Paws for thought and register your pooch

Pet owners are being reminded to register their dogs so any lost pups can be brought home swiftly.

Registration letters will be sent out in the last week of June and fees are due by the end of July for all dog owners.

Dog owners must have their registrations paid by 1 September to avoid any late fees.

Animal Services Manager Lionel Bridger urges owners to check both their details and their dogs’ details are correct when they receive a registration reminder.

“Registering your dog makes sure we have a record of where your animal belongs and who it belongs to, which means we can reunite owners and their canines as quickly as possible if they’re ever lost,” Mr Bridger says.

“This is the perfect time for owners to check their details on record are correct, particularly if they’ve moved address within the last year.”

Dog owners can update their details online.

Dog registration fees allow the Council to continue to provide dog related services in the community.

“Fees go towards things like free microchipping, free education programmes, dog shelters, dog parks, dog control investigations, and patrols of beaches and prohibited areas,” Mr Bridger says.

Dog owners who consistently pay their dog registration early qualify for a Responsible Dog Owner Status, which entitles them to reduced annual fees.

Registration reminders will be sent by email, or post for dog owners without an email address. The notice will contain your customer number and payment reference, which is requited for making payments online.

Payments can be made online or at any of the Council’s Service Centres.

Failure to register your dog may result in a $300 infringement being issued.

Find more information on dog registration on the Council’s website.