Reuniting lost and found pets
If you've lost a pet, the most important thing to do is ensure its registration details with Council and the details on the microchip are up to date. When a pet is found, we will scan the microchip and contact the registered owner.
Double check the phone listed on the microchip is answerable, not on silent and has no blocks on incoming calls. While your pet is missing, you should answer any calls, even if they are from unknown numbers.
What should I do if I have found a pet?
Call us straight away on 03 9209 6777 if you have found a dog or cat, or see a dog at large roaming. We will attend to collect the animal. From there, we can typically contact the owners through tracing the microchip or registration tag number and get the pet home. It is important to report any found pets to Council as we have the best resources to get pets' home.
It is important to call us if you have found a lost pet so an officer can attend urgently, even after hours.
Why is it important to report a lost pet?
You may not wish to see a lost pet impounded but you are required by law to deliver the cat or dog as soon as is reasonably possible to Council, to a person or body which has an agreement with Council (such as The Lost Dogs' Home) or a vet. If you don't report a found pet, this can reduce the owners' chances of finding their dog or cat as owners will likely check the pound.
Council is here to help, and our animal management officers love pets as much as you do. Our priority is to get the pet home when it is handed over to us.
Contact us
Our Animal Management team is here to help. Get in touch if you have questions or would like a print version of any files.
Send us a message on My Port Phillip.
Phone: 03 9209 6777