Unregistered animals are currently being transported to Ballarat, but dozens of residents try to bypass this by reporting missing animals online. 

They say a local shelter is needed, with almost 200 animals impounded from Hepburn Shire at RSPCA in Ballarat in 2013/14.

Dozens more are reported and reunited with their owners through social media. 

The shire has a pound for larger animals but says it has no plans to build a shelter for domestic pets. 

Community safety co-ordinary Steve Cook said there are about 4000 dogs and cats currently registered in the region, with owners facing hefty fines if their animal is impounded. 

"With the information we have, (we believe) it is more cost effective to make use of other larger facilities (in Ballarat)," he said. 

Ballarat will see a new, state-of-the-art shelter built in town soon, with councillors unanimously voting to begin the planning and design at a council meeting in August.

But despite almost two months passing, the council is no closer to an outcome, location or design for the new shelter. 

Mr Cook said this would not affect Hepburn's situation, with the shire continuing with the current contract with the RSPCA to provide pound services in the new facility.

"When Hepburn Shire compliance officers collect a lost dog or cat, they scan the animal for microchip and check if it is wearing any identification," he said.

"Officers make attempts to contact the owner to return the animal to them.

"If the animal isn't microchipped or the microchip contact details aren't up to date, the animal is taken to the RSPCA in Ballarat.

"The animal is then held for the mandatory eight days." 

He said owners were required to pay a release fee and vaccination fee (if required) upon release at the RSPCA.