Pet rehoming sector reforms
The Victorian Government recognises the valuable services provided by Victoria’s pet rehoming sector and is committed to supporting the sector to continue delivering its important work.
In line with this commitment, in March 2021, the Victorian Government launched the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets (the Taskforce). The Taskforce was established to investigate and provide recommendations to Government on how to improve and further support the rehoming of dogs and cats in Victoria.
The Taskforce comprised then Member for Western Victoria Andy Meddick (Chair), Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards and Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas.
In December 2021, after extensive consultation with the pet rehoming and animal welfare sectors, the Taskforce delivered its final report to Government with 17 recommendations on the following themes:
- how to improve the welfare and survival rates of cats and dogs requiring rehoming while maintaining community safety
- a regulatory framework for the rehoming of pets in Victoria
- how to improve transparency in the movement of animals between shelters, pounds, Community Foster Care Networks and rescue groups
- how to improve information and advice for scientific organisations and Animal Ethics Committees to support the successful rehoming of dogs and cats used in research and teaching
- how to further develop and implement the successful rehoming of dogs and cats used in research and teaching.
Taskforce recommendations build on the 2018 Victorian Government commissioned review of Victoria’s Community Foster Care Network (CFCN) and foster carer operating environment, undertaken by The Bond and Associates (TBA). The review’s resulting Action Plan for Successful Rehoming of Cats and Dogs in Victoria sets out suggested options to strengthen existing arrangements for pet rehoming in Victoria and was used to inform the work of the Taskforce.
Download the action plan:
Taskforce on Rehoming Pets final report to the Victorian Government
Download the Taskforce’s report:
The Victorian Government's response to the Taskforce on Rehoming Pet's report
The Victorian Government has announced its support for the 17 Taskforce recommendations, including the development and implementation of a regulatory framework for Victoria’s pet rehoming sector.
The Victorian Government is committed to supporting the rehoming sector to continue their good work – as well as the work of other partners such as local councils, pounds and shelters, veterinary practitioners, adopters and the community. Government looks forward to working in partnership with the rehoming sector and the community to implement Taskforce recommendations, ensuring a focus on animal welfare, sector needs and community expectations.
Download the Victorian Government’s response to the Taskforce report:
- The Victorian Government response to the final report and recommendations of the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets (PDF - 232.9 KB)
- The Victorian Government response to the final report and recommendations of the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets
(WORD - 335.8 KB)
Progress Update
Significant consultation with the rehoming sector is required to implement the valuable reforms. In June 2023, the Victorian Government rolled out the first phase of consultation with pet rehoming sector stakeholders, including rescue groups, foster carers, council pounds, animal shelters, local government, research organisations, teaching organisations and special interest groups. The consultation included interviews, workshops, and surveys, with the aim of accommodating as many participants as possible.
Download the summary of the consultation activities here:
- Rehoming Pets Reforms Phase 1 Consultation Summary (PDF - 199.5 KB)
- Rehoming Pets Reforms Phase 1 Consultation Summary (WORD - 1.0 MB)
More information
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For more information about the rehoming pet reforms, email pet.reforms@agriculture.vic.gov.au.