Adopt a pet
Every year, around 600 cats, dogs and small pets find new homes through our Adoption Centre. Each one is vet-checked, desexed, vaccinated and microchipped, and ready to meet their new family.
Campbellfield adoption centre
Open
Walk-ins welcome, or contact us to make an appointment
Start your adoption journey
Pets for adoption
Meet the cats, dogs and small pets looking for a home right now.
View animals
How to adopt
What to expect, what’s included in the adoption fee, and how to prepare.
Make an informed decision
Why adopt from Lort Smith
We’ll never euthanise an animal who can be rehomed, no matter how long it takes. Every animal gets the vet care, behaviour support and time they need before they’re ready for a new home, and many need significant treatment along the way.
When you adopt from us, your new pet comes:
- health-checked by a vet
- desexed, vaccinated and microchipped
- treated for worms and fleas.
Our adoption team will help you find the right match for your home and lifestyle, and we’re here for you after adoption too.
Cat adoptions in North Melbourne
Our pop-up cat adoption centre at North Melbourne opens on the first weekend of each month, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00am – 3:30pm. Come and meet the cats, get to know their personalities and chat with our team about finding the right match.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of pets can I adopt?
Cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets. New animals are added to our website every day, so check back often.
How much does it cost to adopt?
Adoption fees vary for each animal and are listed on their profile. The fee includes desexing, vaccination, microchipping, worm and flea treatment, an FIV test for cats over six months, and a 14-day health guarantee for shelter-related issues.
Can I join a waiting list for a particular type of pet?
We can’t keep a waiting list because of the number of enquiries we receive. Our website is updated every day, so please check back regularly.
Where do your animals come from?
Most pets come to us because their families can no longer care for them, often because of a change in circumstances or a health issue. Our team works to get the best outcome for both the person and their pet.
What happens if an animal doesn’t find a home?
We don’t put time limits on an animal’s stay. Every animal gets vet care, a behaviour assessment and ongoing support, and some spend time in foster care while they wait for the right family.
Rehoming and foster care
Rehome your pet
Support to help you make the right decision for you and your pet.
Explore your options
Foster care
Give a pet a temporary home while they get ready for adoption.
Become a foster carer
Lost and found pets
What to do if you’ve lost or found a pet.
Find out what to do
Pet adoption in Melbourne
Looking to adopt a dog or cat in Melbourne? Lort Smith’s Adoption Centre in Campbellfield cares for cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets who are looking for new families. Every pet is desexed, vaccinated and microchipped before adoption, and our team will help you find a companion who suits your home. Our cat adoption pop-up in North Melbourne opens on the first weekend of each month. As a not-for-profit, every adoption helps us care for more animals in need.