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Lost Dogs & Cats

If your dog or cat goes missing, or you have found a dog or cat and have it contained, please contact either Council's Community Laws Department on 9262 6333 or the RSPCA on 9224 2222 during business hours and provide the following information:

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

Stray dogs or cats found without identification and/or whose owners cannot be contacted will be taken to the RSPCA on the corner of Burwood Highway and Middleborough Road, Burwood East.

Deceased dogs and cats collected by Council will also be taken to the RSPCA.

If an animal fitting the description of your pet is found, you will be contacted and asked to come to the RSPCA to determine if it is your pet.

The RSPCA will also undertake a tracing procedure in an attempt to locate the owner. If the owner is identified, they will be advised of the situation. If a pet is microchipped it will have a much better chance of being reunited with its owner.

Fines may be issued to the owner of a dog should it be found to be wandering at large within the City of Whitehorse. Under the Domestic (Feral & Nuisance) Animals Act 1994, the owner includes a person who keeps or harbours the animal or has the animal in his or her care for the time being whether the animal is at large or in confinement.

After Hours Service for Stray Dogs and Cats

Council provides an after hours service for picking up stray dogs or cats that are contained and/or dog attacks.

The service is available out of normal office hours. If you have contained a stray dog or cat or require immediate attention following a dog attack, please phone 9262 6333. Calling this number will direct you to Council's after hours paging service. The operator will ask you for the following information:

  • Your name
  • Your address and contact information
  • Animal breed
  • Animal identification

Please note, rangers will not pick up a cat unless it is contained in a cat cage.

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