Lost pets from Hume will be posted online by The Lost Dogs Home under an initiative aimed at reuniting more cats and dogs with their owners.
The Lost Dogs Home animal welfare general manager David Cunliffe said Strays Online was about increasing pets’ chances of returning home.
Hume’s inclusion in the initiative follows a successful trial with Hobsons Bay and Macedon Ranges councils.
Dr Cunliffe said the website allowed pet owners to view the dogs and cats who have arrived as strays and are being cared for by the home.
He said it would help people who have limited mobility or difficulty travelling to the shelter in their search for their missing pet.
“We understand the distress families face when their pet goes missing, and know they want to do everything possible to help their pet return home,” he said.
“Being able to see their lost pet on our website will give worried families peace of mind during this stressful time.”
Dr Cunliffe said the best way for owners to ensure they are quickly reunited with a lost pet is to have them identified and microchipped, ensuring the details are up-to-date with the microchip registry.
Last year, 1438 stray dogs and 509 stray cats from Hume were taken to the home.
