April 29th, 2021
Latest News
April 16th, 2021
A lasting legacy: Lort Smith celebrates 85 years serving the community
Today iconic Melbourne institution Lort Smith celebrates 85 years serving the community.
April 1st, 2021
Lort Smith welcomes new rental laws as good news for pets and pet carers
Lort Smith’s Head of Hospital, Dr David Cunliffe said, “We welcome the law changing to allow animals to stay with their people and removing barriers to keeping pets when renting a home.
April 1st, 2021
Food dangers for pets
As the largest and busiest not-for-profit animal hospital in Australia, treating around 25,000 clients every year, Lort Smith sees the distressing impact of eating the wrong foods on our pets.
March 30th, 2021
Lort Smith welcomes announcement supporting rehoming of more animals
Today Lort Smith welcomed a visit by Minister for Agriculture, Mary-Anne Thomas to the iconic organisation’s animal hospital in North Melbourne for an announcement Lort Smith claims is excellent news for organisations such as theirs who are caring for and rehoming animals across Victoria.
March 29th, 2021
New warnings about ticks transmitting deadly disease to dogs in Australia
Lort Smith understands there are currently no cases in Victoria, however we are aware there are cases in other parts of Australia. This is a warning for people travelling interstate to take note and be aware of the risks.
March 26th, 2021
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Lort Smith has implemented steps to protect the health and welfare of clients, volunteers, staff and animals during this unprecedented time. We are continuing to operate while complying with government direction.
March 19th, 2021
Lort Smith turns the soil in Campbellfield
Today Lort Smith welcomes key donors and supporters in a “turning the soil” event at the iconic organisation’s second site at Campbellfield.
March 11th, 2021
Companion newsletter – Autumn 2021
Enjoy reading the latest edition of Lort Smith’s biannual newsletter.
February 15th, 2021
Lort Smith receives a generous gift to help in the care of animals
Lort Smith has received a wonderful gift of advanced imaging technology, a fluoroscopy machine, as part of the generous bequest from the estate of The Late David and Judy Moate.
December 10th, 2020
Pets returning to workplaces to share the love!
Lort Smith, the iconic Melbourne institution is resuming services in their long-running volunteer pet therapy program.
December 2nd, 2020
Supporting your pets to adjust post-COVID
Lort Smith Dog Behaviourist Mia Shaw shares tips and training techniques to help prepare our pets for a post-COVID world.
November 13th, 2020
Lort Smith receives support to help more Victorians and their pets with quality care
Lort Smith, an iconic Melbourne institution, has received a grant from the Victorian Government of $150,000 towards the building of its new community veterinary clinic in Campbellfield, in Melbourne’s north.
November 9th, 2020
Heidi – the amazing tiny survivor of two dog attacks
The iconic Melbourne institution, Lort Smith this week has launched its newest appeal in the lead up to Christmas to raise much-needed funds to save animals such as Heidi.
November 5th, 2020
Lort Smith recognised as finalist in the Melbourne Awards
The Melbourne Awards are the City of Melbourne’s highest accolade, celebrating the inspirational Melburnians who dedicate their time and energy to making this city a world leader. This year the iconic Melbourne institution, Lort Smith is a finalist in the Business category.
October 22nd, 2020
Saving your pet’s life
Lort Smith Animal Hospital is urging pet carers to be on alert when walking their dogs in parks; and to keep an eye out in their backyards for snakes.
October 1st, 2020
Play it safe with sticks
It seems harmless enough – everyone seems to do it, you say to yourself – so you throw the stick one more time not realising that each throw is like cocking a gun in a game of Russian roulette.
August 27th, 2020
Companion newsletter – Spring 2020
Enjoy reading the latest edition of Lort Smith’s biannual newsletter.
August 13th, 2020
How many animals is too many?
Animals play an important role in our lives, and the current pandemic has made their roles more significant. They have warmed our laps, photobombed video conferences, joined us on endless walks and have simply sat with us.
June 30th, 2020
An Ooshie almost cost Coco her life
Coco was feeling very sorry for herself following emergency life-saving surgery at Lort Smith Animal Hospital. The two-year-old pinscher cross doberman had a lion Ooshie and another plastic object removed from her bowel during emergency surgery.
June 30th, 2020
Dr Shallan aims to use her scholarship to increase non-invasive diagnostics expertise
Dr Alan Lawther was renowned as an excellent surgeon across Melbourne’s veterinary community. Each year, a scholarship is awarded annually to a vet and/or vet nurse to enhance their veterinary skills.
June 22nd, 2020
Recent social media coverage
As many of you will be aware, there is currently social media surrounding issues at The Lost Dogs’ Home. Lort Smith is a completely separate and independent organisation.
June 9th, 2020
Impact 2019
Every day of the year, Lort Smith is here to ensure our animals are cared for, and importantly, the people that care for them.
May 18th, 2020
Vaccine protects your cat from the deadly feline parvovirus
Lort Smith Animal Hospital has seen a significant spike in cases of the deadly feline parvovirus (FPV). Head of Hospital, Dr David Cunliffe, is urging cat owners to ensure kittens are properly vaccinated.
May 18th, 2020
Lort Smith Pet Therapy volunteers move online to help the community
Lort Smith Pet Therapy teams have been creating videos to provide enriching experiences to Melbourne’s most in need.
April 30th, 2020
Caring for your cat in quarantine
We’ve all heard recently about the extremely rare cases of COVID-19 found in one tiger and two smaller felines in Hong Kong and Belgium. While it might seem daunting, the reality is basic hygiene principals will help keep your pet safe from COVID-19.
April 3rd, 2020
Companion newsletter – Autumn 2020
Enjoy reading the latest edition of Lort Smith’s biannual newsletter.
March 25th, 2020
Caring for your pet if you have to self-isolate during the COVID-19 outbreak
Information within this article is based on current advice. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
March 5th, 2020
No current evidence suggesting companion animals can give humans COVID-19
The current spread is a result of human to human transmission.
March 2nd, 2020
Lort Smith welcomes new Victorian tenancy laws
As of 2 March 2020, Victorian tenants wanting to incorporate a pet into their lifestyle can request their landlord’s consent via Consumer Affairs Victoria.
January 24th, 2020
Watch out for BBQ snatchers
Sunny weekends are a great chance to get family and friends together for a BBQ. However the combination of BBQ meals and pets can result in injury – both directly and indirectly.
January 24th, 2020
Unscheduled fireworks: vigilance keeps your pet safe
This Australia Day the State Government of Victoria has cancelled the 2020 Fireworks display, and many councils have followed suit. While this is a welcome sigh of relief for pet owners, it doesn’t prevent unscheduled fireworks which cause pets distress.
January 6th, 2020
Providing support to animals affected by Australian bushfires
The Lort Smith team and community are incredibly saddened by the level of devastation caused by the bushfires across our beloved country. Our hearts break as the loss of life, both human and animal, continues to increase.
November 26th, 2019
Updating pet microchip details can be tricky, but worth it
Lort Smith CEO, Fiona Webster, shares her thoughts on the importance of microchipping your pet.
November 8th, 2019
Lort Smith shortlisted in 2019 VicHealth Awards
Lort Smith is thrilled to be named as a finalist in the category Improving the health and wellbeing of young Victorians for its work with disadvantaged youth for the 2019 VicHealth Awards.
October 7th, 2019
Snake antivenom saves lives
Lort Smith Animal Hospital is urging pet carers to be on alert when walking their dogs in parks; and to keep an eye out in their backyards.
August 16th, 2019
Lort Smith acknowledged for Innovation in Rescue award
Lort Smith is thrilled to be named as a finalist in the Innovation in Rescue category of Jetpets Companion Animal Rescue Awards 2019!
July 19th, 2019
For pet’s sake, desex your furry friends!
Lort Smith is pleading pet owners to desex their furry friends to prevent unwanted litters, and to ensure optimal health and wellbeing for animals in the community.
July 9th, 2019
Keep your eye on the balls
Over the last month Lort Smith Animal Hospital has seen a sharp rise in cats requiring life-saving surgery to remove small balls from their intestine.
May 16th, 2019
Winners of 2020 Backyard Hero Calendar Competition announced
More than 4,500 people cast a vote to determine our top placegetters.
May 9th, 2019
Pet first aid
Every pet carer will be faced with their pet being injured at some point. Know when it’s time to bring your pet to Lort Smith’s Accident and Emergency.
April 23rd, 2019
Feather transplant helps owl regain its wings
Lort Smith exotic vet Dr Tristan has helped a Southern Boobook back into the wild in just two days with an imping procedure.
April 16th, 2019
Healthy Easter alternatives toxic to pets
Think your Easter egg-hunt treat is a healthy alternative? It could be toxic if Fido finds it first!
April 9th, 2019
Vet warning: Blue-green algae fatal for pets and livestock
What looks like pea soup, can be seen from space and is deadly to pets? Poisonous blue-green algae.
April 2nd, 2019
Managing pet arthritis
At least 65 per cent of dogs and cats will develop osteoarthritis. Lort Smith can provide you with treatment options to ensure your pet can continue to live a full life.
March 28th, 2019
Two out of every five Australian pets are overweight
As many as 40% of Australian pets are overweight. We all like to treat our special friends to a little something special from time to time, but consider this: a cat eating 25 grams of cheese is equivalent to a human eating three and a half hamburgers!
March 15th, 2019
Lort Smith launches exciting $20 million Capital Campaign
Lort Smith ‘Our Future Is In Your Hands Capital Campaign’ launched last night with a cornerstone philanthropic donation of $2 million and a separate Challenge Grant that matches public donations dollar for dollar up to $1 million until 31 December 2019.
January 21st, 2019
Kittens don’t always land on their feet
Lort Smith veterinarian Dr Leanne Pinfold is urging all cat carers who have balconies to ensure their cats are safe.
January 3rd, 2019
Keep your furry friends safe in the heat
Hot weather conjures up images of fun at the beach, lounging in the shade and iced drinks with umbrellas. However really hot weather can be dangerous for those more vulnerable to heat – including pets.
December 12th, 2018
No more ducky dinners for Beefcake
French bulldog Beefcake is on a strict diet following emergency life-saving surgery at Lort Smith Animal Hospital last week. The four-year-old dog is back at his home in Keilor Downs after vets removed four rubber ducks from his stomach and intestine.
November 29th, 2018
Recent media coverage
Lort Smith and The Lost Dogs’ Home are completely separate and independent organisations.
October 9th, 2018
Lort Smith Adoption Centre named a finalist in inaugural nation-wide awards
The Jetpets Companion Animal Rescue Awards 2018 has announced that Lort Smith’s Adoption Centre is a finalist in the category of Outstanding Animal Shelter.
October 4th, 2018
The immeasurable benefits of pets in aged care
Mr Wendell is no ordinary six-year-old Havanese dog. He holds the important title of Community Engagement Coordinator at Broughton Hall, a residential aged care facility in Camberwell, Victoria.
October 1st, 2018
Cat desexing campaign
For the month of October, Lort Smith will be offering a 25% discount off all cat desexings.
July 20th, 2018
Help us clear the cattery
With the warmer spring weather just around the corner, we need to clear the cattery to make way for the annual “kitten season” influx which is soon to arrive. Until 31 July, adoption fees for adult cats have been reduced to just $50 (from $115).
July 15th, 2018
Hard rubbish puppies reunited
Six canine siblings were reunited at the weekend in a tail-wagging get-together.
May 29th, 2018
Lort Smith calendar competition was won by a whisker
It’s the talk of the dog parks and cat runs all over Victoria – Lort Smith has announced the winners of its annual Backyard Hero Calendar Competition.
May 1st, 2018
It’s back to school time for kittens
Puppies have had their own preschool for a while, so we thought it was only time that kittens also have the chance to shine: introducing Lort Smith Kitten Kinder.
March 27th, 2018
Make sure the Easter Bunny keeps chocolate treats well hidden from pet dogs
While we’re all getting ready to enjoy an Easter egg or two this weekend, it’s important to remember that while chocolate is a delicious treat for humans, it can be potentially life threatening for our canine companions.
March 23rd, 2018
Fiona Webster appointed permanent CEO of Lort Smith
Fiona Webster has been appointed to the ongoing role of Lort Smith CEO, taking on the permanent position following a three-month period as interim CEO.
November 17th, 2017
Six dumped puppies given second chance by Lort Smith
Seven, one-week old puppies were surrendered to Lort Smith on Sunday 12 November. They were found in hard rubbish last Friday 10 November in Hoppers Crossing. The finder bottle fed them before surrendering them to us.
August 3rd, 2017
Bubbles not balloons, as Lort Smith joins campaign to protect seabirds
Lort Smith has joined Zoos Victoria and Phillip Island Nature Park’s campaign to protect native birdlife by pledging to stop using balloons at outdoor events.
June 14th, 2017
Figures show Lort Smith cares for more than 700 animals every week
Iconic Melbourne-based not-for-profit Lort Smith has revealed in its Annual Report that in 2016 its team of vets and nurses performed a total of 37,996 consultations – that’s an average of 730 animals cared for every week.
June 7th, 2017
Delicate goldfish surgery an eye-opener at Lort Smith
Gary the goldfish is recuperating at home after micro-surgery to remove his enlarged eye was successfully completed by the team at Lort Smith Animal Hospital recently.
April 20th, 2017
Dr Leanne volunteers her skills in the Cook Islands
Lort Smith’s Dr Leanne Pinfold carried out a volunteer veterinary placement at the Esther Honey Foundation (EHF) Animal Clinic in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Read about her amazing experience.
February 22nd, 2017
Lort Smith launches world’s best practice Adoption Hub
Iconic Melbourne not-for-profit institution, Lort Smith, today unveiled its Adoption Hub set to redefine animal adoption centres in Australia. The facility, officially opened by The Right Honourable Robert Doyle, Lord Mayor of Melbourne, sets a new benchmark in animal adoption services in Australia.
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