Ballarat Animal Shelter

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Ballarat Animal Shelter

The Ballarat Animal Shelter is managed and operated by the City of Ballarat, and assists nearby coun Welcome to the Ballarat Animal Shelter’s page.

We encourage your comments and input, but ask that you please behave in a responsible, respectful manner. If necessary, we will review and remove any comments that:

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People who repeatedly breach these guidelines will be blocked. If the breach is considered to be serious, we may choose to block users immediately. Please note that due to staffing resources, reviewing, moderating and replying to posts will generally occur during our regular business hours of Monday-Friday, 8:15am-5pm. Any posts submitted outside these times will receive a response as soon as possible the following business day. Content shared on any Ballarat Council social network reflects the views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the official views of the Ballarat Council.

08/09/2026

Know your breed

🔦 SPOTLIGHT: The Staghound🐾🐕🔦

Size: Tall, lean and athletic. Males stand roughly 66–81 cm tall and weigh 25–45 kg. Females are slightly smaller, standing 61–74 cm tall and weighing 20–39 kg.

Temperament: Intensely loyal, highly affectionate, and surprisingly calm or "couch-potato-like" around the house.

Something to consider: They possess a severe, lightning-fast prey drive. They have exceptional visual acuity and will chase anything that runs, making them unsafe around small pets unless heavily socialised.

Common Health Issues: Historically bred purely for working function, they are an incredibly resilient type with no known breed-specific genetic conditions. However, due to their deep chests and low body fat, they are highly prone to life-threatening gastric bloat (torsion) and have an extreme sensitivity to veterinary anaesthesia.

Costs to Own: Moderate-to-high. Day-to-day coat maintenance is very cheap, but they require substantial amounts of high-quality food during their fast-growing puppy years to protect their joints.

06/09/2026

🐾🐈 ADOPTION UPDATE: Socks 🐈🐾

Now in her new home, and with a new name - Roxy - this sweet, gentle girl has found her place. Having settled in and become more confident, she's discovered her favourite spots to relax, and she brings her new owner so much happiness.

We're so happy for you Roxy. You have clearly found your human companion. 💕

04/09/2026

🐴 Responsible horse ownership 🐴

Thinking about getting a horse? Or need to rehome yours?

Horses are a big commitment and require:
- ongoing care
- appropriate facilities
- food and water
- veterinary attention
- most importantly, responsible ownership.

Before taking on a horse, make sure you’re prepared for the commitment — not just today, but for the years ahead.

If rehoming your horse, make sure you have thoroughly vetted the new owner, considering all the needs required to keep a horse.

If you can’t care for an animal, seek help early. Don’t abandon them.

To view the regulatory standards relating to horse ownership, visit the Agriculture Victoria or Animal Welfare Victoria websites.

01/09/2026

H5 bird flu is present in wild birds in Victoria. While the risk of H5 bird flu in pets is extremely low, it's best to take precautions.

If you're out walking your dog or spending time outdoors:

🐕 Keep dogs on a lead in areas with native wildlife

🚫 Don't allow pets to investigate or eat dead animals

🐱 Stop cats from roaming and hunting wildlife

To protect Ballarat Animal Shelter animals, the following restrictions are currently in place:

❎City of Ballarat Animal Management Officers will no longer collect or assist with waterfowl collection, poultry rehoming, companion bird impounds.

❎The Ballarat Animal Shelter will not impound any species of any birds at any time. Community will be redirected to local veterinarians.

If you suspect H5 bird flu in birds, mammals, poultry or other captive birds, report it immediately by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or to DEECA online.

Find out more at agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

30/08/2026

🐕🐾ADOPTION UPDATE: Dozer 🐾🐕

Dozer has settled in beautifully with his new family. He has his place on the bed during the day and sleeps on his big bed next to mum and dad during the night. 😴

He found the kids' stash of soft toys and of a night he enters their room, collects the toys one by one, and surrounds himself with them in the loungeroom. He is not destructive though, just likes to play with them. 🧸

He has shown some anxiety with certain noises but is slowly learning he is safe. At the start he was cautious around his food, choosing to graze throughout the day but after the first week he started wolfing down his breakfast and dinner with no concern.

All in all, he is a beautiful gentle giant, loves a snuggle and a pat and to be close to his new people. Some areas still need a little work, but for now it's about making sure he feels safe and loved. 💕

We're so happy for you Dozer in finding your forever home 🏠🐾🐕💕

26/08/2026

Know your breed

🔦 SPOTLIGHT: The Kelpie 🐾🐕🔦

Size: Lithe, athletic and muscular. Males typically stand 46–51 cm tall (weighing 14–20 kg), while females stand 43–48 cm tall (weighing 11–18 kg).

Temperament: Intensely loyal, alert and independent thinkers with a natural urge to work.

Something to consider: They possess an almost inexhaustible energy supply and require heavy mental and physical stimulation to prevent severe boredom, which can lead to destructive digging, barking, or herding of children and other pets.

Common health issues: Generally, a very hardy and healthy breed due. However, they can be genetically prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA causing vision loss), and occasional patellar luxation (an orthopedic condition where the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal groove in the thighbone).

Costs to own: Moderate ongoing maintenance costs. While they have basic grooming needs, they require high-quality, calorie-dense nutrition to keep up with their fast metabolism and high activity levels.

23/08/2026

🐾🐈 ADOPTION UPDATE: Harvey 🐈🐾

After a few days of hiding in a safe spot, Harvey slowly but surely came to realise he is safe and welcome in his new home. He was eager to make friends with his new roommates (they were a bit more sceptical) and but he won them over with his friendly nature and good looks.

His new owners are learning new things about Harvey every day (e.g.: he is a very loud snorer!) and we are sure there will be plenty more highlights ahead.

We love you Harvey and so happy you have found your forever home 💕🏠

❤️

18/08/2026

🐾🐕 TRAINING TIP TUESDAY: Know Your Dog 🐕🐾

The main reason a dog is surrendered to the shelter is because it is the wrong fit. We know not all dogs are the same, but certain breeds have certain personalities. So if you want to succeed, know your breed.

🔦 SPOTLIGHT: The Staffy (Staffordshire bull terrior)

Size: Categorised as a medium dog, they are a ball of muscle. An English staffy will stand between 36 – 41 cm tall and weigh between 11–20 kg. An American staffy will be bigger.

Temperament: Exceptionally affectionate, people-oriented, and strong! Known as "nanny dogs" for their affinity with children, they have high energy levels and require daily physical exercise and plenty of opportunity to chew!

Something to consider: Their love for people means they don't cope well when left alone and can suffer from extreme anxiety when they are. This can manifest as howling, barking or destructive behaviour.

Common health issues: Prone to hereditary cataracts, L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (L2HGA - a metabolic disorder affecting the nervous system), hip dysplasia, skin and gut allergies, and knee issues like luxating patella.

Cost to own: Their short coats require minimal grooming, keeping day-to-day maintenance affordable. There is potential for high medical costs later in life if they inherit genetic conditions. Skin and gut allergies may require a special diet.

For more detailed info visit: https://www.greencrossvets.com.au/pet-library/breed-guide/dog/is-a-staffordshire-bull-terrier-right-for-your-family/

16/08/2026

🐾 ADOPTION UPDATE: Paddie 🐕🐾

Paddie the black kelpie was adopted from the shelter in early August and we were delighted to learn he has settled right into his new home. And with a new name - Jett!

He has grown in confidence, really coming out of his shell. He is gentle and affectionate with his family's two young children, who have quickly fallen in love with him. ❤️

He's learning his manners and doing a fantastic job with toilet training. Like any young dog, he's enjoyed a bit of digging and chewing, but he's also discovered the joy of dog toys and is keeping busy in all the right ways. Best of all, he's gaining weight and is looking healthier and happier every day.

Seeing dogs like Jett thrive in their forever homes is why we do what we do. Thank you to his wonderful family for sharing this update. It sounds like he has found the perfect match. 🐶💕

06/08/2026

Work is underway! We are so excited 🐱🐶🐾

Address

5a Gillingham Place
Ballarat, VIC
3350

Telephone

+61353342075

Website

https://www.petrescue.com.au/groups/11504/Ballarat-Animal-Shelter

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