinations
• desexing operations
• microchipping
• provision of worming and flea medication
• conducting regular health check-ups.

Vets also provide advice on your pet's diet and exercise requirements. Many local vets also run socialisation activities for puppies between the formative eight and 16 week period.

For more information about vets, contact the Australian Veterinary Association

Australian Veterinary Association

Phone: 1300 137 309 between 8.30 am and 5 pm (AEST) weekdays

Local Vet Clinics

Elwood Vet

Address:  116 Ormond Road, Elwood VIC 3184
Email:  hello@elwoodvet.net
Phone: 03 9531 1771

Greencross Vets South Melbourne

Address: 220 Ferrars Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Email: greencross.southmelbourne@greencrossvet.com.au
Phone: 03 9699 9137

Port Phillip Animal Hospital

Address: 46-48 Mills Street, Albert Park VIC 3206
Email: info@ppah.com.au
Phone: 03 9686 8838

Ripponlea Veterinary Hospital

Address:  82 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea
Phone:  03 8488 8889

St Kilda Veterinary Clinic

Address: 117 Chapel Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
Email: reports@stkildavet.com.au
Phone: 03 9534 1741

Organisations such as the Lost Dogs' Home, Cat Protection Society and the RSPCA take in dogs or cats that are lost or have been abandoned and attempt to re-unite them with their owners or re-house them.

Animals for sale from animal welfare organisations have passed rigorous health and behavioural tests and will most likely be wormed, desexed and microchipped. Most welfare organisations also have information on caring for your pet.

If you have lost your pet or found a pet, then see our lost and found pets page for helpful tips.

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)(Vic)

Address: Burwood Highway (corner Middleborough Road), Burwood East Victoria 3151
Phone: 03 9224 2222

The Lost Dogs' Home

Check for lost or found animals, submit your lost or found animals, and get free identification tags to help with returning your animals.

Address: 2 Gracie Street, North Melbourne
Phone: 03 9329 2755
Fax: 03 9326 5293
Lost and found: 03 9329 9493 (24 hour service)
After-hours emergency ambulance: 03 9625 5000 or pager #35945

Cat Protection Society

Address: 200 Elder Street, Greensborough
Phone: 03 8457 6500

Save A Dog

Address: 36 Weir Street, Glen Iris
Adoption, fostering and volunteering: 03 9824 7928 or 0418 389 810
All other enquiries: 03 9885 1188 or 0418 389 810

Animals Australia

Address: 37 O'Connell Street, North Melbourne
Phone: 03 9329 6333

Stafford Rescue Victoria

Postal address:  PO Box 270, Woodend VIC 3442

Kennels and catteries provide accommodation for pets when their owners are away on holidays.

Many of these require pets' vaccinations to be up-to-date. Make sure the kennel or cattery you leave your four legged friend at is registered with the local Council. This means they have to follow certain regulations which protects both you as a consumer and the welfare of your pet.

Sophisticat Resort

At Sophisticat, Melbourne's premium cat boarding resort, they provide much more than a cattery experience.

They are committed to ensuring your peace of mind by providing their feline guests with a special holiday experience in a safe, secure and relaxed environment with caring staff who cater to their every need.

Address: 18 Nelson Street, Moorabbin
Email: enquiries@sophisticat.com.au
Phone: 03 9555 1986

Cat Camp Cattery

Cat Camp Cattery in Port Melbourne offers three sizes of spacious, double-storey walk-in cabins, raised cabins, evaporative cooling, and infra-red heating.

Cat Camp is open 7 days a week, 8 am to 6 pm and has highly-trained caring attendants, on-call veterinary services and premium holistic food, as well as a variety of fresh and supermarket favourites, to keep feline guests happy and healthy.

Address 1/68 Wirraway Dr, Port Melbourne
Email: info@catcamp.com.au
Phone: 03 9042 3672

Diggidy Doggy Daycare

Diggidy Doggy Daycare is an award winning luxury indoor dog daycare centre.

The Centre manages dog activities, exercise programs, grooming, and of course, plenty of love and attention throughout every weekday.

Address: 41 Brady St, South Melbourne
Email: play@digdog.com.au
Phone: 03 9676 2000

Wagging Tail

Wagging Tail Dog Walking offer pet minding and daily home visits.

Phone: 0402 443 321