Using CityPetFinder

CityPetFinder uses a single database of animals in the care of the City’s registered animal organisations (RAOs). Find a list of registered animal rescue organisations here

When you enter the physical details of your lost pet, CityPetFinder will allow you to see all possible matches of animals found by these organisations.

How to search

You will need to register first, before you can login, publish information about your lost pet and search possible matches.

Once you have logged in, click on 'Add lost pet' to upload information about your pet and 'My lost pet listings' to review what you've submitted.

To browse, click on 'Search lost pet' for possible matches to your listing(s).

If you identify a pet on CityPetFinder as yours, contact the relevant RAO directly.

Understanding search results

When searching for a lost pet, CityPetFinder will return a list of possible matches. The search results will contain certain information, such as:

• RAO name and ID,
• breed / cross breed
• suburb found, and
• contact details of where the pet is currently being held.

The name, sex, size, microchip number etc. will only be viewable by the RAO. This is to prevent people from stealing a pet or using it for harmful or illegal purposes.

If you see a pet on the system that you think is yours, contact the RAO to verify that the pet is yours, and arrange to fetch him or her. The RAO will do a security check by asking you for the name, sex, size, microchip, and possibly some more details. Once your pet is found, the RAO will remove your pet’s details from the database.

If you have found someone's pet or stray animal

What to do:

• Be careful of the animal – take note of possible warning signs such as baring of teeth and growling.
• Approach all strange dogs with caution and adopt a non-threatening and inviting attitude if trying to check for a collar.
• Take the animal to a registered animal organisation (RAO) or request that it be collected by the RAO. We don’t allow anyone to post their own addresses to the general public on CityPetFinder as this could encourage theft of animals by someone pretending to be the owner.
• Only RAOs will be able to log found pets on CityPetFinder.

Tips to avoid losing your pet

The best action is prevention. Take care of your pet and make sure pets won’t get lost.

• teach your pet a command such as ‘stop!’;
• enclose your garden;
• do not leave your animal in public places unattended;
• have your pet micro-chipped or buy him/her a collar with your contact details engraved on it – speak to one of our registered RAOs or your local vet; and
• make sure you exercise your pet sufficiently to keep it from roaming.

Go to CityPetFinder online

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