Surrendering your pet

Surrendering a pet is a difficult decision that some owners need to make. While it is not an ideal situation, there are circumstances where surrendering your pet may be the best option for the well-being of you and the animal.

There is no fee for Banyule residents to surrender a pet to us. It will be held at one of our pound facilities while it is assessed for rehoming.

As an alternative, you can also organise for a pet surrender with a registered rescue organisation or shelter, but you will need to make the inquiries.

Animals we accept

  • Cats and dogs
  • Birds (including hens, roosters and ducks)
  • Hamsters, ferrets, gerbils, guinea pigs, mice and rabbits
  • Goats, cows, sheep, donkeys and horses

We cannot accept reptiles (including turtles), fish or native animals.

Steps to surrendering a pet

Step 1.Prepare your pet

If you are surrendering a cat or dog, be sure your pet is:

  • up-to-date on vaccinations
  • spayed or neutered
  • has proper identification, such as a microchip.

This will make the transition to a new home smoother. 

Step 2.Provide information and items

Be honest about your pet's history, behaviour, medical condition and any special needs. Providing vaccination and medical records to go with your pet to their new home ensures that new caregivers understand and care for your pet.

Providing your pet’s favourite toys or items can also help them settle into their new home.

Step 3.Microchips and ownership

If you are surrendering a dog or cat on behalf of someone else or you are not the owner on the microchip, you will need to provide proof of ownership and/or written permission from the owner to surrender their pet.

Step 4.Register

Surrender your pet to us

Step 5.After you submit

We will be in contact with you within 5 business days about your situation.

If you are unable to house your pet until a future home has been found, then we will come to your home and pick up the animal. It will be taken to our pound until it can be rehomed.

If you can keep the animal, then we will schedule a convenient time for you to be home so we can collect the animal.

Remember, surrendering your pet is permanent and you will need to sign a form forfeiting ownership and further claim on the animal when we pick it up.

Contact us

For more information about surrendering a pet, contact our Local Laws Team on 9490 4222.

Considering alternatives

Some local animal shelters, rescue organisations or veterinarians may offer guidance, training resources, or temporary foster care options to help you keep your pet. If you have a network of friends and family who may be willing to adopt your pet, consider this option.

Re-homing privately can often provide a more stable and loving environment for your pet. Do not use Gumtree or the Trading Post as these platforms do not provide screening for potential pet owners, or any follow up to ensure your pet is properly cared for after adoption. If you advertise your pet online, take the time to screen potential adopters, ask for references and visit the prospective home to ensure it is suitable.

You will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register if you intend to sell or give away your pet.

Established organisations and animal shelters have experience in matching pets with suitable homes, conducting background checks on potential adopters, and providing support for the pet's well-being in the new home. They are committed to ensuring that pets find a loving and responsible family.

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