Vets can now help return pets

Published on 07 October 2022

Vet clinics are now able to assist with the rescue and return of lost pets.

Following recent amendments to the Domestic Animals Act (1994), vet clinics are now able to return stray dogs and cats to their owners without having to hand them over to Council.

These changes took effect from 1 October 2022.

Benalla Rural City Council Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn said vets could now check microchip details and access Council registration details so pets can be returned to their owners as quickly as possible.

“Previously every lost pet that ended up at a vet would need to be collected and processed by our Compliance Officers,” Cr Hearn said.

“This change will help free up Council resources and aide in the quick return of our much loved pets.”

Residents are reminded that the Domestic Animals Act 1994 requires all dogs and cats over the age of three months to be microchipped and registered with their local Council.

Residents with unregistered dogs or cats, or people new to the region, can contact Council on 03 5760 2600 or go to benalla.vic.gov.au for more information about registering their animals.