Almost 1,000 animals rehomed from Ballarat Animal Shelter in 2024

Last year concluded with an impressive 994 animals being adopted from the Ballarat Animal Shelter, including 638 cats and kittens, 352 dogs and puppies, 3 rabbits and even a pig, who has gone on to live on a farm with other pigs and farm animals.  

June 2024 was a bumper month for adoptions, with 108 animals finding their new fur-ever homes during that month.  

The Ballarat Animal Shelter was once again overwhelmed with the community’s generosity during the annual December Christmas Donation Drive, which allowed some wonderful treats to be provided to the animals that stayed in the shelter over the holiday period, as well as sharing items with local not-for-profits such as Uniting and Soup Bus.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said it was heartwarming to see the generosity of the Ballarat community despite the current cost of living crisis.  

“People have been wonderful in donating treats and toys for our shelter residents to enjoy over the Christmas-New Year break, and help our staff provide great enrichment for these animals,” she said.  

Amazingly, the shelter is at capacity for donations and cannot accept any more items at this time. The shelter will advise when donations have been re-opened.  

While the City of Ballarat provides for a standard diet of Royal Canin dry food for both dogs and cats, and wet food as an additional treat, donations of treats are always extremely welcome.

Animals are always available for adoption, so please email animalshelter@ballarat.vic.gov.au, or visit 5A Gillingham Place, Alfredton to make an appointment. You can also check out the listings online for the current dogs and cats available.  

There is a rehoming fee of $420 for all dogs and $140 for cats at the Animal Shelter. Which includes all the necessary veterinary checks, microchipping, registration and de-sexing.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said pets are for life, and the choice to adopt a pet should not be taken lightly.  

“An animal can bring a lot of joy to you and your family’s life, why not adopt one that needs a home, and the Ballarat Animal Shelter staff can help find you a perfect match,” she said.