Membership Benefits
- Member Certificate
- Use of KCC Park
- Quarterly Newsletter
- Purina Gift Voucher
- CDC Keyring and Emergency notice
- CDC Bumper Sticker
- Canine Code of Ethics
- Access to VCA Library
NOW THERE ARE 2 WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Companion Member of DOGS Victoria - application form (pdf) includes transfer of Limited Register dog
Companion Dog Club only - application form (pdf)
Welcome new members:
- Meca with Ridley
- Sarah and Rowan with Digger
- Cheryl with Bronte and Roxy
- Kate and Haydn with Tonka
- Paul with Obi
If you cannot open the PDFs on this page, please click here to download Adobe Reader for free.
Contact us:
03 9788 2509
BREED RESCUE DIRECTORY
Click here to jump to individual dogs for adoption.
These groups work very hard to make sure their dogs go into a loving, permanent home so please be patient and understanding as it may take some time to determine if a particular dog is right for you. It will definitely be worth the wait!
There is a link to each breed's standard which contains information about the history and characteristics of the breed.
BREED RESCUE GROUPS
Listed alphabetically by breed
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z
AIREDALE TERRIER CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Airedale Terrier
Click here for the club's online rescue page.
ALASKAN MALAMUTE CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Alaskan Malamute
Breed: Alaskan Malamute (also just called Malamute, Mal or Mally)
Website: www.amcv.org.au/Referral.htm
Name of Contact: Sandy Koch (Secretary)
Phone: 03 9714 8540
Email: amcv@bigpond.com
Post: PO Box 41, Hurstbridge VIC 3099
For information about the breed and rescue program please download the Alaskan Malamute Information Sheet. (PDF)
Please be aware: The beautiful Malamutes are very appealing, but these large, powerful dogs are not for everyone. Please read the information and speak to the club to determine if this is the right breed for you.
*This is generally not a good breed to have around young children.* If you are considering a Malamute, you may find the article Is This the Breed for You? (on the AMCV website) to be quite informative.
AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff)
Click here for the club's website. Click the litters/adoption section in the left-hand column.
AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG (AND STUMPY TAIL) RESCUE
Breed information for Australian Cattle Dog and Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog (red or blue heelers, Queensland heelers or smithfields)
Click here for the site which lists cattle dogs in need of a new home throughout Australia.
BASSET HOUND CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Basset Hound
Click here for the club's online rescue page.
BEAGLE RESCUE VICTORIA
Breed information for Beagle
Breed: Beagle
Adoptions Officer: Tam
Phone: 0409 535 930
Email: info@beaglerescuevic.org
Website: www.beaglerescuevic.org
Beagles are one of the most popular breeds because of their looks, personalities and skills. They make a great family pet, but be aware that Beagles are driven by their nose and their tummies and will eat anything within scent and sight.
As they have strong scent hound instincts, they should always be walked on a lead as they will follow their nose rather than you.
For more information about this rescue program, please see the Beagle Rescue Victoria Information Sheet (PDF).
Beagle Rescue Victoria would love to share the story of a very special Beagle, Pippa, who was not suitable for a pet home but has been trained and now makes her living as a professional Termite Detector. Read Pippa's Story here.
BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB
Breed information for Bernese Mountain Dog
Breed: Bernese Mountain Dog (also called Berner or BMD)
Website: www.bmdcv.com.au
Contact: Felicity Broome
Phone:0412 34 6961
Email: felicitybroome@hotmail.com
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy working dog with striking black tan and white distinctive markings and the long double coat. They are a gentle and placid dog devoted to their family.
For more information about this breed and rescue program, please read the Bernese Mountain Dog Information Sheet. (PDF)
BORDER COLLIE CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Border Collie
Older Border Collies that are looking to be rehomed may be available, contact Helen Hassing on 0412 144 646, or contact Kirsten on 0438 359 724.
BOXER RESCUE VICTORIA
Breed information for Boxer
Contact: Jodie
Email: rescueboxers@hotmail.com
Website: www.boxerdogrescue.net
The eternal puppy, the Boxer is a happy, affectionate dog totally devoted to their people. Boxers must be allowed to live inside with their family.
For more information about rescuing a Boxer, please see the Boxer Rescue Victoria Information Sheet (PDF).
BOXER ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Boxer
Visit the website for lost and found and surrendered Boxers available for adoption.
CAIRN TERRIER CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Cairn Terrier
For Cairn Terrier Rescue please contact Mrs Muriel Clarke on 9735 1368 or Mrs Elaine Ferbrache on 9735 4117.
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Click here for the club rescue policy and contact information.
CHIHUAHUA SAFE HOUSE
Breed Information for Chihuahua (Smooth Coat), Chihuahua (Long Coat) and Pomeranian
Breed: Chihuahua (long and smooth coats) and Pomeranians
Name of Contact: Sue Fedrizzi
Phone: 0425 765 890
Email: chihuahuasafehouse@gmail.com
Website: http://people.aapt.net.au/~sfedrizzi/index.html
Thanks to their small size, the Chihuahua and Pomeranian require less space than many other breeds. They are perfect for those living in a flat or small house and make great family pets.
For more information about these breeds and this rescue program, download the Chihuahua Safe House Information Sheet (PDF).
VICTORIAN COLLIE RESCUE
Breed information for Rough Collie and Smooth Collie
Breed: Collie (Rough) and Collie (Smooth)
Name of Contacts: Juliet O'Meara, Sherel Money, Mark Forde
EMAIL: viccollierescue@gmail.com
PHONE:see info sheet
Website: victoriancollierescue.com or ozcollierescue.com
Collies adapt themselves rapidly and extremely well to family life and are the perfect family companion; they have a great sense of propriety, of helpfulness, and loyalty. They are one of the most faithful of all breeds, with a sweet disposition, extremely intelligent, affectionate and sensitive.
Collies are also very clean and are excellent in the house. Rough Collies have a long, dense, double layered coat and require regular grooming to keep it looking its best.
For information about the breed and rescue program please download the Victorian Collie Rescue Information Sheet (PDF). These dogs can be rehomed interstate if the right home can be found.
If you are interested in this breed, please fill out the Vic Collie Rescue Questionnaire and return it to the group for consideration.
DACHSHUND CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed: Dachshunds - Standard and Miniature including:
Smooth Hair |
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| Long Hair |  |
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| Wire Hair |  |
Website: www.dcv.org.au
Name of Contact: Stephanie Goetze-Thies, Secretary
Phone: 0434 530 505
Email: brummeldax@optusnet.com.au
Each variety of the breed is slightly different and therefore the ideal owners would differ each. Please refer to the Club website or speak to the re-homing contact for further information.
For information about the breed and rescue program please download the Dachshund Info Sheet. (PDF)
DALMATIAN CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Dalmatian
Click here to visit the club's online rescue web page.
DOBERMANN CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Dobermann
FLAT COATED RETRIEVER ASSOCIATION
Breed information for Flat Coated Retriever
Breed: Flat Coated Retriever
Website: flatcoated.org.au
Name of Contact: HELEN ELEY
Phone: 03 9742 1764
Email: flatcoat@primus.com.au
This retriever breed are bright, active dogs that like nothing more than to share human companionship; they are very much a people dog.
They are always ready for fun even when advanced in years. They are natural retrievers and love to retrieve anything you throw. This instinct is set firmly in their blue print.
For information about the breed and rescue program please download the Flat Coated Retriever Information Sheet. (PDF)
GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed Information for German Shepherd Dog
Click here for rehoming contacts and a list of German Shepherd Dogs needing a new home.
GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE
Breed Information for German Shepherd Dog
Breed: German Shepherd Dog
Name of Contact: Maya Bar-Tor
Phone: 0408575840
Email: gsdresc@bigpond.net.au
The German Shepherd Dog is a versatile and intelligent animal. Known for herding, guarding, agility, obedience, and protection work, amongst other things, the GSD is lesser know for its bed warming abilities and lap dog status. A constant companion and devoted to the last, the GSD is like no other dog.
Originating from the border country of Germany and France this breed was initially bred as a herd guarding dog and retains the stamina, intelligence, obedience and protectiveness it was originally bred for.
Although they are one of the most popular breeds around, the German Shepherd Dog is not for every person.
For information about the breed and rescue program please download the German Shepherd Rescue Information Sheet. (PDF)
GREAT DANE CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Great Dane
Click here for rescue contacts and happy ending stories from Dane Rescue and Rehoming
40 HOUNDS NEED HOMES
Breed information for Greyhound
Breed: Greyhound
Website: www.40houndsneedhomes.com
Name of Contact: Erin Paton
Phone: 0431 747 130
Email: greyhound_safetynet@yahoo.com.au
Greyhounds are gentle, quiet, clean, low maintenance, low energy dogs that make fantastic pets for many people.
There is a Greyhound to suit anyone! They are especially wonderful for older people because they are so gentle and low energy, and many are great with children also. These dogs can be transported to Victorian homes for no additional charge.
For more information download the 40 Hounds Need Homes Information Sheet (PDF).
GAP - GREYHOUND ADOPTION PROGRAM
Breed information for Greyhound
Breed: Greyhound
Website: www.gap.grv.org.au
Address: 298 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Seymour VIC 3660
Phone: 5799 0166
Email: gap@grv.org.au
Greyhounds are quiet, well mannered, and very easy to live with. They are friendly, affectionate, lazy, calm, clean, loving, trusting and good-natured.
HUNGARIAN VIZSLA CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Hungarian Vizsla
Click here for the Hungarian Vizsla Club's rescue service.
IRISH SETTER CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Irish Setter
Click here for the Irish Setter Club's Rescue web page.
JACKS 4 LIFE
Breed Information for Jack Russell Terrier
Breed of Dog: Jack Russell Terrier
Rescue Group Name: Jacks 4 Life
Name of Contact: Steve Cook
Email: jacks4life@live.com.au
Website: www.freewebs.com/jacks4life/
Jacks 4 Life is an information resource for people researching breeds to adopt/purchase, in particular Jack Russells.
Jack Russells are hunters and have a strong prey drive. They have lots of energy and love people.
They require firm training, and as part of their background, they will also no doubt dig and bark.
Overall they are a very hardy dog, with lots of energy and personality.
For information about the breed and rescue program please download the Jacks 4 Life Information Sheet. (PDF)
LABRADOR RETRIEVER CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Labrador Retriever
Click here for the Labrador club's rescue website.
MASTIFF CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Mastiff
For information about the club's rescue program please contact Ms. Brodie Hobbs on 03 9746 1463.
OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG
Breed information for Old English Sheepdog
Click here for the OES club's Welfare and Rescue contacts.
POMERANIAN RESCUE
Please see Chihuahua Safehouse
PUG RESCUE
Breed Information for Pug
PO Box 4802, Knox City Centre, VIC 3152
Name of Contact:
Joanna
Phone:
0488 784 497
Email:
info@pugrescue.org.au
Website:
www.pugrescue.org.au
PYRENEAN MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Pyrenean Mountain Dog
PYRENEAN RESCUE SERVICE
If you learn of a Pyrenean in an animal shelter or have picked up a stray, please contact the secretary or one of the following club members:
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Geelong area: Debra Nuredini on 0401 862 508
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North Melbourne area: Vivienne James on 03 9710 12
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Pakenham-Warragul area: Greg Munro on 03 5942 7628
RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Rhodesian Ridgeback
Click here to contact Adopt a Ridgeback
SCHNAUZER CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Schnauzer, Giant Schnauzer and Miniature Schnauzer
For information about adopting a Schnauzer please contact Shelley Hancox on 5274 9242 or schnauzerclub@hotmail.com.
SCOTTISH TERRIER CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Scottish Terrier
Breed: Scottish Terrier (also called Scottie)
Website: stcvic.wordpress.com/
Name of Contact: Judy Haynes
Phone: 03 9547 8210
Email: briarbush@ihug.com.au
Scotties are loyal and faithful, dignified, independent and reserved, but courageous and highly intelligent. They are known for having the reserved nature of a true Scotsman.
There are no Scotties currently available for adoption, but if you are interested in this breed, please contact Judy to register your interest and be put on a waiting list in the event an adult Scottie does need to be re-homed.
SHAR PEI RESCUE
Breed information for Shar Pei
Breed: Shar Pei
Website: www.sharpeirescue.com.au
Name of Contact: Amanda Booth
Phone: 0432 710 765
Email: amanda.booth@sharpeirescue.com.au
The Shar Pei should not be chosen simply because you want something different.
It can be an excellent, appealing family dog and a worthy watchdog and will accommodate itself to most living situations.
It can also be stubborn, self-willed and try to dominate its owner. The heavily wrinkled skin which gives this breed its unique appearance brings with it a heavy responsibility to take care of it.
This is definitely not a breed for novice dog-owners.
For information about the breed and rescue program please download the Shar Pei Rescue Information Sheet (PDF)
SHETLAND SHEEPDOG CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
Click here for the Sheltie Club's rescue site.
SIBERIAN HUSKY CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Siberian Husky.
Click here for the Husky Club's online rescue services.
STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy)
Click here for the Staffy Club's rescue service.
TIBETAN SPANIEL ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Tibetan Spaniel
Click here for Tibetan Spaniel Club rescue contacts.
WEIMARANER CLUB OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Weimaraner
Click here for Weimaraner Club rescue information.
WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER CLUB
Breed information for West Highland White Terrier (Westie)
For rescue services contact Mary-Ann O'Reilly on 03 5264 5021.
WHIPPET ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA
Breed information for Whippet
Click here for information on adopting a Whippet.
Find more purebred dogs in Victoria available for adoption on the dogzonline rescue page.
Some breed clubs have rescue on an as-needed basis or have adult dogs available for rehoming through their members. If you do not see the breed of dog you are after in the list above please visit the DOGS Victoria breeds list for links to all breed clubs in Victoria and contact them directly for adult or rescue dogs.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z
If you are interested in adding your club's rescue contact to our directory, please fill out the Rescue Questionnaire and email or post it back to us at the address below.
If you are interested in buying a puppy, please visit the DOGS Victoria breeder's directory to find a responsible, ethical breeder that will provide you with a healthy and socialised puppy.
Before you consider buying from a pet shop, newspaper ad or website, please take a look at the Where Do Puppies Come From? website.
Myths About Adopting Dogs
Adapted from www.gsdrescue.org
I have small children, so I should get a puppy.
Without a doubt, this is the most common reason people want a puppy. A sweet, small puppy just seems like the best choice for sweet, small children.
Puppies have needle-teeth that they happily sink into anyone who walks by. They also have sharp nails that scratch when they jump up -- and on a little one, those front feet can land right around their face.
Puppies leave presents that your toddler always seems to find before you do. Puppies wake your children during the night. And a puppy doesn't know the difference between his stuffed toy and Emma's teddy that she MUST have to fall asleep.
And suppose you get a puppy when little Billy is 2. In six months, Billy will be about 1 inch taller and 2 kilos heavier. However, the 8 month old puppy will now be as tall as Billy and outweigh him by a fair bit. And those baby teeth will have been replaced by big snappers that need to chew.
Of course, puppies and small children do successfully co-habitate. But it's a good bet that your child will go through far less bandages with a calmer 2 + year old dog who is road-tested with children.
It's better to get a puppy. With an older dog, you never know what you're getting
While that seems to make sense, the exact opposite is true. All puppies are cute; all puppies love everyone. It's not until a dog hits sexual maturity that some innate behavioural problems start to surface.
The truth is this: when you adopt a 4 month old puppy, you can only guess what kind of adult she'll make, especially if you don't know much about the breeder or the dog's parents. When you adopt an 18-month-old (or even older) dog, you can predict pretty accurately what kind of dog you'll have forever.
I'm unsure about getting a rescue dog, because I'm afraid he won't bond to me
That sound you hear is all the people with rescued dogs falling over laughing. Because the exact opposite is nearly always true--your rescue dog will CLING to you.
Look at it from the dog's perspective. He's spent the bulk of the last year on a 6 foot chain in someone's back yard because he committed the unconscionable sin of no longer being a puppy. At some point during the day, someone may remember to bring him food and water. The only attention he gets is when they yell at him for barking.
Finally, they take him for a car ride--dumping him in a wooded area where he can have a fighting chance. Despite everything, he waits there for their return or tries to get back home. He finds water somewhere. He raids rubbish bins and gets sick. If he's extremely lucky, he survives long enough for an animal lover to find him and bring him to the shelter.
Then he sits in the loud, scary shelter run, starting to lose faith that his family will ever find him. The kennel people are nice, but he is one of a hundred needy dogs they have to care for.
And then you take him home.
You not only bring him into your house, you give him his own bed and bowl, and a crate where he feels safe. You speak quietly. When he makes a mistake, you don't seem to mind--you gently correct him while he learns the rules of your house. You feed him regularly AND give him toys and treats and bones. He sleeps in your room. He may even have a big brother or sister to play with. He gets cuddles. And when he goes out in the car, he always comes back.
Your rescue dog's biggest fear is that you will spontaneously combust.
He's not going to let you out of his sight for one minute. People with rescue dogs learn to function with a furry shadow following them everywhere.
Of course, not every rescue dog is 'dumped' (see FAQ above) but regardless of why your adopted dog needs a new home, it will be grateful to you for giving it one and love you as only a dog can!
I don't want to have my rescue dog spayed or neutered
Most rescue groups have a desexing policy that is not negotiable. If everyone prevented irresponsible breeding, they'd be happily out of business. Do not humanise your dog--no one's asking you to neuter yourself. Your dog will be healthier and more comfortable once she or he is shifted into neutral--and will also be a much more pleasant companion.
Neutered male dogs roam less, mark less territory, and are generally less aggressive.
Spayed female dogs avoid the messy and annoying heat cycles, and are not at risk for unwanted pregnancy.
And both males and females are less likely to get certain illnesses once they have been desexed.
Advantages of a Senior Dog
Used with kind permission from Senior Dog Rescue
There are many advantages when opening your heart and your home to a 'senior' dog
Older more settled dogs are an excellent option for senior humans.
The older dog's personality is generally more stable and predictable.
Older dogs are usually house trained.
Older dogs tend to be more sedate and don't require as much time and patience as a younger more playful one.
They are less destructive and 'don't get into everything', they have learned 'no'.
They have often had some basic obedience training.
They have usually been well socialised and get along well with humans and other dogs and in some cases cats as well.
They are often more affectionate and more content to just be in quiet company and appreciate love and attention.
They learn quickly what is expected of them they are calmer and more patient.
They are a known commodity and can easily be assessed for behaviour and temperament.
Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well.
- Bonnie Wilcox, 'Old Dogs, Old Friends'
What can YOU do?
Used with kind permission from Senior Dog Rescue
Help reduce the number of dogs wandering the streets, surrendered to the pound, dumped in the bush or even worse, left to survive un-cared for alone in the backyard. You can, everyone can help.
1. Never buy an animal from a Petshop or the Classifieds.
Why? To stop impulse buys. To halt the trade in backyard bred animals of unknown parentage and health by unregistered greedy breeders. To resist buying an animal without due consideration, research and trial periods.
2. Don't buy a designer cross breed puppy.
Why? They are mutts not breeds. They have no genetic history or vet clearances for genetic problems. They can take the worst aspects of 2 or more breeds combine and exacerbate them - both in health and temperament. There is no such breed as a Cavoodle! There is nothing wrong with mutts, but we don't need to 'make' more of them. It's not fair to them.
3. Encourage people to adopt from a pound, shelter or rescue group.
Why? To help keep them from being killed for no good reason. Give them what they truly deserve, a second chance at a decent life.
4. Neuter or spay all pets.
Why? To avoid accidental pregnancy. As a way of preventing behaviour problems like aggression in males. Preventing health problems like pyometra and mammary cancer in females and testicular cancer in males.
5. Actively support your local or favourite pound, shelter or rescue group in whatever way you can.
Please ensure they are responsibly desexing animals before rehoming! Many an unethical breeder will get new 'stock' to breed with from pounds that don't desex. Better a dog is killed humanely than suffer life as a breeding machine!
EVERYONE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE..............
Please also see our Rescue FAQ on the individual dog adoption page.
The following websites support the Companion Dog Club Adoption Directory and many of the rescue groups listed with us:
Oz Doggy - Supporting Pet Rescue in Australia
(This is site supports animal shelters in the US. To my knowledge there is no equivalent in Australia but if you know of one please let me know and I'll be more than happy to put it up)
The Companion Dog Club is an iniative of
and sponsored by
KCC Park
655 Westernport Hwy (Dandenong-Hastings Rd)
Skye, VIC 3977
Mel Ref 128 J12
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