Ballarat Animal Shelter

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Ballarat Animal Shelter

The Ballarat Animal Shelter is managed and operated by the City of Ballarat, and assists nearby coun Welcome to the Ballarat Animal Shelter’s page.

We encourage your comments and input, but ask that you please behave in a responsible, respectful manner. If necessary, we will review and remove any comments that:

• Contain obscene, indecent or profane language
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early off-topic
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• Are trolling or intend to deliberately disrupt a conversation
• Are otherwise inappropriate or offensive
• Break the law (including violation of copyright laws) or encourage others to do so
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People who repeatedly breach these guidelines will be blocked. If the breach is considered to be serious, we may choose to block users immediately. Please note that due to staffing resources, reviewing, moderating and replying to posts will generally occur during our regular business hours of Monday-Friday, 8:15am-5pm. Any posts submitted outside these times will receive a response as soon as possible the following business day. Content shared on any Ballarat Council social network reflects the views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the official views of the Ballarat Council.

01/09/2026

H5 bird flu is present in wild birds in Victoria. While the risk of H5 bird flu in pets is extremely low, it's best to take precautions.

If you're out walking your dog or spending time outdoors:

🐕 Keep dogs on a lead in areas with native wildlife

🚫 Don't allow pets to investigate or eat dead animals

🐱 Stop cats from roaming and hunting wildlife

To protect Ballarat Animal Shelter animals, the following restrictions are currently in place:

❎City of Ballarat Animal Management Officers will no longer collect or assist with waterfowl collection, poultry rehoming, companion bird impounds.

❎The Ballarat Animal Shelter will not impound any species of any birds at any time. Community will be redirected to local veterinarians.

If you suspect H5 bird flu in birds, mammals, poultry or other captive birds, report it immediately by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or to DEECA online.

Find out more at agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

30/08/2026

🐕🐾ADOPTION UPDATE: Dozer 🐾🐕

Dozer has settled in beautifully with his new family. He has his place on the bed during the day and sleeps on his big bed next to mum and dad during the night. 😴

He found the kids' stash of soft toys and of a night he enters their room, collects the toys one by one, and surrounds himself with them in the loungeroom. He is not destructive though, just likes to play with them. 🧸

He has shown some anxiety with certain noises but is slowly learning he is safe. At the start he was cautious around his food, choosing to graze throughout the day but after the first week he started wolfing down his breakfast and dinner with no concern.

All in all, he is a beautiful gentle giant, loves a snuggle and a pat and to be close to his new people. Some areas still need a little work, but for now it's about making sure he feels safe and loved. 💕

We're so happy for you Dozer in finding your forever home 🏠🐾🐕💕

26/08/2026

Know your breed

🔦 SPOTLIGHT: The Kelpie 🐾🐕🔦

Size: Lithe, athletic and muscular. Males typically stand 46–51 cm tall (weighing 14–20 kg), while females stand 43–48 cm tall (weighing 11–18 kg).

Temperament: Intensely loyal, alert and independent thinkers with a natural urge to work.

Something to consider: They possess an almost inexhaustible energy supply and require heavy mental and physical stimulation to prevent severe boredom, which can lead to destructive digging, barking, or herding of children and other pets.

Common health issues: Generally, a very hardy and healthy breed due. However, they can be genetically prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA causing vision loss), and occasional patellar luxation (an orthopedic condition where the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal groove in the thighbone).

Costs to own: Moderate ongoing maintenance costs. While they have basic grooming needs, they require high-quality, calorie-dense nutrition to keep up with their fast metabolism and high activity levels.

23/08/2026

🐾🐈 ADOPTION UPDATE: Harvey 🐈🐾

After a few days of hiding in a safe spot, Harvey slowly but surely came to realise he is safe and welcome in his new home. He was eager to make friends with his new roommates (they were a bit more sceptical) and but he won them over with his friendly nature and good looks.

His new owners are learning new things about Harvey every day (e.g.: he is a very loud snorer!) and we are sure there will be plenty more highlights ahead.

We love you Harvey and so happy you have found your forever home 💕🏠

❤️

18/08/2026

🐾🐕 TRAINING TIP TUESDAY: Know Your Dog 🐕🐾

The main reason a dog is surrendered to the shelter is because it is the wrong fit. We know not all dogs are the same, but certain breeds have certain personalities. So if you want to succeed, know your breed.

🔦 SPOTLIGHT: The Staffy (Staffordshire bull terrior)

Size: Categorised as a medium dog, they are a ball of muscle. An English staffy will stand between 36 – 41 cm tall and weigh between 11–20 kg. An American staffy will be bigger.

Temperament: Exceptionally affectionate, people-oriented, and strong! Known as "nanny dogs" for their affinity with children, they have high energy levels and require daily physical exercise and plenty of opportunity to chew!

Something to consider: Their love for people means they don't cope well when left alone and can suffer from extreme anxiety when they are. This can manifest as howling, barking or destructive behaviour.

Common health issues: Prone to hereditary cataracts, L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (L2HGA - a metabolic disorder affecting the nervous system), hip dysplasia, skin and gut allergies, and knee issues like luxating patella.

Cost to own: Their short coats require minimal grooming, keeping day-to-day maintenance affordable. There is potential for high medical costs later in life if they inherit genetic conditions. Skin and gut allergies may require a special diet.

For more detailed info visit: https://www.greencrossvets.com.au/pet-library/breed-guide/dog/is-a-staffordshire-bull-terrier-right-for-your-family/

16/08/2026

🐾 ADOPTION UPDATE: Paddie 🐕🐾

Paddie the black kelpie was adopted from the shelter in early August and we were delighted to learn he has settled right into his new home. And with a new name - Jett!

He has grown in confidence, really coming out of his shell. He is gentle and affectionate with his family's two young children, who have quickly fallen in love with him. ❤️

He's learning his manners and doing a fantastic job with toilet training. Like any young dog, he's enjoyed a bit of digging and chewing, but he's also discovered the joy of dog toys and is keeping busy in all the right ways. Best of all, he's gaining weight and is looking healthier and happier every day.

Seeing dogs like Jett thrive in their forever homes is why we do what we do. Thank you to his wonderful family for sharing this update. It sounds like he has found the perfect match. 🐶💕

06/08/2026

Work is underway! We are so excited 🐱🐶🐾

05/08/2026

🐾 IS YOUR PET REGISTERED WITH THE CITY OF BALLARAT? 🐾

Recently, our Animal Management team has seen a significant increase in unregistered dogs and cats coming into care.

Every time an unregistered pet goes missing, it can take longer to reunite them with their family. In some cases, a simple registration tag is the difference between a pet going straight home or spending time in the pound.

Here's why pet registration matters:

🏡 It helps lost pets get home faster
A registered pet wearing its registration tag can often be reunited with its owner quickly, sometimes without needing to enter the pound at all.

⚖️ It's a legal requirement
Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, all dogs and cats over three months of age must be registered with their local council. Annual registrations are due by 10 April each year, so if you've missed the deadline or recently welcomed a new pet, now is the time to act.

💙 It supports local animal services
Registration fees help fund important animal welfare and management services across Ballarat, including ranger services, animal welfare investigations, pound operations and shelter services.

❗ Microchipped doesn't mean registered
This is one of the most common misconceptions we encounter.

A microchip and Council registration are two different things, and your pet needs both. While a microchip provides permanent identification, registration ensures your pet is recorded with Council and helps us reunite them with you as quickly as possible if they become lost.

💰 Registration may be more affordable than you think
Reduced registration fees are available for des*xed and microchipped pets, and concession rates apply for eligible pension card holders.

✅ Need to register or renew?
Don't wait until your pet goes missing or a Ranger comes knocking.

📞 Call our Customer Service team on (03) 5320 5500
🏢 Visit our Customer Service Centre at Armstrong Street, Ballarat Central
💻 Register online via our website: www.ballarat.vic.gov.au

Let's work together to make sure every pet in Ballarat has the best chance of finding their way home safely. 🐕🐈❤️

04/08/2026

🐾 DID YOU KNOW? 🐶🐱

Thinking about buying, selling, or breeding a cat or dog? Here are a few important things every pet owner should know!

🐾 For breeders
✅ There are limits on how many fertile female animals you can keep without a permit.
✅ Breeders must provide proper food, clean housing, and meet animal welfare standards.
✅ Breeding animals should be health checked for common inherited diseases before mating.

🏡 Buying or selling a pet?
🐶 Puppies and kittens must be at least 8 weeks old before leaving their mum.
📍 All cats and dogs must be microchipped before being sold or given away.
📝 Make sure the change of ownership is completed so the microchip is transferred into the new owner's name.
Check the temperament of the parents before you commit to buying a puppy

⚠️ Did you know there are fines?
💰 $418 fine for selling or giving away a cat or dog that is not microchipped.
💰 $209 fine for advertising a cat or dog for sale without including your Source Number in the advertisement.

These laws help protect animal welfare, promote responsible breeding, and make it easier to reunite lost pets with their families. ❤️

🐾 Be a responsible pet owner – know the rules before you buy, breed or sell.

03/08/2026

Introducing our resident couch potato, Spud!

Spud is a handsome boy searching for his forever couch to call home. He is a friendly, affectionate boy who loves human interaction.

While he loves to chill out and get belly rubs, he does have a bit of staffy anxiety and will need a patient family willing to give him the time he needs to decompress after six months in the shelter.

Spud is a short but stocky boy, he could do with some refreshing of his leash manners and some basic training. Spud would be great with kids but is not suited to a home with cats and would like to be the only dog.

For more info on Spud please check out his PetRescue profile or contact the shelter.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 03 5334 2075

Address

5a Gillingham Place
Ballarat, VIC
3350

Telephone

+61353342075

Website

https://www.petrescue.com.au/groups/11504/Ballarat-Animal-Shelter

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