The best dog rescues in Melbourne, Victoria, are waiting for you! If you have fully decided that the best family addition is a dog, the most recommended option would be to adopt. Not only would you be able to save a massive chunk of your money, but you’re also getting a healthy fido.
With thousands of homeless dogs in the United States, one home like yours that decides to welcome an unwanted dog makes a difference. Are you ready for the commitment?
Searching for the right adoption place isn’t easy. To aid you, below lists all the best dog rescues you can find in Melbourne, Victoria.
11 Best Dog Rescues in Melbourne, Victoria
1. Blue Cross Animals Society of Victoria
Blue Cross Animals Society of Australia has been saving dog lives since 1966. They have transformed the lives of countless dogs and cats, going above and beyond to ensure each animal receives topnotch treatment in a loving shelter while waiting for their forever homes.
With their committed team, approximately 250 pet companions find their way into the homes of responsible animal lovers yearly. Plus, 90% of the owners have expressed how much their lives have positively changed after the arrival of these rescues.
The presence of a fido really makes a difference. What’s one way to make that happen than to search through their list of adoptable dogs and determine which of them is right for you?
You’ll mostly find adult dogs, such as Greyhounds and mixed-breeds under their care. They have an adoption fee of $390 which helps initially cover vet expenses to get them neutered/ spayed, microchipped, and more. Puppies usually cost a little more, while seniors, a little less.
How to contact them:
Website: Blue Cross Animals Society of Victoria
Address: 26 Homestead Road, Wonga Park, Vic 3115
Phone: 03 9722 1265
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Instagram
2. Lort Smith Animal Hospital
Lort Smith Animal Hospital provides world-class healthcare services. They’re not just composed of amazing volunteers, vets, and nurses; the community’s support also largely takes part in the success of the mission they do each day.
Though this is mainly where animals can feel relief from their suffering, the LSAH is also a go-to site for adoption opportunities. You can find dogs, cats, hamsters, and even bunnies here, giving you a wider scope of options if you’re hunting for a pet companion.
To add, they also accept those that are surrendered by their owners. They find it more ideal that the pet owners who can no longer take care and provide for their pets have them as the “last resort” rather than end up seeing these animals on the streets, neglected and malnourished.
If you want to extend your help, feel free to become their volunteer or new foster parent, donate, or shop for any merchandise you find useful through their website.
How to contact them:
Website: Lort Smith Animal Hospital
Address: 24 Villiers Street Melbourne, VIC, Australia 3051
Phone: +61 3 9328 3021
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, TikTok, and Instagram
3. Second Chance Animal Rescue
All dogs found in the streets deserve a home. Unfortunately, not all can commit to the kind of responsible dog ownership entails. Thus, many are cold, hungry, and sick, with no home to go to.
Thankfully, Second Chance Animal Rescue is rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming these rescued dogs. They work continuously to improve their lives and eventually find compatible owners who provide for their needs.
Though it’s tempting to decide based on a dog’s appearance, your decision should be rooted in your lifestyle and preferences.
Active dogs require active families that can keep up with their vigor, but if you prefer laid-back pooches, Beagles and Mastiffs are two ideal breeds.
How to contact them:
Website: Second Chance Animal Rescue
Address: 23 Grasslands Ave, Craigieburn, VIC 3064
Phone: +61 3 9357 0834
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Instagram
4. The Animal Rehoming Service, Inc.
The Animal Rehoming Service, Inc. was established in 2000. They have successfully helped around 1,000 animals, and more are yet to receive their help.
Their focus aims at caring for all genuinely homeless dogs in the area. They work with excellent foster families that can nurture them more in preparation for getting adopted. They also go through many dog adoption applications, looking for the best match for each dog they care for.
Before getting these dog rescues placed, necessary veterinary services are also provided. When these dogs are healthy, the smoother the transition will be once they are with their new families.
How to contact them:
Website: The Animal Rehoming Service Inc.
Address: Church St, Brighton VIC 3186, Australia
Phone: +61 409 213 131
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Twitter
5. Australian Animal Protection Society
The Australian Animal Protection Society is a community-based, non-profit organization that’s highly into preserving animal welfare rights. For more than fifty years, the AAPS has helped return missing dogs and other animals to their owners.
Those that are unclaimed or are confirmed homeless without owners are then listed as available dogs for adoption. Though loads of applications are being received, they filter through all these until they find the most suitable match.
The dog adoption fee varies depending on their age and the medical services they have received. Yet, compared to breeders, adopting will save you a huge chunk of your money.
How to contact them:
Website: Australian Animal Protection Society
Address: 26 Aegean court Keysborough, VIC, Australia 3173
Phone: +61 3 9798 8415
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram
6. Homeless Hounds Animal Rescue Australia
You can adopt, foster, donate, or volunteer at Homeless Hounds Animal Rescue Australia. Each year, 400 animal lives are saved. Help increase the statistics by offering whatever help you’re capable of giving.
If you’re set to have a furry companion, you can find various dog breeds in this sanctuary, ranging from large dogs to small pooches and even mixed breeds of varying sizes.
Though all of them are fantastic in their own right, they can only realize their full potential when the right individual owns them.
Get to know them initially by looking at their profiles and get a glimpse of their personalities by making a personal visit once you’re approved to adopt a dog.
How to contact them:
Website: Homeless Hounds Animal Rescue Australia
Address: Box Hill, VIC, Australia
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram
7. The Lost Dogs Home
Impressively, The Lost Dogs Home’s performance keeps improving yearly. In 2021 and 2022, around 15,054 abandoned and lost animals ended up under their care. Of this figure, 92% were reunited with their original owners or rehomed.
Currently, 3,552 animals, including dogs, are being fostered, and 103 receive a behavior program. All these aren’t just numbers. Rather, this tells about the transformed lives of pooches who were once filled with hopelessness.
Many more are still waiting to have their families. Most of what you’ll meet in their adoptable pets list are mixed breeds. Yet they also have purebred puppies like Rottweilers and Dobermans.
How to contact them:
Website: The Lost Dogs Home
Address: 2 Gracie Street North Melbourne VIC 3051
Phone: +61 3 9329 2755
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram
8. RSPCA Victoria
RSPCA Victoria has been an integral member of RSPCA Australia since 1871. Their work greatly impacts many dogs’ lives, making it one of Australia’s leading animal welfare charities.
RSPCA Victoria is a large non-profit organization taking care of approximately 14,000 animals yearly. When the fidos are being rehabilitated, part of the process is to get them checked by the vet.
Whether it be hip dysplasia, anxiety, or other medical issues, this charity has vet clinics ready to help treat these wonderful dogs.
Be familiar with their adoption process. You have to get your home ready for the dog you like to increase your chances of getting approved. If you like to adopt a puppy, the adoption fee ranges between $600 and $1,200. Meanwhile, adult dogs are around $450 to $1,200.
Any senior animals, on the other hand, have no fee. You have to be seriously dedicated to keeping them happy and granting them a fulfilling life in their final stage.
How to contact them:
Website: RSPCA Victoria
Address: 3 Burwood Hwy, 3151 Burwood East, Victoria
Phone: (03) 9224 2222
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram
9. Save-A-Dog Scheme
Save-A-Dog Scheme believes pets, especially dogs, shouldn’t be euthanized despite the rampant practice in several shelters across the United States.
Since they were established in 1985, countless dogs have been saved from getting mercy-killed. They pull out the dogs from overcrowded shelters or those in line for euthanasia.
If you’re interested in adopting from Save-A-Dog Scheme, their puppies have an adoption fee of $500, while those over six months of age cost $450 only. These figures can still be modified depending on the circumstance or if you’re making multiple adoptions.
To add, their animals are desexed, vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped, assessed, and vet-checked.
How to contact them:
Website: Save-A-Dog Scheme
Address: 36 Weir St Glen Iris VIC
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram
10. Victorian Dog Rescue
If all people become responsible in owning their pets and backyard breeders aren’t taking advantage of the dog market, dog rescues like the Victorian Dog Rescue wouldn’t have to exist. And that’s just their goal — to no longer be needed.
This proactive animal welfare charity started in 2006, allows you to adopt their adorable fidos and other pet companions. You can also become a foster carer which sets these animals ready for animal lovers that are up for the whole commitment and responsibility.
On top of that, you can also consider sponsoring their rescues. These efforts help VDR take a giant step toward making life easier for dogs who wouldn’t have had hope without their initiative.
On a different note, you can adopt senior, bonded animals or those with special needs.
How to contact them:
Website: Victorian Dog Rescue
Address: 478 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Twitter
11. Seeing Eye Dogs Vision Australia
Having a dog at home is more than just having a companion. Most, if not all, have been bred with a purpose. A Whippet, for example, is born to hunt and do well in lure coursing, while Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds are fantastic seeing eye dogs.
Adopting one from Seeing Eye Dogs Vision of Australia is a wise move if you need a guide in the form of a four-legged dog. These fidos are of big help, especially if you have a family member who has lost their vision or is partially blinded.
With these dogs around, the world becomes much better. For other opportunities to get involved, you can also sponsor, donate, volunteer, or buy lottery tickets from them.
How to contact them:
Website: Seeing Eye Dogs Vision Australia
Address: 17 Barrett Street, Kensington Vic 3031
Phone: +61 1800 037 773
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram
Aside from this list of the best dog rescues in Melbourne, Victoria, there are other adoption places in various states which you need to check out.
