Our animal initiatives

We are working to reduce the number of dog attacks, increase the number of pets registered and micro-chipped, and reduce euthanasia rates.

We are working to reduce the number of dog attacks, increase the number of pets registered and micro-chipped, and reduce euthanasia rates.

We are educating the community about responsible pet ownership and have a number of initiatives that are working to:

  • reduce the number of dog attacks
  • increase the proportion of pets registered and micro-chipped, and
  • reduce euthanasia rates

Some of our initiatives include:

  • A lost and found Facebook page that is helping to reunite owners with their pets - Darebin Lost Animals.
  • Partnering with rescue groups so they can rehouse more animals and extending the holding period at our pound service provider.
  • Educating the community about responsible pet ownership, including the benefits of desexing, registration and micro-chipping.
  • The creation of a Rescue Officer position.

Sadly, there will always be a high number of unwanted or abandoned animals in the community which means there will always be animals that can't be rehomed. Examples include feral cats that kill native animals, diseased animals or dangerous dogs that pose an unacceptable risk to people an their pets. You can also help by choosing to adopt a pet from a reputable animal shelter or rescue group.

Domestic Animal Management Plan

Our Domestic Animal Management Plan explains how we manage domestic animals (pets) in the City of Darebin, and the animal management services we provide.

The plan outlines how we promote responsible pet ownership and manage nuisance animals, dog attacks and pet registrations within the community.

Victorian councils are legally required to prepare and implement a Domestic Animal Management Plan every 4 years.

Our current Domestic Animal Management Plan was adopted in February 2022.

Animal collection statistics

Animals found in Darebin which cannot be identified through a microchip or pet registration are taken to our pound, the Wat Djerring Animal Facility (previously known as Epping Animal Welfare Facility).

The Wat Djerring Animal Facility has an 8 day stray period for any pet owners to come forward and reclaim their animal. If an animal does not have an owner or the owner wishes to relinquish ownership of their pet, then the animal is assessed for rehoming.

Unfortunately, some found animals can't be re-homed, such as wild or diseased cats and dangerous dogs.

Dogs that are euthanised are those identified as not suitable for re-homing after undergoing a behavioural assessment, those that have been surrendered to us for behavioural issues, or as a result of a court action.

Cats that are euthanised are those identified as not suitable for re-homing after undergoing a behavioural assessment, or those that are deemed feral or diseased.

Wat Djerring Animal Facility

Previously known as the Epping Animal Welfare Facility, the Wat Djerring Animal Facility is a vital organisation that provides care and shelter for lost, abandoned and neglected animals throughout Whittlesea, Merri-bek and Darebin council areas. This facility is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all animals, and their efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of many animals in need.

The wat djerring Animal Facility is staffed by trained professionals who are committed to providing the highest level of care for every animal that comes through their doors. They provide medical attention, proper nutrition, and exercise to ensure that every animal is healthy and happy during their stay. The staff is also responsible for ensuring that every animal is well-socialised and receives the love and attention they need to thrive.

In addition to their excellent care for animals, wat djerring Animal Facility is also committed to finding forever homes for their animals. They work tirelessly to match animals with loving families who are committed to providing them with a safe and caring home. This includes providing education and resources to potential adopters to ensure that they are equipped to handle the responsibility of owning a pet.

Animals are available for viewing by appointment and online adoption applications via the button below.

See our pets available for adoption

Cat vaccine shortage - November 2023

A widespread cat vaccine shortage is currently affecting Australia. The disruptions in the supply chain have been caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While many veterinary clinics may still have some vaccines in stock, they are facing challenges in restocking their supplies from manufacturers and wholesalers. The shortage is expected to persist through early 2024, with limited availability projected later this year.

The simplest and most effective measure to protect your cat during this shortage is to keep them indoors or, for those confident that their property is free from unknown cat visitors, it is safe for their cats to roam their own backyard or enclosure.

How are veterinarians working to keep cats safe?

Veterinarians are taking measures to protect the safety of cats with the current vaccine shortage. The guidance regarding how to use the available vaccine supply to safeguard the Australian cat population is to prioritise kittens and, if possible, delay adult boosters. Kittens, unvaccinated adult cats, and cats in animal shelters are the most vulnerable to infections and, therefore, in greater need of protection. Veterinarians will prioritise these categories of animals for vaccination.

What should I do if my cat is due for vaccinations?

Speak to your vet for advice.

What if my cat needs to go to a cattery?

Traditionally, catteries require all cats to be fully vaccinated before entry. If you plan to board your cat, it's advisable to engage in early discussions with the cattery regarding their specific requirements. Additionally, consult with your veterinarian. In cases where vaccines are unavailable, antibody titer testing may serve as an alternative. Alternatively, consider exploring alternative arrangements such as house-sitters or in-home care.

How can I help?

Delaying revaccination for your adult cats can help the allocation of available vaccines to protect more vulnerable kittens.

Contract review

The RSPCA commenced the operation of pound services at the Epping Animal Welfare Facility on 16 October 2017 with a contract term of 10 years, with a mid-term review milestone. It was renamed as the Wat Djerring Animal Facility in July 2023.

In 2021, ahead of the mid-term review milestone in the contract, we reviewed these services to look at whether there are opportunities to strengthen services including its foster and volunteer programs.

Whittlesea, Merri-bek and Darebin Council voted in favour of an in-house model and commenced operating the Epping Animal Welfare Facility, managed by Whittlesea City Council in partnership with Merri-bek and Darebin Councils, in October 2022.

This in-house model aims to achieve the best possible outcomes for the animals and our community. The three councils worked together to develop an operating model which is designed to reduce euthanasia rates, to reunite the maximum amount of animals with their owners or find them loving new homes.

Animal rescue group partnerships

We have developed a number of community animal rescue group partnerships to support the most vulnerable animals.

Orphaned kittens

We have implemented a Neonate Rescue Program for orphaned kittens weighing 500 grams or less. All these kittens are referred to our rescue partner, Maneki Neko Cat Rescue, who have many dedicated foster carers who can provide the care they need. Maneki Neko Cat Rescue raises these kittens and they are then made available for adoption through their adoption program.

For more information on our rescue partners, see our Adopt a pet page.

Surrendered animals

Most animals that are surrendered to us by residents who can no longer give them a home are offered to our community rescue group partners for a safe and smooth transition into a new home.

This is often a traumatic and confusing time for an animal and so, transfer into a foster home whilst a new permanent home is sought, is a great way to transition an animal whilst reducing their stress at a difficult time.