The Heart Behind the Badge – Greater Dandenong’s Animal Rangers
At Greater Dandenong, our animal rangers do far more than patrol parks and respond to calls—they quietly and consistently make a world of difference in the lives of families, pet owners and animals across our community.
Take the story of Troy, a beautiful dog who went missing after experiencing a traumatic event. While Troy’s disappearance wasn’t formally logged, our rangers had seen his photo shared on local lost-and-found social media pages and had memorised his unique features. Days later, when called to a property where a frightened dog was hiding, they instantly recognised the possibility: could this be Troy?
Within minutes, they contacted Troy’s family. The moment Troy saw them, it was as if a wound had healed. His relief was visible, and the reunion was deeply emotional. It’s these quiet victories—unseen by most—that define the compassion and expertise of our rangers.
Our team regularly monitors online lost pet groups, shares sightings internally and commits animals to memory. They respond to community requests, coordinate with shelters and even arrange pickups for surrendered or stray animals
Whether it’s reuniting kittens and puppies with owners, responding to dog attacks or supporting residents with animal concerns, their work is tireless and deeply human.