Lost animals

Lost an animal?

If we have found your pet, and it's registered or chipped, we will contact you as soon as possible. If we cannot contact you, we will keep your pet safe at our pound, which is run by Mount Alexander Animal Welfare.

All reports of lost and found animals should be directed to the Shelter Manager during business hours on 03 5472 5277.

Found an animal?

If you find an animal and it does or does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you must contact us as soon as possible.

Council does not provide an animal collection service after hours however the details of the found animal will be noted and collection arranged for business hours.

Please note:

  • It is against the law to keep any animal that you find
  • It is important to be cautious when approaching strange animals
  • A lost animal may be afraid and attack

Mount Alexander Animal Welfare Inc. (MAAW)

The Mount Alexander Shire dog and cat pound is located at Mount Alexander Animal Welfare.

MAAW Castlemaine is a not for profit animal welfare organisation providing high quality animal care and community education on animal welfare. MAAW finds lifelong homes for surrendered and homeless animals through careful rehoming programs.

The MAAW shelter is at 24 Langslow Street.

All reports of lost and found animals should be directed to the Shelter Manager during business hours on 03 5472 5277.

Monday to Saturday
10.00am - 2.00pm

Closed on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Release fees

The following fees will apply:

  • Cats - $25.00
  • Dogs - $30.00

All animals must be currently registered with Council on their release. Proof of registration must be supplied by the owner. If no proof can be supplied, the animal must be registered at the time of release. The Shelter Manager can accept payment for registrations with the Mount Alexander Shire Council and will issue animal owners with a current registration tag upon payment.

See Dog and Cat Registrations.

Rehoming pets

MAAW also provides a shelter facility for dogs and cats. If you are considering the purchase of a new pet, contact the Shelter Manager for details of animals available for sale.
All sale animals are sold after a thorough vet check and are desexed and fully immunised.

MAAW is urgently seeking volunteers to assist in all aspects of the shelters day to day activities. If you can spare time to assist with cleaning, dog walking and general duties, please register your details with the Shelter Manager.

Animal neglect and cruelty

All reports of animal cruelty or neglect should be directed to RSPCA Victoria, via their cruelty report hotline on 03 9242 222 or by following the link below. Please note, the Castlemaine MAAW is a pound and shelter only and does not handle any such complaints.

All reports of lost and found animals should be reported to Councils Local Laws Department