Save-A-Dog Scheme was established in 1985 to offer a humane alternative to the killing of unwanted dogs, especially dogs of good temperament, that would otherwise be destroyed at pounds and shelters.

Save-A-Dog Scheme is based in Melbourne at a state-of-the-art facility in Glen Iris that functions as a regional pound and (virtually) no-kill shelter. Opened in October 2006, the building is owned by Stonnington Council and operated by Save-A-Dog Scheme.

The No Kill Philosophy
Save-A-Dog Scheme has a no kill philosophy and believes that the dichotomy of a dog being "Mans Best Friend" on the one hand and an unwanted article for destruction on the other is totally unacceptable. Save-A-Dog Scheme is a "coal-face" organisation, which saves hundreds of dogs each year and which seeks, by example, to provide a better way of treating non-human animals.