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This article was published on Tuesday, 10 January, 2023. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Make sure your pet gets home and free up Shelter space

Currently the Greater Shepparton Animal Shelter is at capacity with some of the animals belonging to owners that can’t be found as they are not registered, not microchipped or do not have up-to-date microchip details. The Shelter also has a large number of dogs, puppies, cats and kittens that are ready for adoption. Animals available for adoption can be viewed on Councils website www.greatershepparton.com.au

Pet owners need to keep their contact details up to date which provides the best chance of a lost cat or dog being safely returned to its lawful owner. The pet’s microchip is a permanent form of identification that can quickly reunite you with your lost or injured pet.

Greater Shepparton City Council Manager Environment, Sharon Terry, said it is critical that pet owners keep both their microchip and registration details up to date. “If you’ve moved house, changed your phone number or have a new pet – your contact details might be out of date. Be sure to update any changed details as soon as possible.”

“No-one wants the heartbreak of their pet going missing but worst of all, not being returned straight away because we don’t know where they live. Council’s Animal Rangers prefer to return your pet directly to you rather than take it to the Animal Shelter where it might take days to locate the owner, and potentially cost you money in boarding fees,” said Ms Terry.

Your pet’s council registration must be renewed annually. All dogs and cats over three months of age must be registered with Council.

To register your pet with Council or to update your pets Registration record, visit Council’s website shepp.city/pet-registration or come in to the Council Office.

If your pet is not microchipped, contact your local vet clinic for an appointment For information on how to update your details on your pet’s microchip record visit shepp.city/ensure-pets-get-home