Latrobe City residents looking to bring a dog or cat into their family this Christmas are reminded to consider the responsibilities involved with pet ownership.
“Owning a pet is a fantastic experience, but it’s also a long-term commitment,” said Mayor of Latrobe City Councillor Kellie O’Callaghan.
“Latrobe City Council recognises the value domestic pets contribute to enhancing their owners lives and to making our city a vibrant and liveable place.
“It’s important to think about whether you have the means and appropriate facilities at home before becoming a pet owner. As a good pet owner, it is your responsibility to provide care to your cat or dog and to manage them around other people and pets.
“Make sure your pet always has plenty to drink and gets fed the recommended amount and never leave a pet in the car.”
Heading into the holiday season, it’s important to make sure your pets are secure and safe, particularly if you are planning to be away from home.
To ensure your pet does not escape, it is a good idea to check that you have a secure backyard. Check for any holes in fences, make sure that gates are properly shut and that your pet cannot get over or under your fence.
If your pet is found alone outside of your home, it may be taken to the pound. It is for this reason it is important that your cat or dog is registered to ensure that you can be reunited.
All cats and dogs aged three months and over must be registered, and registration tags must be attached to your pet’s collar.
It is not too late to register your pet, with no penalties for those who haven’t done so or with a lapsed registration. Registration is currently half cost leading through to the next registration period in April 2023.
Latrobe City Council advises that the pound has limited operating hours over the Christmas period, it is open for release of impounded pets from 10am – 12noon on 27 December and 12noon – 2pm on 30 December. Only electronic payments will be accepted at the pound, located on Driffield Road, Morwell.
Outside of these days, a request for release may be actioned if urgent. Normal pound operating hours will resume on Tuesday 3 January 2023.
Further information about animal registration can be found at
https://www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/Home/Animals_and_Pets