WEEKDAYS
Contact the Gold Coast City Council to report the stray animal – (07) 5667 5990. They will collect the animal free of charge from your property. The council have microchip scanners and a database for missing pets so they may be able to deliver the dog straight back to its owner!
If you cannot house the animal or wait for council to collect them from you, take the stray to;
- Coombabah Rehoming Centre – Shelter Road, Coombabah – (07) 5581 7600
- Animal Welfare League (open 7 days & next to council) – (07) 5509 9000
WEEKENDS
Council do not offer a stray pick up service AT ALL from veterinary practices on weekends. On weekends Animal Control Officers patrol dog beaches. Finders of strays should take them to Council holding pens or to the Animal Welfare League. Officers regularly check the pens and once the pen is closed by you, it cannot be re-opened, so the animal is safe. There is water in-built, and the pens are fully secure with shelter.
Locations of council holding pens
- Merrimac Holding Pens – Boowaggan Road
- Staplyton Holding Pens – Rossmans Road
INJURED ANIMALS
If the stray looks sick or injured, contact the RSPCA before you call the Council – 1300 264 625
SOCIAL MEDIA
Check the ‘Gold Coast Lost and Found’ Facebook page. People missing pets often list them as missing on this page so you may be able to locate the owner quickly. You can also put up a post to say you have found the animal and the owner may contact you.
WHY IT IS DIFFICULT FOR VETS TO HOUSE STRAY ANIMALS
1. DISEASE
Unvaccinated, stray animals could be harbouring disease like Kennel Cough which could be spread to sick patients in a veterinary hospital. They could also bring in fleas and other parasites.
2. STRESS
Stray animals are often not desexed, are very active and bark a lot. A quiet space is essential for hospital and surgical patients to recover so housing noisy strays in the same space is simply not fair.
3. CAGE SPACE
Most local veterinary practices do not have the cage space to house stray animals. Its better to take the stray home and call the council from there. The council will collect them direct from you.
4. SAFETY
Unknown strange animals may pose a risk if they are aggressive or have behavioural problems that we have not been warned about by their owners or been able to prepare for. Stray animals pose a risk to veterinary personnel.
