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Lost Pets

It is important that if your pet is lost that you don’t panic and that you formulate a strategy as quickly as possible. There are many bases to cover when looking for your pet, and the more you cover, the higher the likelihood of success in finding them. If you have not already contacted us by telephone to report your lost pet, then please do so when you’ve completed reading the following advice.

 

If your pet has a MICROCHIP, their chance of being returned home is greater, however:

  • they need to first be handed in to a vet, council or shelter so the chip can be scanned. Some people don’t know what to do when they find an animal and they take it home. 
  • Your details recorded against the chip also need to be up to date – we can help you check this if you need.
  • We are allowed to call owners of lost microchipped pets if they are registered with the local council. Unregistered pets still need to be transferred to the council shelters and you collect from there.
  • Very rarely a microchip cannot be found with a scanner, they can move under the skin, or the person implanting it may have put it within the hair rather than under the skin. This is rare but can happen, so please follow the below advice if your pet does go missing.

Search the Local Neighbourhood

  • Inform your neighbours that your pet is lost and ask if they have had any recent sightings of your pet. Ask them to check inside sheds and garages.
  • Walk or drive around your neighbourhood and check nearby trees for cats.
  • If you have lost a dog, concentrate on the areas you have taken it walking or visited regularly.
  • Print up fliers/posters and distribute them around your neighbourhood. Be sure to mention:
    • A contact name and number.
    • When and where your pet went missing from.
    • A detailed description of your pet – including collar, tag descriptions.
    • What name your pet answers to.
    • A photograph (a colour photograph if possible).
    • Include a reward (if relevant) – simply write “REWARD OFFERED”

Post on local Facebook pages such as ‘Dandenong Community’, and ‘City of Greater Dandenong Residents’ with a photo and description of your pet.

Who to Contact

  • Thompson Road Pound (Cranbourne) (03) 9702 8055
  • Australian Animal Protection Society (03) 9798 8415
  • RSPCA Burwood East                       (03) 9224 2222
  • RSPCA Pearcedale                            (03) 5978 6706
  • Contact all the local veterinary clinics
  • Contact your local Council (some will have their own pounds, others use local shelters)
  • The Lost Dogs Home                         (03) 9329 2755
  • The Lort Smith Animal Shelter       (03) 9328 3021
  • Utilise the FREE resources at www.lostpetfinders.com.au. You may also choose their additional paid-service support.

Visit Local Pounds and Shelters

It is recommended that you personally visit local animal shelters and pounds as identifying an animal over the phone can be difficult.

Don’t rely on contacting the pound or shelter just once as it may be a number of days before the animal arrives in the pound. (Someone may take the animal home first, and some pets can be very hard to catch and remain on the run for many days).

It is important to note that even if your pet was wearing identification, don’t assume that the council will notify you. This is because the collar and tag may have become lost, or the microchip may not be easily found.

Reducing their risks of being lost a second time

Desexing (if not already)

Microchipping (if not already)

Council Registration

Secure fencing – check for holes under fence – height of fence – side gates etc.

Training and medication support for dogs that find thunderstorms and fireworks scary. Speak with us about what is available, especially if you know you won’t be home and there is a storm coming or planned fireworks in your local neighbourhood.