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Our Vision
Giving animals the best chance of a happy and healthy life.
Improving animal welfare
18,032
Abandoned & lost animals in our care
4,462
Animals reunited & rehomed
4,365
Animals in our foster program
8,132
Animals
adopted
Our vets
Our team
Lead Veterinarian – Primary Care
Dr. Nicole Chan
DVM, MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour), Fear Free Certified
Lead Veterinary Surgeon
Dr. Ton Tancharoen
BVSc, Stress Free Pets Certified
Lead Veterinarian – Shelter Medicine
Dr. Ida Liu
BVSc (Hons), Graduate Cert (Shelter Medicine), Stress Free Pets Certified
Veterinarian
Dr. Alex MacLeod
BVSc, Stress Free Pets Certified
Veterinarian
Dr. Anya Carlson
BVSc (Hons) GPCert (Ophth)
Veterinarian - Behaviour
Dr. Leonie Poulter
BVSc (Hons) CSAT DipCBST, Stress Free Pets Certified
Veterinarian
Dr. Luke West
DVM, Fear Free Certified
Veterinarian
Dr. Natalie Fleischmann
BVSc (Hons), Stress Free Pets Certified
Veterinarian
Dr. Vincent Donnadieu
BVSc, DVM
Vet Clinic Coordinator
Annette Cacananta
BAnSc
Veterinary Nurse Team Leader
Brooke Dettman
Cert IV Veterinary Nursing, Stress Free Pets Certified
Your partner in pet health •
Curious how we got here?
The story so far
1910
The Lost Dogs’ Home is established to give a temporary home to Melbourne’s lost and starving dogs.
1913
The Home’s first honorary veterinary surgeons, William A Kendall and Belle Bruce Reid join the Home. Today, the Belle Brue Reid Medal is awarded to outstanding female veterinary science graduates at the University of Melbourne.
1914 - 1923
Dogs travel by train to find their temporary home at The Lost Dogs’ Home in North Melbourne. The Keeper at the Home would be telephoned by the station master to collect the stray and unwanted dogs at the station.
1935
A long-desired wish and urgent need is realised with the opening of the animal hospital by the Governor-General Sir Isaac Isaacs. As a result, we rename it the Dogs’ Home and Animal Hospital. This enabled the appointment of our first permanent veterinary surgeon, Dr. Ann Flashman.
1962
Mr Arthur Cachia begins his work at the Lost Dogs’ Home as an ambulance driver and dog collector. Our longest-serving staff member, Arthur celebrated 50 years with The Lost Dogs’ Home.
1983
50 years on from opening, the busy hospital gets a desperately needed upgrade. Through the generosity of supporters Newman and Phyllis Strong (and their dog Skipper), we officially opened the new veterinary hospital, with new equipment donated by ‘The Strays’.
1986
Veterinarian Dr. Graeme Smith is appointed General Manager to reinvigorate leadership. Both the face and focus of the Home changed dramatically over his 29-year tenure. Dr. Smith’s passion for innovation took the home from facing closure in the mid-1980s to one of Australia’s leading animal welfare voices.
1986
Dr. Smith recognises that it isn’t just dogs who need shelter and a warm home. A new cat shelter is built and the Home officially opens its doors to Melbourne’s cat population.
1989
The National Pet Register is launched, a free tag service that gives every owner the opportunity to make their pet identifiable. Before being acquired by Central Animal Records in 2017, this was Australia’s largest non-profit 24/7 pet identification service.
2012
The Frank Samways Veterinary Clinic opens, enabled by the generosity of the late Frank Samways, providing quality care for pets, both owned and in the shelter.
2020
We celebrate 110 years of The Lost Dogs’ Home. What started as a vision to help lost dogs has become one of Australia’s largest animal shelters. We have estimated around 1.2 million animals have come through our doors in need of help. Whether a dog or cat person, you’ll agree that all our furry friends deserve the very best, and we will continue to give them just that now, and into the future.
Collaborative care
Advancing veterinary care
Personalised treatment plans
One size definitely does not fit all, we’ll find out how to support your pet best and make sure they’re getting just what they need to be at their best.
Shared decision-making
The Lost Dogs’ Home Vet Hospital focuses on collaborative care balancing the needs of the owner, animal, and vet, so no one is left out of decision-making.
Open communication
We believe a great animal hospital is one that allows you to walk out with confidence, knowing you have the tools and information to support your pet.
Collaborative care
Whether your furry friend needs a vaccination or a life-saving surgery, our team of vets is experienced, passionate, and ready to give them the best care.
Education & support
Whether you’re looking for animal behaviour training or support with fostering, we’re always here with the information and support you need.
Ongoing relationship
Any adopted pet can continue its veterinary care from shelter medicine through to primary care. We advocate for pets while working with you to ensure the best options for their care. We are a 100% judgement-free zone.
Our pledge to pets
Standing by their side
Our mission
We care for lost dogs, cats, and other companion animals. Our veterinary care team strive to provide the highest level of care for all pets, big and small.
Our vision
Our experienced, caring and passionate team work hard to create a world where all animals have the best chance of a happy and healthy life.
Our pet values
We believe every animal deserves to be happy, healthy, and cared for. We provide training and care for people and pets because life’s better together.
Fetch an Appointment
Our team is skilled in diagnosing and treating all types of pet health problems. Our collective experience allows us to provide outstanding preventative health care to achieve your pet’s optimum well-being.
Bookings are essential, so please contact the clinic in advance to make an appointment for your pet.
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Opening Hours
Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Public Holidays
8am – 7pm
9am – 4pm
Closed
Closed
Contact Info
© 2025 The Lost Dogs' Home | ABN 84 004 789 726 | The Lost Dogs' Home Vet Hospital is a not for profit veterinary clinic of The Lost Dogs' Home. All proceeds go directly back to helping lost and abandoned animals. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners, honor their past and present, and commit to learning, justice, and cultural respect.