Lost and found pets
Need help with a missing pet, found animal, or rehoming process?
This section outlines what to do if you've lost or found a pet in the Kiama area. It includes contact details for reporting a missing or found animal, tips for locating a lost pet, and your legal responsibilities when finding one.
For those needing to surrender a pet, guidance is provided on eligibility and alternative rehoming options.
Lost a pet?
If your pet has gone missing, contact Council within 72 hours and follow our recommended steps to help reunite you with your furry friend.
Learn more about lost pets
Lost animals
If your dog or cat has gone missing, please notify Council within 72 hours.
During business hours (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–4:30pm):
Call (02) 4232 0444
Outside business hours:
Please leave a message or try again during operating hours.
We also recommend:
- Speaking with neighbours
- Contacting local vets
- Posting on community Facebook groups and local lost & found pages
Found an animal?
Read more about what to do and how we can help.
Learn more about found animals
Found animals
If you find a wandering dog and cannot immediately locate the owner, you can contact Council or take the animal to the nearest vet so its microchip can be scanned, and the registered owners be contacted.
Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, cats are permitted to roam, and our Rangers do not have any powers to collect or detain a cat. If you have located a sick or injured cat, please bring it to your local vet for further attention, and they will be able to contact the registered owners accordingly.
Helpful steps:
- Check for ID tags and contact the owner if possible
- Ask around the neighbourhood
- Share a photo on local social media and community groups
- Visit or call a local vet for assistance
Rehoming or surrendering a pet
Learn about rehoming options, surrender conditions, and what’s required if you’re no longer able to care for a pet.
Learn more about rehoming
Rehoming & surrendering pets
Kiama Council has limited capacity to accept surrendered pets and encourages pet owners to explore other rehoming options first.
Visit the NSW Government’s list of approved rehoming organisations for assistance.
If these options are exhausted, Council may consider accepting surrendered pets under the following conditions:
- Space is available in the Pound
- Owner has attempted rehoming for at least one month
- Pet is microchipped, desexed, registered, and has a medical history
- Pet is not aggressive, injured, distressed, or in poor health
A Surrender Fee applies (refer to Council’s Fees & Charges).