Companion Animal Facility & Adoption
Companion Animal Facility
Narrabri Shire Council operates a Companion Animal Facility to manage lost, stray, and impounded animals. The facility, located adjacent to the sale yards in Narrabri, is not staffed full-time, so all visits—including viewing, surrendering, or reclaiming an animal—must be arranged in advance with the Regulatory Compliance Officers.
⚠️ Important: Injured or suffering animals should not be taken to the facility. Instead, they should be taken directly to the nearest veterinary clinic for care.
A person wishing to retrieve an impounded animal are liable for the following charges as per Councils Fees & Charges:
- Registration fee if unregistered
- Approximately $60.00 (Vet Charge) microchipping fee if the animal is not microchipped;
- Minimum $50.00 impounding fee + a $25 sustenance fee that is charged for their care and food whilst impounded.
- Any veterinary costs incurred;
- Payment of any damages that the animal may have caused whilst roaming i.e., injury to stock, another animal or property damage; and
- Payment of any penalty notice issued.
Dogs for Adoption
Please visit Narrabri Shire Council's Facebook page for updates on dogs available at the Companion Animal Facility. When dogs are available for adoption, a photo and any details regarding breed, sex and age will be advertised.
Please contact the local vet for microchipping fees and Contact Council for registration fees and appointments.
*All pound dogs are required to be microchipped and registered as part of the rehoming process.
Lost Pets
Losing a pet can be stressful, but taking quick action increases the chances of finding them.
If you’ve lost a pet:
1️. Report your missing pet to Council so our team can check if it has been impounded.
2️. Check with local vets to see if your pet has been handed in.
3️. Search the NSW Pet Registry to ensure your contact details are up to date.
4️. Post on community noticeboards or social media to spread the word locally.
If you find a lost pet:
1️. Take a photo of the animal
2️. Report to Council with the location and photo of the pet
**For your safety, please do not attempt to collect or contain the animal yourself. Our Council Officers will respond as soon as possible; however, please be aware that our team is often attending to other urgent matters, and there may be a delay before we can reach you.
Rehoming Your Pet
When advertising a pet for sale or rehoming, you must include the animal’s microchip number, breeder identification number or rehoming organisation number in the advertisement. This applies regardless of the animal’s age and no matter where you choose to advertise—whether it's a newspaper, social media, posters, or community noticeboards.
⚠️ Important: If you are selling or giving away a pet, it is your legal responsibility to complete a Change of Ownership form with the new owner and update the pet’s registration details.
Ownership details can be updated in one of two ways:
✔️ Submit a Change of Ownership form to Council
✔️ Update the details online using your Service NSW login
This process must be completed within 14 days of transferring the pet to its new owner.
Stray Dogs: What to do
Encountering a stray dog can be unsettling. Here’s how to stay safe while ensuring the dog is handled appropriately:
DO:
✔️ Stay calm and avoid sudden movements – Fear is the leading reason dogs bite.
✔️ Back away slowly without turning your back – Running may trigger a dog’s natural chase instinct.
✔️ Use a barrier for protection if necessary – A bag, umbrella, or even a large stick can help create space.
✔️ Report the stray to Council – If possible, take a photo and note the location before submitting your report.
DON’T:
✖️ Approach or attempt to touch an unfamiliar dog.
✖️ Pick up your own dog if a stray animal approaches – This can encourage jumping or aggression.
✖️ Assume the dog is friendly just because it looks harmless.
In emergencies (if a dog is acting aggressively or has attacked) contact 000 immediately.