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Monday 8am - 10pm Tuesday 8am - 10pm Wednesday 8am - 10pm Thursday 8am - 10pm Friday 8am - 10pm Saturday 8am - 10pm Sunday 8am - 10pm

Lort Smith, 24 Villiers Street, Melbourne (2026)

03/06/2026

For the past 10 years, Jo has been a familiar and much-loved face at Lort Smith Animal Hospital. Whether she’s caring for cats, mentoring new volunteers, tackling laundry duties or fostering kittens, Jo’s dedication has made a difference to countless animals and people alike.
Jo first began volunteering at North Melbourne while working part-time, helping in the laundry. When the Campbellfield Adoption Centre opened, she joined the cattery team and quickly found her place.
“I’m part of the furniture there now,” Jo laughed.
A decade later, Jo still volunteers in the laundry every second weekend at North Melbourne and spends her Saturdays and Sundays caring for cats at Campbellfield.
“I love it. It’s my passion now. Some people love golf, but I love volunteering at Lort Smith,” Jo said.
Now retired, Jo says volunteering has become her “home away from home” and something that gives back just as much as she gives.
“It’s satisfying, the people are great, the staff are great and I really enjoy the connection with people who love animals,” she said.
Her love of helping animals extends beyond the shelter walls. For the past seven years, Jo has opened her home to foster kittens, helping vulnerable youngsters grow and thrive until they are ready for adoption.
“I love fostering kittens. It’s a privilege to watch them grow and flourish,” she said.
One of her current foster kittens, Edamame, holds a special place in her heart.
“She was skin and bones when she came to me, and now she’s fit, happy and ready to be adopted.”
Jo also adopted her own cat, Odie, from Lort Smith in 2024.
And after 10 years of service, Jo has no plans of slowing down.
“I’ll do it for as long as I can stand up,” she said. “I aspire to do 30 years. I just love it.”
Thank you, Jo, for a decade of compassion, dedication and kindness. The countless animals, staff, volunteers and adopters whose lives you’ve touched are better for having you as part of the Lort Smith family.

Pictured here are Jo and her foster kittens.

02/06/2026

Nine-year-old Beagle, Poppy, gave her family quite a scare after helping herself to several pieces of chewing gum containing both caffeine and xylitol.
Poppy’s dad, Paul, suspects she ate around six pieces of the gum after finding wrappers scattered across the floor. The gum had been inside his daughter’s bag, which had been placed on a bedroom floor.
“Poppy is a bit of a scavenger, and she must have found the gum in the bag,” Paul said.
Although Poppy appeared completely normal, her family knew that both caffeine and xylitol can be dangerous for dogs and rushed her to Lort Smith’s Emergency Department.
Xylitol poisoning in dogs is serious and potentially fatal. Xylitol, a sweetener commonly found in sugar-free products such as gum, can cause a rapid release of insulin in dogs, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar and, in severe cases, liver failure. Caffeine is also toxic to dogs, causing symptoms such as restlessness, hyperactivity, tremors, elevated heart rate and seizures.
“She wasn’t showing any symptoms, but we wanted to get her checked out just in case,” Paul said.
Our team quickly assessed and treated her before the combination of toxins could cause any serious effects. Thanks to her family’s quick action, Poppy was able to return home the same day.
“She was a bit hyperactive when we got home, but otherwise she was completely normal. She’s fine now,” Paul said.
Poppy’s story is a reminder that some foods and treats commonly found around the home can contain ingredients that are potentially toxic to pets. Checking ingredient labels and keeping these products securely stored can help prevent an unexpected trip to the vet.

01/06/2026

We’re starting the week with some wonderful news. After spending 270 days waiting for a family of his own, our longest resident and favourite feline Buckley, has finally found his forever home!
The two-year-old charmer recently headed home with Rachael and her dog Boji, and it’s safe to say he has settled in exactly where he belongs.
“I don’t understand what took so long for him to get adopted,” Rachael said. “He can be a little naughty, but he is a cat. He’s so cuddly and affectionate, just adorable and beautiful.”
After recently losing her cat that she adopted from Lort Smith 14 years ago, Rachael said she missed having a cat at home and was ready to welcome another one into her life.
“I was looking at a lot of cats online, and Buckley looked just like my old cat,” she said.
The connection was instant when they met at our Campbellfield Adoption Centre.
“When I met him, he was pretty chill and affectionate, very inquisitive, just everything you want in a cat.”
Now happily settled into his new home, Buckley has quickly become part of the family.
“He sits in the window and waits for me to come home. He’s exactly what I need,” Rachael said.
Described by his new mum as “a character”, Buckley has fully embraced home life.
“He’s just a dude, a bro,” she laughed. “He likes to chill, enjoys sitting by the fireplace and running up and down the hallway. He’s a bit chunky so it sounds like he’s galloping.”
Buckley and Boji have also become firm friends.
“They play together, Buckley stalks him a little, but he knows Boji’s boundaries,” Rachael said. “They give each other nose touches and kisses.”
After nine months of waiting, we couldn’t be happier to see Buckley finally enjoying the loving home he deserves. Thank you to Rachael and Boji for giving this beautiful boy the fresh start he’s been waiting for.

29/05/2026

Four-month-old Ragdoll kitten Jasper was playing with his best friend, Bindi, when it took a frightening turn.
Jasper and Bindi were playing together on the bed, like they had many times before, when they both slipped off the edge, and the much larger dog accidently landed on the small kitten.
After the fall, Jasper was unable to use his back left leg properly, and Kayla rushed him to Lort Smith’s Emergency Department for help.
X-rays revealed Jasper had suffered a fracture near the hip joint that required surgery to repair.
Jasper underwent a femoral head ostectomy (FHO), a procedure that removes the damaged part of the hip joint so a new, pain-free false joint can form over time. After around six weeks of recovery and rest, Jasper is expected to get back to all the things he loves most, such as playing with his best friend Bindi.
“They absolutely adore each other,” Kayla, Jasper and Bindi’s mum, said. “Bindi has really been missing him while he’s been recovering.”
The pair are inseparable at home, often curled up together, with Jasper sleeping on Bindi’s head or draped across her whenever he gets the chance.
“The house just hasn’t been the same,” Kayla said. “Jasper is on strict crate rest, so Bindi can’t play or cuddle with him like normal.”
While Jasper recovers, the hardest part for both pets has been not being able to spend time together as they usually would. Normally side by side, the pair are now having to take things slowly while Jasper heals.
For now, Jasper’s focus is on rest, recovery and getting strong enough to get back to playing and cuddling with his best friend Bindi again.

28/05/2026

🚨Please share! 🚨
With the official start of winter just a few days away, we have launched Operation Snugglebug, our annual winter blanket, towel and treats drive.
Every year, more than 20,000 animals visit our hospital and adoption centre seeking warmth, comfort and the best possible care from our teams across North Melbourne and Campbellfield.
Heading up the mission again this year is Detective Pupster Smith, who is hard at work sniffing out all the generous and kind members of our community willing to donate this winter and help keep our animals warm and their tummies full.
Soft blankets, towels and treats may seem simple, but they make a world of difference for pets staying in hospital or shelter care, helping them feel safe, secure and comfortable while they recover or wait for a new home.
Much needed donations can be dropped off or couriered to:
Lort Smith Animal Hospital: 24 Villiers Street, North Melbourne, Vic 3051
Campbellfield Clinic and Adoption Centre: 25-35 Berwick Road, Campbellfield, Vic 3061
For a full list on what we can and cannot accept this winter please visit: https://lortsmith.com/support-our-work/in-kind-donations/

27/05/2026

✨Lottie has been adopted!!!✨
Seven-year-old Lottie is the definition of a seasoned sweetheart, with a playful streak and plenty of Staffy charm still packed into her little body. After being surrendered due to allergies in the family, this lovely girl is now searching for a fresh start with people who will adore her just as much as she’ll adore them.
True to her Staffordshire roots, Lottie firmly believes she should be the centre of attention at all times, and honestly, she makes a pretty convincing case for it. Whether she’s curled up beside you on the couch, proudly carrying around a squeaky toy, or keeping watch from the window like the neighbourhood supervisor, Lottie is happiest simply being near her people.
Despite being seven years old, Lottie still has plenty of s***k left in her and absolutely loves a game of fetch. She also enjoys backyard playtime and soaking up as many head scratches and cuddles as possible throughout the day.
Lottie is polite around other dogs but is far more interested in human company, and would much rather spend her time bonding closely with her family than worrying about canine friendships. She’s affectionate, loyal and ready to be someone’s constant companion.
If you’re looking for a loving best friend who will happily keep you company through life’s quieter moments and bring plenty of personality along the way, Lottie would love to meet you. Come visit her at Campbellfield Adoption Centre or fill out an expression of interest today.
https://lortsmith.com/adoption/available-for-adoption/lottie/
Microchip No: 956000011152372
Source code: BR296075

26/05/2026

Seven-year-old French bulldog, Dude, certainly has a taste for the finer things in life, which is why he decided to help himself to a very fancy gift left wrapped on the coffee table.
“It was my mum’s Mother’s Day present,” Sierra, Dude’s mum, said. “About $50 worth of Koko Black chocolate; dark chocolate covered coffee beans, macadamia nuts dusted in cocoa, and orange oil chocolates. My mum left the bag on the coffee table without thinking before we stepped out to see a show.”
That was all the opportunity Dude needed.
He ate everything. Chocolate, coffee beans, macadamia nuts… even some of the packaging for good measure.
“He looked pregnant,” Sierra said. “You could actually feel the lumps of nuts through his belly.”
Like many French bulldogs, Dude may be compact, but he has a very clear sense of ambition when it comes to food. And apparently, no remorse.
“He didn’t learn his lesson,” Sierra said. “The next day he tried to steal sushi off the table. He’s not sorry for his actions.”
Knowing that dark chocolate and coffee beans are toxic to dogs, Sierra didn’t hesitate to rush him to Lort Smith’s Emergency Department.
“I didn’t realise macadamia nuts were toxic to dogs,” she said. “If he hadn’t eaten the chocolate as well, I honestly wouldn’t have known to bring him in.”
Our team quickly assessed and treated him before the combination of toxins could cause any serious effects.
Macadamia nuts, chocolate and coffee beans all contain compounds that dogs can’t process safely. Even small amounts can cause serious illness, and in combination they significantly increase the risk of toxicity.
Dude’s story is a reminder that curious noses, especially the ones with zero shame, can get into serious trouble when sweet treats are left within reach.

25/05/2026

More than 100 days ago, Swifty arrived to Campbellfield Adoption Centre absolutely terrified.
Everything about shelter life felt overwhelming for him. New smells, unfamiliar sounds, different people walking past his room every day, it was all just too much for a little cat who had never really learned that humans could be safe.
In those early days, Swifty would spend most of his time tucked away, watching the world carefully from a hiding spot where he felt protected. Even the smallest interactions felt scary to him.
But over time, something started to change.
The team caring for Swifty began learning the little things that make him feel safe. Sitting quietly nearby without asking anything of him. Offering creamy treats. Gentle play sessions with feather wands from a comfortable distance. Moving slowly, speaking softly, letting him decide when he was ready.
And little by little, Swifty started showing us who he really is.
A curious boy who peeks out to watch what you’re doing. A playful cat who can’t resist a feather toy. A gentle soul who wants connection, but just needs time to believe it’s safe.
The progress might seem small to some people, but for Swifty, every step has been huge. The first time he stayed out in the open a little longer. The moments he stopped hiding straight away when staff entered the room. The quiet confidence that’s slowly beginning to replace fear.
Cats like Swifty ask for patience, but they also give something incredibly special in return. When a shy cat finally chooses to trust you, to sit a little closer, accept a gentle pat, or simply relax in your presence, it feels completely earned.
Swifty is looking for a calm, adult-only home with someone kind enough to let him settle in at his own pace and continue the journey we’ve started with him here.
Swifty has Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, which is a slow-acting virus that eventually makes cats less able to fight off infection. However, because it is such a slow acting virus many FIV positive cats can enjoy a normal lifespan with no apparent health problems resulting from the virus.
If you have a peaceful home and a patient heart, Swifty may just be the perfect companion for you. Come visit him at Campbellfield Adoption Centre or submit an expression of interest today.
https://lortsmith.com/adoption/available-for-adoption/swifty/
Microchip No: 956000017248317
Source code: BR296075

25/05/2026

More than 100 days ago, Swifty arrived to Campbellfield Adoption Centre absolutely terrified.
Everything about shelter life felt overwhelming for him. New smells, unfamiliar sounds, different people walking past his room every day, it was all just too much for a little cat who had never really learned that humans could be safe.
In those early days, Swifty would spend most of his time tucked away, watching the world carefully from a hiding spot where he felt protected. Even the smallest interactions felt scary to him.
But over time, something started to change.
The team caring for Swifty began learning the little things that make him feel safe. Sitting quietly nearby without asking anything of him. Offering creamy treats. Gentle play sessions with feather wands from a comfortable distance. Moving slowly, speaking softly, letting him decide when he was ready.
And little by little, Swifty started showing us who he really is.
A curious boy who peeks out to watch what you’re doing. A playful cat who can’t resist a feather toy. A gentle soul who wants connection, but just needs time to believe it’s safe.
The progress might seem small to some people, but for Swifty, every step has been huge. The first time he stayed out in the open a little longer. The moments he stopped hiding straight away when staff entered the room. The quiet confidence that’s slowly beginning to replace fear.
Cats like Swifty ask for patience, but they also give something incredibly special in return. When a shy cat finally chooses to trust you, to sit a little closer, accept a gentle pat, or simply relax in your presence, it feels completely earned.
Swifty is looking for a calm, adult-only home with someone kind enough to let him settle in at his own pace and continue the journey we’ve started with him here.
Swifty has Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, which is a slow-acting virus that eventually makes cats less able to fight off infection. However, because it is such a slow acting virus many FIV positive cats can enjoy a normal lifespan with no apparent health problems resulting from the virus.
If you have a peaceful home and a patient heart, Swifty may just be the perfect companion for you. Come visit him at Campbellfield Adoption Centre or submit an expression of interest today.
https://lortsmith.com/adoption/available-for-adoption/swifty/
Microchip No: 956000017248317
Source code: BR296075

Lort Smith

03/06/2026

02/06/2026

01/06/2026

29/05/2026

28/05/2026

27/05/2026

26/05/2026

25/05/2026

25/05/2026

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Monday	8am - 10pm
Tuesday	8am - 10pm
Wednesday	8am - 10pm
Thursday	8am - 10pm
Friday	8am - 10pm
Saturday	8am - 10pm
Sunday	8am - 10pm