LOST AND FOUND ANIMALS

Ollie’s Legacy cannot accept stray animals directly from the public due to Victorian Government legislation. Any stray animals that come into our care are transferred to us through the pound system.

If you have found what appears to be a stray animal, please take them to your nearest pound or contact a veterinary clinic for instructions.

While an animal may appear abandoned, neglected or uncared for, they may simply be a lost pet whose family is desperately looking for them. The pound is the first place a distraught owner will look.

In Victoria, stray animals are placed on an 8-day stray hold, giving their owners time to find them. If the animal is microchipped and/or registered, the pound will use those details to contact the owner.

Taking a found animal to the pound gives them the best chance of being reunited with their family.

• It’s important not to assume they have been abandoned or don’t have a loving family. Someone may be desperately searching for them.
• Check for identification: If the animal is friendly and it is safe to do so, check for a collar or identification tag.
• Ask around- the animal may be known to your neighbours or local community.
• Take a clear photo and share it through your local social media networks and lost-and-found pet pages.
• Keep yourself safe: If the animal is showing signs of aggression, is frightened or is behaving unpredictably, do not approach or attempt to handle them. Contact your local council or animal management service.
• Have the animal scanned: If the animal is friendly and you can safely contain them, secure them appropriately — on a lead for a dog or in a secure carrier for a cat — and take them to the nearest pound or veterinarian to be scanned for a microchip.
• You can usually leave your contact details with the pound and ask to be contacted if the owner does not come forward. If the owner is not located during the mandatory 8-day stray hold period, you may be able to express an interest in adopting the animal, subject to the pound’s processes and the animal being available for adoption.

Losing a beloved pet can be incredibly distressing, but don’t lose hope. Acting quickly and getting the word out can greatly increase the chances of bringing them home.

• Search your home and garden: Double-check everywhere, including sheds, garages, cupboards and other places your pet may have hidden.
• Ask your neighbours: Check whether anyone has seen your pet and ask them to keep an eye out.
• Search your local area: Search on foot and by car, starting close to home and gradually expanding your search area. Take treats or a favourite squeaky toy to help encourage your pet to come out of hiding.
• Be prepared to secure them: Take a collar and lead for a dog, or a secure cat carrier for a cat, so you can safely bring them home if you find them.
• Get the word out: Tell friends, family and your local community. Facebook and other social media platforms can be extremely helpful — look for local lost-and-found pet groups and ask your network to share your post.
• Put up posters and flyers: Place clear posters around your neighbourhood and other relevant locations. If you need a template, try our Simple Poster.
• Contact local organisations: Notify your local council, pounds, shelters and nearby veterinary clinics. Provide a clear description of your pet, a recent photo if possible, and your contact details.
• Check your microchip details: Contact your pet’s registered microchip company to make sure your contact information is current and your pet is correctly recorded as missing.
• Keep searching: Pets can turn up days or even weeks after they go missing. Keep checking local lost-and-found pages, pounds and shelters, and don’t lose hope.

The sooner you start searching and notifying others, the better the chance of getting your pet safely home.