The impounded dog list shows dogs currently impounded at the Domestic Animal Services shelter. Some of the dogs have been handed in during the last seven days and are still waiting for their owners to collect them. If you are looking for your lost dog and it is not impounded at Domestic Animal Services, try RSPCA, Canberra lost pets Facebook database or your local vet clinic.
About Domestic Animal Services
Domestic Animal Services rehomes hundreds of dogs each year and helps families reunite with their lost dogs. On average we re-home 98% of impounded dogs in the ACT.
Domestic Animal Services can assist you with the following:
To report a dog attack or injured dog or cat please call 13 22 81. Rangers on duty will attend emergencies outside office hours. If the matter is urgent, please contact ACT Policing on 000.
Location
Domestic Animal Services is located on Mugga Lane, Symonston. See map.
Please note: Only cards (excluding American Express and Diners Club) are accepted at this location.
Hours of operation
Domestic Animal Services is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Walk-in adoptions are available Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.
During walk-in adoptions, a staff member will guide you through the viewing area to see dogs available for adoption and will arrange a meet and greet in one of the exercise yards with the dog you’re interested in so you can interact with them.
Please note you will require proof of identification (for example a driver’s licence) to enter the Domestic Animal Services facility and to adopt a dog.
Rangers patrol and respond to complaints from the public seven days a week and can patrol any area at any time of the day or night.
Volunteer program
The volunteers at Domestic Animal Services play an important role in enriching the lives of the dogs in our care. By providing additional exercise, socialisation, and training, the volunteers at Domestic Animal Services are helping improve the dogs’ quality of life and increase their chances of getting adopted quickly.
On average, we offer 60 shifts throughout the week (from Monday to Saturday) and volunteers can sign up to a weekly schedule, or book an activity on an ad-hoc basis. We run induction programs for new volunteers several times a year and will continue to add new roles as the program expands.
If you wish to become a volunteer, you will require previous experience with dogs and a willingness to undertake training prior to commencing. Training will include both an online and on-site practical induction to ensure safety and consistency for both the dogs and the volunteers. If you love dogs and are looking for a fun and fulfilling way to connect with your community, this may be program for you!
For more information about the volunteer program and how to apply see:
If you have questions, please email the Volunteer Coordinator.
Independent review into dog management
The Independent Expert Review into the Management of Dogs in the ACT provides 34 recommendations to assist Domestic Animal Services in becoming an Australian and international leader in dog management. For more information see the Independent Expert Review into the Management of Dogs in the ACT.
Domestic Animal Services Service Handbook
The Service Handbook (Word 4.1MB) sets out the services provided by Domestic Animal Services, the authority to provide those services and the approach to the welfare of animals cared for at the Domestic Animal Services shelter. It details how staff undertake core business activities, supported by the regulatory framework. The Services Handbook is updated as required and is subject to ongoing review to ensure it remains current and useful.
