RSPCA Shelters

The RSPCA run a number of animal shelters across Victoria which provide care for approximately 40,000 animals a year. These animals include cats, dogs, livestock and wildlife.

Services vary from location to location, but all provide the highest level of care possible and operate
under the requirements of the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act 1994 and the Code of
Practice for the Management of Dogs and Cats in Shelters and Pounds. Our services to wildlife are
provided under a permit from the State Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Under
the terms of this permit we are not allowed to rehabilitate or release feral, pest or non-native wildlife.
Breaching the conditions of this permit would disqualify the RSPCA from providing vital care to native
birds and animals and pose a real threat to our native flora and fauna.

Burwood East Shelter

At our Burwood East Shelter we provide a 24 hour a day, 7 day per week ambulance service to cater for sick, injured and stray animals in need of help. This service covers
the South Eastern metropolitan area of Melbourne.

We also provide pound services for stray animals from a number of municipalities including; Monash City Council, City of Whitehorse, City of Whittlesea, Glen Eira City Council, Hobsons Bay City Council, Knox City Council and City of Port Phillip. These animals come to us via Council Officers but more frequently from members of the public.

Sadly, many people find themselves unable to continue to care for their animals. Some of the reasons for this include ill health, relocation, change in family circumstances, loss of employment and economic hardship. We provide a place where these owners can surrender their animals. Every animal is assessed for temperament and health and where possible rehoused. Where animals can't be put back in the community because their health is causing suffering or where they pose a risk because of their temperament, they are humanely euthanased by one of our veterinarians.

The shelter services in Burwood East alone cost $2 million dollars each year to operate. The animal shelter receives no government funding and is reliant on the support of the community to deliver its range of services. It is for this reason that we seek donations from those people surrendering their pets and also charge a fee for the adoption of pets.

All RSPCA shelters provide domestic animals for adoption. These animals are desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and treated for fleas and parasites. Adoption fees vary according to the type of animal you wish to adopt, and
whether it is young or of mature age.

We also receive some funds for our pound services, which assists with the cost of caring for those sick, injured and stray animals who are left with us. As a result of our approach to animal welfare we continually need the support of the community. This support, which includes donations and volunteer time are vital to our existence and to the care of the animals.

The Burwood East sit is currently undergoing some major renovations work.  To find out more click here.

For Burwood East Shelter opening hours and contact details click here.

During daylight savings the Burwood East and Pearcedale shelters extend their adoption hours on Thursdays and Fridays.  For more details click here.

Regional Districts

The Society has ten animal shelters across Victoria, nine of which operate as regional Council Pounds. All regional shelters mirror the functions of State Office with regard to operating procedures, adoption prices and services provided to the community. The shelters rely heavily on the support of volunteers and the local community to carry out its work. The RSPCA is continually reviewing its shelter programs across regional Victoria.

RSPCA Regional Shelter Contacts