Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about our services, adoptions, and more.
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What we do
Our programs and services
Adopt a pet
Find your new best friend today.
The Lost Dogs’ Home Vet Hospital
Giving animals the best chance of a happy and healthy life.
Behaviour advice
Helping pets and people bond through expert reward-based training.
Adopt a pet
Find your new best friend today.
The Lost Dogs’ Home Vet Hospital
Giving animals the best chance of a happy and healthy life.
Behaviour advice
Helping pets and people bond through expert reward-based training.
Helpful resources
Information and factsheets
Adopting from The Lost Dogs’ Home
A useful factsheet for anyone considering adopting a pet from The Lost Dogs’ home.
Post-adoption information
All you need to know about keeping your pet healthy post-adoption.
Become a foster carer
Find out what’s involved in becoming a foster carer at The Lost Dogs’ Home.
Start fundraising
We welcome your support whether it be a partnership, fundraising event, cash donation or in kind donation.
Donating goods
Find out what to donate to support the care of cats and dogs in our shelter.
Finding a lost pet
Useful tips and resources to help you to search for a lost pet.
Holidaying with your pets
Before you load up the boot to head on your family adventure, here are some things to consider to ensure that pets and people have a great time.
Settling in your new cat
A new home with new people can be overwhelming! Even confident cats need time to gradually settle in until
their new home becomes familiar territory.
Settling in your new dog
Taking your new dog home is an amazing experience and very exciting for us however for our four legged friends this can be a very scary experience.
Reclaim a lost pet
This fact sheet provides useful information when picking up your lost pet from our shelters.
Registering & tagging your cat
Cats found without a council identification tag when off your premises can be taken to the local council pound - and you can be fined.
Legal requirements for dogs
The law aims to protect animals from neglect and cruelty as well as protecting the community from animals becoming a nuisance or danger.
Foods to avoid for your cat
If you think sharing human food with your cat builds a stronger bond, think again! Cats cannot process certain foods in the same manner that people do.
Foods to avoid for your dog
If you think sharing human food with your dog builds a stronger bond, think again! Dogs cannot process certain foods in the same manner that people do.
Fireworks, storms and pets
While we may enjoy seeing the sky light up with a blast of fireworks or a spectacular lighting display courtesy of Mother Nature, this can be a terrifying experience for a lot of dogs and cats.
Heat stress and your pets
Before you head to the beach or the park to enjoy the warm weather, look out for the health and wellbeing of your pets.
Noise phobias
Did you know dogs have a heightened sense of hearing and most will respond to loud and sudden sounds with fear? If your dog is excessively afraid of sudden noises then they may be suffering from noise phobia.
Dental disease in dogs
Canine periodontal dental disease, or gum disease in dogs, is an inflammation of some or all of the teeth's deep supporting structures. It is one of the most common diseases in dogs today.
Dental disease in cats
Feline periodontal dental disease, or gum disease in cats, is an inflammation of some or all of a tooth’s deep supporting structures. It is one of the most common diseases in cats today.
Diabetes in dogs
Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from diabetes. It is important to understand your dog's particular dietary requirements to ensure they live a long and healthy life.
Diabetes in cats
Just like humans, cats can also suffer from diabetes. It is important to understand your cat's particular dietary requirements to ensure they live a long and healthy life.
Cats and FIV
There are a number of feline viruses in Australia which can cause illness in cats. Two important ones are Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV).
Caring for your senior dog
Living with a senior dog has rewards as well as challenges that are a bit different than those encountered when living with a younger dog. This guide gives you advice on helping them live a happy senior life.
Caring for your senior cat
Living with a senior cat has rewards as well as challenges that are a bit different than those encountered when living with a younger cat. This guide gives you advice on helping them live a happy senior life.
Common pet emergencies
Experiencing an animal in distress can be upsetting and difficult to handle, this helpful guide will help you identify when your pet needs help and what to do about it.
Bushfires and your pets
Living in Australia comes with the added danger of bushfires. It is important that not only do you have a plan for yourself but you also have a plan for your pets on warm weather and high risk fire days.
Caring for your pocket pets
Pocket pets may be small but they are as deserving of our love as their larger counterparts. Choosing to have a pocket pet may be perfect for those in a smaller dwelling or without a large yard.
Introducing your adopted cat to your dog
A slow and gradual introduction will ensure the safety of both your pets and is more likely to result in an amicable relationship.
Introducing your cats
A little planning and preparation will go a long way in building amicable relationships in a multi cat household.
Introducing your adopted dog to your cat
A slow and gradual introduction will ensure the safety of both your pets and is more likely to result in an amicable relationship.
Send us a message
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you have a question, want to get involved, or simply need more information our team is here to help.
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Opening Hours
Monday-Thursday
10am – 5:30pm
Friday
10am – 4:30pm
Saturday
9am – 3:30pm (North Melbourne Shelter)
9am – 12:30pm (Cranbourne West Shelter)
Sunday
9am – 12:30pm (Reclaims Only)
Public holidays
Closed
Opening Hours
Monday-Thursday
10am – 5:30pm
Friday
10am – 4:30pm
Saturday
9am – 3:30pm (North Melbourne Shelter)
9am – 12:30pm (Cranbourne West Shelter)
Sunday
9am – 12:30pm (Reclaims Only)
Public holidays
Closed
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners, honor their past and present, and commit to learning, justice, and cultural respect.
The Lost Dogs’ Home is a registered charity and has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. ABN 84 004 789 726.
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