Pets owners are being urged to ensure that their pet is microchipped and tagged and that all the contact details are up to date.
Having correct information means that pets can be reunited with distressed owners as soon as possible.
A council spokesperson said: “Shelter staff do their utmost to ensure that as many lost pets as possible are reunited with their owners or found suitable new homes, thanks to our positive partnerships with a number of rescue organisations and regular Facebook posts.
She said shelter staff can reunite lost pets with owners even before they are taken to the shelter which can prevent further stress on both pets and owners if the owner can be contacted quickly.
“It can even save you money if Council staff can return your pet before going to the Shelter. For this to be possible, ensure that your pet is microchipped and that your cat or dog also wears a tag on a collar with your current contact details. That way if your pet gets out and someone picks them up, whether it is Council Shelter staff or a neighbour or a stranger, they will be able to contact you straight away and save your pet a trip to the Shelter,” she said.
“Too often pets are microchipped but their owner’s details are out of date, which means staff cannot inform the owner that their pet has been found.
“Pet registration details are like the registration details of your car, when you change your car’s details then change your pet’s details.”
Owners can either update their contact details themselves at petregistry.nsw.gov.au or call the Hawkesbury Animal Shelter on 4560 4644 and they will update it.
In NSW, all cats and dogs, other than exempt cats and dogs, must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away, whichever happens first.
A microchip is required by law and a permanent method of electronic identification that cannot be lost – never rely on a tag alone.
If you find an animal roaming on the street, check to see if they are wearing a collar or have a tag with a contact phone number.
Take them to the vet to scan for a microchip and potentially contact the owners.
If you are unable to locate the animal’s lawful owner within a short period of time, contact council and give the details to the Animal Shelter staff. Hawkesbury collects animals from several local council areas including Hawkesbury and The Hills.
You can search for lost pets and new pets at hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/services/places-and-facilities/animal-shelter or visit the Hawkesbury
Companion Animal Shelter at 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave. Opening hours:
• Monday to Friday – 9am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 4:30pm
• Saturday – 9:30am to 11:30am
• Sunday – 7am to 9:30am
• Please call 4560 4644
• [email protected]
