Lost Dogs
Shellharbour City Council is the local impounding authority under the Companion Animals Act 1998. We may seize dogs under certain circumstances.
How to Claim your Pet
1. Pay the fees
You will need to make arrangements with Council to pay any fees before your pet can be released.
Fees can be paid at the Shellharbour Civic Centre customer service desk, alternatively you can pay over the phone on (02) 4221 6111 or complete our Animal Return form for a Shellharbour City Council Officer to organise your pets return.
If you have difficulty paying please or if you require financial hardship assistance, contact us on (02) 4221 6111.
See our Fees and Charges webpage for details.
If your pet is not already microchipped and registered you will need to pay all registration fees prior to your animals return. See the NSW Government's current registration fees.
2. Proof of Ownership
Animals can only be returned to the owner in person or an appointed agent.
You will need to provide personal identification that matches the ownership information recorded in the animal’s registration and microchip details.
If your animal is not microchipped or registered, you will need to provide a statutory declaration confirming your ownership claim before we can release your pet.
3. Returning your animal
Once you have made arrangements to pay any outstanding fees and charges, notify our Council staff on (02) 4221 6111 or complete our Animal Return form, to arrange to be reunited with your pet by Council Officers.
