Media release | Moonee Valley lauded for reuniting more lost pets with owners

A Moonee Valley City Council initiative reuniting lost animals with their families has taken out a top Victorian public sector award.  

The Register to Reunite program was last night named winner of the Better Outcomes Through Regulation & Innovation category at the IPAA Victoria Awards.  

Register to Reunite aims to bring down the number of animals impounded or euthanised, by incentivising Moonee Valley residents to register their pets.  

Since launching last November: 

• more pets are being returned to their owners, 

• the time it takes to reunite pets with their owners has halved, and  

• the number of impounded dogs has dropped by one-quarter.  

Mayor of Moonee Valley City Council, Cr Ava Adams, said the award was recognition of Council’s commitment and innovation in ensuring positive outcomes for our community. 

“Our residents love their pets, and we can all imagine the stress a missing pet has on us and our family,” Cr Adams said. 

“In the age of microchipping, it can be easy to overlook the benefit of registering your pet with Council. But registration is vital for returning lost pets to their owners quickly and without added expense. 

“By focussing on education, instead of enforcement, we’ve managed to reunite more lost pets with their owners and in turn reduce stress on animal shelters. 

“I’d like to congratulate our council officers whose dedication and innovative approach has made Register to Reunite such a successful and now award-winning program.”