09/10/2026
Always engage in a reputable pet sitter.
THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED TO AVI
Avi is a beloved 15-month-old Golden Retriever from Werribee, Victoria, who was devastatingly torn away from his family.
In August 2026, Avi’s owners left him in the care of a pet minder while they travelled overseas for a month, placing their trust in the person they had chosen to care for their dog.
They also reportedly paid $1,500 upfront for his care during their absence, fully trusting the minder with Avi under an agreement that he would be cared for and returned to them when they came home.
But that is not what happened
While Avi’s owners were overseas, Avi was taken to a veterinary clinic and presented as a stray on August 18.
His microchip details were reportedly not up to date, meaning his connection to his family was not established.
A dog who had a family and owners who loved him sadly entered the shelter system instead.
After the standard stray hold was completed, Avi was adopted into a new home sometime between 31 August and 13 September.
His owners and Avi were now completely separated, with no known way for them to be reunited.
Regardless of the circumstances that led to this point, the heartbreaking reality is that Avi is separated from the family who love him. His owners miss him dearly and have paid a devastating price for what happened.
Avi was not a stray. He was not without owners. He had a family who loved him, who were waiting to bring him home and who still miss him every single day.
We are sharing this appeal for them because we want to find Avi, and we are appealing directly to his new owners.
Avi’s family understands that you love him and may already be attached to this beautiful boy. They know you have no blame in this situation and that you welcomed him into your home in good faith, believing he needed one.
But they are asking you, from the bottom of their hearts, to please reach out.
Avi’s owners are offering $2,000 for his return but more than anything, they are just asking for a conversation.
If you know where Avi is, or if you are Avi’s new adopters, we kindly ask that you contact Pawsafe who will mediate the situation.
Whatever the eventual solution may be, two families have been affected by what happened here, and so has a dog who never should have been caught in the middle.
We truly sympathise with everyone involved in this situation, including Avi’s adopters, who welcomed him into their home with nothing but good intentions. No one is to blame for what has happened except the cruel and selfish person whose actions set this heartbreaking situation in motion. But we have a responsibility to do what we believe is right for Avi, and we believe he deserves the chance to go back home.
Please share this appeal. We just want the best possible outcome for Avi and for everyone involved in this deeply unfair situation.
