Animal pound

Please note:
Due to a planned power outage, the Animal Pound will be CLOSED on Sunday, 16 November 2025.

The Melton City Council Animal Pound is located at 90-92 High Street, Melton. The entrance is located just past the SES Building.

It is open to collect your pet or adopt a pet between 9am - 4.30pm, 7 days a week (excluding public holidays). To make an appointment outside of these hours, please call 9747 7200 or email csu@melton.vic.gov.au.

Closed Public Holidays 

Lost pets

If you have lost a pet, contact Council as soon as possible. Complete the lost pet form and check the online Lost Pet Register to see if it is currently at the Melton Animal Pound. The register is updated during the week as animals are received so we encourage you to check back regularly. 

Check places you regularly visit, it could be hanging around the park, local shopping centres or schools. If you have moved recently, it may return to your old house.

Pocket Pets

Under Section 33A of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, Council does not accept ‘Pocket Pets’ such as Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Mice, Reptiles or caged birds from the community.

Below is a listing of specialist rescue groups that may be able to assist in rehoming or surrendering Pocket Pets:

Australia's Cavy Sanctuary
Bluey & Alice Bunny Refuge Inc 
Guinea Pig Shindig Rescue
Kelly's Rabbit Warren Rescue 
Oscars Rescue - Guinea Pig Sanctuary
Rabbit Hollow Refuge 
Rabbit Runaway Orphanage 

Found animals

If you find a dog, call the Council Ranger on 9747 7200.

Our Rangers collect:

  • Stray/wandering dogs between 8.15am - 5pm, Monday to Friday
  • Our after hours service collects contained dogs ONLY, between 5pm-10pm, 7 days a week including public holidays. 
        

 Animal Surrender

If you are a resident of the City of Melton and are no longer able to care for your pet/s, you can surrender them to the Pound by completing the Animal Surrender Request form, or contact an animal rescue to help them find a new home.

Pets that are advertised for free or dumped are at risk of going to an unsuitable home.

Adopting a pet

We work with animals shelters to rehome animals. If you would like to adopt a pet, view our animals currently available for adoption.

You can also visit the pound to meet animals looking for new homes.

Impounded Pets

Council is required to keep a dog or cat for eight days if it is impounded.

Collecting your pet

If you wish to collect your pet from the pound you will need to:

  • register your pet (over the age of three months) with Council
  • microchip your pet
  • provide proof of ownership
  • show identification such as a driver’s license
       

Animal Release Costs

  • impounded animal release fees apply $97.40 (dog) and $49.20 (cat)
  • daily fees will apply $20 (dog) and $17.50 (cat)  
  • a registration fee will apply if the animal is not registered
  • a microchip fee of $95.50 will apply if the animal has not been microchipped.
  • Impounded Livestock release fees apply $65.70 (per animal) and daily fees will apply $19.40 (per animal) 

 Additional fines may be imposed for unregistered animals and animals at large. Animals not wearing Council identification marker outside their property can also risk a penalty under the Domestic Animal Act 1994.

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