Animals in distress
Contact the RSPCA in Burwood East on 03) 9224 2222 to report cruelty to animals.
If the issue is urgent or life-threatening for the animal, or if the animal is causing a traffic hazard, contact Boroondara Police (03) 8851 1111. They will be able to attend more quickly than RSPCA.
We (Council) don't have any jurisdiction under Local Laws to respond to pets, wildlife or native animals that are in distress or treated cruelly.
Injured pets on the road
Council officers will attend to an injured domestic animal on the road. If the animal's owners can be identified, we'll contact them.
If the animal can't be identified:
- We'll ring the RSPCA (our pound) to get a reference number.
- We'll take the animal to a vet and leave the reference number with the vet.
- When the animal is ready for release, the treating vet will call us and quote the reference number.
- We'll take the domestic animal to the RSPCA to be collected by its owner.
Emergency planning
Pets and animals are considered part of the family and should be included in your household emergency plan.
It's particularly important to plan for the welfare of your pets during heatwaves and storms.
For help with creating a plan to keep your pet safe during an emergency, see:
- RSPCA: Emergency planning
- Agriculture Victoria's page on Pets and emergencies
Animal support services
Pet boarding
If you need to find a temporary home for your pet, contact a pet boarding facility. Some will provide drop-off and collection services.
Dog walking
Contact your local vet for dog walking services near you.
Injured wildlife and native animals
For injured or distressed foxes, wildlife and native animals, call RSPCA Burwood East: (03) 9224 2222.
The RSPCA do not have an animal ambulance to go out to animals in distress. They will attend to an injured or distressed fox to euthanize it on the spot, as it's considered a pest. Otherwise, they will only treat an injured animal if it is brought in to them.
- Wildlife Victoria 24-hour hotline: (03) 8400 7300 for help with injured, sick or orphaned wildlife, native animals and wild ducks.
- Australian Animal Rescue: 0430 883 083 for native animals.
- Help for Wildlife: 0417 380 687 for native animals.
- VicRoads' 24-hour emergency hotline 13 11 70 for dead native or wild animals on arterial (major) roads.
We can't attend to wild ducks in private or public pools. Try using netting or a pool cover or place a one-metre-high shade cloth around a private pool, to discourage ducks from swimming in it.
Donate pet food
Donations of canned or dry pet food are accepted at Camcare, a local not-for-profit that helps people in Boroondara who are facing personal hardship or difficult life circumstances. Visit Camcare's website.