Adopting Animals

Being the owner of a pet is a HUGE responsibility.

When you adopt a cat or dog they become a member of your family, a bit like bringing a new baby home from the hospital. Just like a baby, they will need lots of love and care for many years to come so it’s very important that you choose a pet that will fit into your family lifestyle.

Here are a few questions you need to ask yourself before buying or adopting a cat or dog

1. Is my backyard big enough for a pet?
2. Will I remember to brush my dog, feed it and take it for daily walks?
3. Will I make sure I bathe my dog regularly?
4. If my dog or cat gets sick, can I afford to take it to the vet?
5. Can I afford to get my pet desexed, vaccinated and microchipped?
6. Will I make sure my pet is registered with Council?

Did you know there are about 165 breeds of dogs in Australia and they all have different personalities? Before choosing a breed you should always find out what sort of personality it is likely to have and if it has any special needs.

Puppies and kittens grow up very fast. It’s important to ask the person you are buying your pet from how big they will grow and what exercise they need.

The cost of owning a cat or dog will depend on the breed you choose. For example, if you have a big dog with a long coat it will not only cost you more to feed than a smaller breed but it will need a regular hair cut too!

A trip to the vet can be costly so keep your pets away from dangerous places and don’t let them play with animals that are sick.

Cats and dogs are not toys. They are friends for life and need constant love and care. Most of all, love your pets and they will love you back even more!

If you answered yes to every one of the questions above, perhaps you are ready to own a cat or dog.

Please visit our Facebook page to see the animals currently available for adoption.

The adoption fees set by Council go towards the care of the animal, as well as a number of services including but not limited to microchipping, feeding and housing. 

These adoption fees help cover the medical care of the animal they wait for a new home, as well as food, transportation costs and microchipping.

All animals that are adopted from the Animal Management Facility are microchipped and come with a $250 desexing voucher.

For costs, please refer to Council's fees and charges(PDF, 388KB) for pricing.

Microchipping

In accordance with the Animal Management (cats and dogs) Act 2008, cats and dogs must be microchipped before:

• reaching 12 weeks of age
• being sold (seller responsibility)
• being given away (responsibility on the person giving away the animal).

Microchipping can only be done by an authorised microchip implanter such as a vet.

If a cat or dog is lost and is not wearing its registration tag, Council can identify its owner from the microchip.

Benefits of microchipping

• one in three pets will become lost at some point in their lives, a microchip is their best chance of being reunited with you
• microchips don’t wear off or fall off, they are a permanent form of identification
• it is a small cost compared to the fine you could receive for not microchipping your pet
• if your cat or dog is microchipped, you will reduce your registration.

Microchipping existing pets

If your cat or dog was born before 1 July, 2009 you are not required to microchip your pet, however it is recommended.

Maintaining microchip information

Once microchipped, ensure your contact and address details are current with both Council and the company in which your microchip was provided.

Fines apply if your cat or dog is not microchipped.

If you decide to sell or give away your pet, you are required to update the ownership details with the microchip registry. If you are unsure of how to do this your vet can provide advice and assistance.

Caring for your new pet

You must:

• provide a shelter with shade and bedding
• make adequate provision for food and water
• remove animal faeces or food scraps daily to prevent breeding or harbouring of flies or vermin
• ensure wastewater from cleaning enclosures does not flow into adjoining properties or create a nuisance.

Housing your new dog

Enclosures for dogs must:

• allow public access to the front door and/or utilities
• be appropriate to the breed of the dog enclosed
• be constructed of strong and firm building and fencing materials
• prevent the dog escaping over, under or through the barrier
• have gates kept closed and latched - Council recommends gates that are childproof and/or lockable.

If your dog is found wandering at large you may be fined. If your dog is impounded additional fees may apply.

Responsibilities

Please view this form(PDF, 326KB) for all information relating to pet ownership.

Disaster can strike at any time, it is best to ensure you're prepared to include your pet. You can find more information on this form(PDF, 331KB).

Dog Off-Leash Areas

All dogs must be on a leash at all times when in public places, except in designated off-leash areas. If your dog is found wandering at large you may be fined. Mount Isa has two dog off-leash areas;

• Edna Medley Park in Sunset
• Norm Smith Park in Mornington

Our aim is to reunite any lost animals with their owners. We strongly encourage microchipping animals as the best way to do this.

If Council finds your pet with any type of identification and/or registration tag, you will be contacted by the Mount Isa City Council Local Laws team.

Pets often lose their collar/tag, so it is important to have your pet microchipped too.

Remember to advise Council and the microchip registry if your contact details change so they can update your records.

Don't forget to notify Council of your lost pet as soon as possible.

This information assists our team in making a match if your pet is impounded without identification.

If the owner of the animal can be identified, Council will attempt to contact them and, if they are available immediately, return the animal.

If the owner is unknown, non-contactable or not immediately available, the animal will be taken to the Mount Isa City Council Animal Management Facility.

All impounded animals are held at the facility for a minimum of 3 days if the owner is not identifiable, or 5 days if the owner is identifiable. After this time, animals are assessed for their suitability for rehoming.

If the animal is suitable to be rehomed, we will always advertise on our Facebook page, and do our best to find a suitable home for the animal.