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Stray or Lost Dogs at CHVH

For the safety of our hospitalised patients, we do not accept stray or lost pets into Coffs Harbour Veterinary Hospital, unless they are in need of medical attention.

All other stray or lost pets should be taken to the Coffs Harbour Animal Management Centre (AMC). Their microchip will be scanned, and they will be held safely until reunited with their owner.

Injured or unwell stray or lost pets are always welcome to be brought to our hospital for emergency care. We provide this free of charge until an owner has been located.

WHY CAN’T CHVH JUST SCAN THE STRAY OR LOST PET’S MICROCHIP?

Once an animal is scanned for a microchip, we are legally responsible for that animal until the owner or the Council Ranger can collect it. This legal requirement means we are unable to release the animal back to the finder.

Unfortunately, a significant number of pets have no microchip or frequently the contact details on the microchip registry are outdated, making it difficult or impossible to trace their owners.

Even if an owner is located there is often considerable delay before the pet can be collected.

WHY CAN’T CHVH KEEP THE PET THERE FOR THE OWNER TO COLLECT?

Stray or lost pets pose significant risks to both our staff and our hospitalised patients:

  • Stray or lost pets may be carrying harmful pathogens and must be kept isolated. Unfortunately, space in our isolation ward is limited and needs to be kept available for unwell patients that really need those beds.
  • Stray or lost dogs can be noisy and disruptive to sick or recovering patients in our hospital.
  • Stray or lost pets may become aggressive or boisterous in a hospital setting and pose a safety risk to other patients or to our staff.
  • The stray or lost pet could contract a contagious disease from a patient already in our isolation ward.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH A STRAY OR LOST PET I HAVE FOUND?

Check the pet for identification, such as a tag or labelled collar. Secure the pet away from danger. Be careful handling unknown animals as they can be unpredictable in an unusual setting and may snap or bite without warning.

If the stray or lost pet appears well and uninjured, take it to the AMC on Christmas Bells Road, or call the Council Ranger.

The AMC’s purpose is to reunite lost pets with their owners and is an owner’s first port of call when they have lost their pet.

If the AMC is closed, find somewhere safe to contain the pet until opening time. Call the Council Ranger on the after-hours service if this is not possible.

If the pet appears unwell, call your nearest veterinarian for advice.

We hope this provides clarity on our position and the considerations that have led to our policy.

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support of our veterinary hospital.