Thousands of people flock to the Sydney Royal Easter Show to see the State's most pampered dogs and cats but for the first time this year they will be able to find out how to best take care of their own beloved furry friends.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock visited the NSW Pet Registry stand at the Show today to help promote responsible pet ownership, including microchipping, de-sexing and registration.
"NSW is a state of pet lovers and we all want the best for our beloved cats and dogs," Ms Hancock said. "Not only will taking these important steps help improve the health and lifestyle of your pet, it's the best chance of getting them back if they go missing."
Ms Hancock said since the NSW Pet Registry was launched in 2016 more than 137,000 people have created an online pet profile, with 3.1 million cats and dogs now on the Government's official register. Pets can be registered online via the NSW Pet Registry website or using a Service NSW account as well as over the counter at local councils and Service NSW centres.
"It is a requirement in NSW for cats and dogs to be registered by the time they are six months old. They must first be microchipped and preferably de-sexed," she said.
"Having your pet de-sexed also helps to reduce straying, aggression, fighting and antisocial behaviour, and has added health benefits for your animal. It also reduces the number of unwanted pets born each year."
Discounted registration fees apply to de-sexed animals.
Ms Hancock said pet registration fees fund council pounds and shelters, ranger services, dog recreation areas and education initiatives to teach children and families how to be safe around dogs.
Experts from the NSW Pet Registry are on hand to discuss responsible pet ownership in the Pet Pavilion for the duration of the Show.
