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)
Regulatory framework consultation
Consultation took place in June and July 2024 on the development of a regulatory framework for Victoria’s pet rehoming sector, namely community foster care networks (CFCNs), also known as rescue groups, and foster carers. The consultation included online expert engagement sessions with critical stakeholders, and online surveys. The Victorian Government heard a range of valuable ideas from across the pet rehoming sector including CFCNs, foster carers, animal shelters, pound, local government and animal welfare organisation.
Download the summary of the consultation activities here
- Regulatory framework consultation summary (PDF - 143.1 KB)
- Regulatory framework consultation summary – accessible (WORD - 1022.5 KB)
Working group
In September 2023, the Rehoming Pets Working Group was formed and consists of 20 sector members representing rescue groups, foster carers, shelters, councils, pounds, animal welfare groups and research and teaching organisations. In collaboration with the Victorian Government, the working group will design, develop and test policy proposals to support the delivery and implementation of the Taskforce recommendations.
Current Members
- Mhairi Roberts, RSPCA Victoria
- Amanda Doolan, Lort Smith
- Amanda Smith, The Lost Dog’s Home
- Mark Menze, Victorian Animal Aid Trust (Animal Aid)
- Fra Atyeo, Bendigo Animal Relief Centre
- Ashlie Price, Melton City Council
- Ben Durant, City of Whittlesea / wat djerring Animal Facility
- Susan Taylor, Homeless Hounds
- Rachel Smith, Animal-Free Science Advocacy Inc
- Nell Thompson, Getting 2 Zero
- Dr Diana Rayment, Australian Institute of Animal Management
- Raphaela Lesmono, Tails of The Forgotten Paws
- Tom Wright, Project Underdog Rescue
- Trisha Taylor, Victorian Dog Rescue & Resource Group Inc
- Nikki Steendam, Beagle Freedom Australia
- Dr Peta Grisby, Bionics Institute
- Dr Carmen Glanville, University of Melbourne
- Dr Lucy Crawford, Bendigo Kangan Institute
More information
For news and updates about the rehoming pet reforms please subscribe to the newsletter.
For more information about the rehoming pet reforms, email pet.reforms@agriculture.vic.gov.au.