Lost, found and roaming pets

The Animal Pound provides a safe haven for lost and abandoned animals within Moorabool Shire, as well as a successful animal adoption program.

To view animals currently in our care or available for adoption, visit our Pet Adoption Facebook page.


Have you lost or found a pet?

If you have lost a pet or found a domestic animal, please notify Council as soon as possible.

Letting us know helps us reunite pets with their owners quickly and reduces the time animals spend in the pound.

You can report a lost or found animal using any of the below methods:


Is there a roaming dog on your property?

If a dog is wandering at large, unattended, or repeatedly entering your yard, this should be reported to Council so it can be safely located and returned to its owner.

You can report a roaming dog by contacting us using any of the below methods:

Please include:

  • The address where the dog is located

  • A description of the dog

  • Whether the dog is contained or loose

  • Any safety concerns


⚠️ Has a dog behaved aggressively or made you feel unsafe?

If a dog has acted aggressively, tried to attack, or is causing you to fear for your safety, this is treated as a priority safety issue.

If there is immediate danger:

Call 000.

If the situation is not life-threatening but requires urgent response:

Call Council on (03) 5366 7100 and ask for Animal Management.

Council’s Animal Management Officers can attend, assess the situation, and take appropriate action to ensure public safety.

How to report to us:

Online

You can report on line via our online form Submit a request or complaint

Email

You can email us at info@moorabool.vic.gov.au

Phone

You can call us on (03) 5366 7100

In Person

Ballan Office 
15 Stead Street, Ballan
Open: Mon-Fri: 8.30am - 5pm

Darley Civic and Community Hub
182 Halletts Way, Darley
Open: Mon-Fri: 8.30am - 5pm

Lerderderg Library 
215 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh
Open: Mon-Fri 8.30am - 5pm
            Sat 9am - 2pm


Dogs in Council care

If a roaming or lost dog cannot be immediately reunited with its owner, it may be taken to the Moorabool Shire Animal Pound.

Owners can reclaim their pet once identification and any applicable fees are paid.


Why reporting matters

Reporting roaming, lost or aggressive animals helps Council:

  • Protect community safety

  • Reunite pets with their owners

  • Prevent injuries to people and animals

  • Reduce repeat incidents

Lost your pet or found a lost domestic animal? Let us know using any of the methods below:

Online

Report a lost or found animal using our online form

Report a lost or found animal

Email

Let us know about a lost or found animal via email.

You can email us anytime at info@moorabool.vic.gov.au

Phone

Let us know about a lost or found animal by calling us on 03 5366 7100

In person

You can visit us at any of the locations below:

Ballan Office 
15 Stead Street, Ballan
Open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm

Darley Civic and Community Hub 
182 Halletts Way, Darley
Open: Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm  

Lerderderg Library 
215 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh
Open: Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm
           Saturday 9am-2pm

Post

You can mail correspondence to PO Box 18, Ballan, Victoria 3342

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are lost pets housed?

  • Dogs and cats found at large, are held at the Council Animal Pound for a minimum of 8 days unless an owner is located
  • Any pet not claimed after this period will be assessed for suitability for adoption
  • All cats and dogs adopted from the Animal Pound are vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped, and desexed

How much does it cost to have my pet released from the pound?

If you pet is impounded, fees apply prior to release. 

You may also be liable for infringements, for your pet being at large and if it isn’t registered with Council. 

To view all fees and charges related to pets and animals click here.