What to know if you’re getting a new pet
Companion animals improve the lives of many people in our area. Here’s what to know before you bring one home.
Companion animals improve the lives of many people in our area. Here’s what to know before you bring one home.
Bringing a new fur baby into your home is a big responsibility and an even bigger reward. Being a considerate pet owner makes our city better for everyone. Here’s what to know if you’re the proud owner of a new dog or cat.
Congratulations on your new ball of fluff! Enjoy this time. Keep in mind there are a few important responsibilities you’ll need to take care of over the next few months.
Get your pet some new bling with your contact details. Even the most loved pets can go missing and having an easy way to identify a pet’s owner makes it easier for our rangers to return your precious pal.
Your responsibilities: All dogs must wear a collar with your contact details when they’re out and about, and we recommend cats do as well. It’s safer that way.
You should know: If you live in the City of Sydney’s area, a free personalised collar or engraved pet tag can be all yours.
Let’s face it: your furballs might decide to wander when you least expect it. A microchip gives them the best chance of a happy reunion with their loving family.
Your responsibilities: You need to microchip your pets by the time they’re 12 weeks-old.
You should know:
See a step-by-step guide to microchipping your animal.
It might be a touchy subject for Rex or Cleo, but it’s in your pet’s best interest to be desexed. Desexed pets live longer, healthier lives and are less likely to wander and fight. Desexing also prevents unwanted litters.
Your responsibilities: It’s not a legal requirement for all pets to be desexed, but we strongly encourage it if you’re not planning on becoming a registered breeder.
You should know:
See more details about desexing your pet.
You’ve done well so far! The final step is to give us all the details of your beloved little one.
Your responsibilities:
You should know:
“For decades I have advocated for changes to improve the welfare of companion animals. I believe pets are critical to the wellbeing of many people, particularly those who live alone. As more people adopt pets and density increases, it is more important than ever that people are fully aware of their responsibilities.” - Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO.
There are a few extra things to know if you get a new pooch.
Dogs must be kept on a leash in all public places, except designated off-leash parks. This helps keep your dog safe from running onto the road or being separated from you. You can be fined $330 for having your dog off the leash in a public place.
Get ready to run! We have more than 45 off-leash areas in our local area. Check the signs near the main park entrances as some spaces are off-leash at certain times. You must have effective control of your dog when it’s off the leash. Your dog should respond to your commands and not disturb or threaten other people or animals.
It’s not just pats and plays: being a responsible pet owner means taking on the dirty jobs. You must pick up your dog's waste in public areas, including off-leash parks. While we do provide bags in off-leash parks and popular dog-walking parks, it’s a good idea to carry your own. Rangers can issue on-the-spot fines of up to $275 if you don’t pick up your dog’s waste.
Dogs aren’t allowed in some public places including:
Despite what your moggy tells you, life is better for indoor kitties. We strongly encourage you to keep cats inside, especially overnight. Free roaming cats face many dangers, such as being run over by a car or being attacked by dogs. They can also endanger local wildlife. To keep your feline friends happy, you can buy or make a cat enclosure in your backyard or balcony. Or consider scratching posts, climbing frames or dare we say it... another cat pal.
If you’re looking to add another furry friend to your family, consider adopting a pet from our animal shelter. Shelters across Sydney are at capacity, and we have many beautiful cats and dogs looking for love at Sutherland Shire Council Animal Shelter. The shelter is operated in partnership with the City of Sydney.
See more pet and animal services.
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