Central Coast Council is encouraging community members to ‘adopt, not shop’ when making the commitment to bring a new companion animal into their home.

This follows the NSW Government’s announcement of free lifetime pet registration for people who adopt a rescue pet from Council pounds, animal shelters and rehoming organisations.

Council Unit Manager Environmental Compliance and Systems, Sara Foster said free registration for rescue pets will ensure more abandoned or surrendered cats and dogs find a forever home, reinforcing the benefits of animal adoption.

“Thanks to the announcement from the NSW Government, community members who choose to adopt a rescue dog or cat from Council’s Animal Care Facilities are now entitled to free lifetime pet registration,” Ms Foster said.

“Council works closely with our Animal Care Facilities at Charmhaven and Erina to ensure surrendered pets can find a suitable and safe new home.

“With backyard breeding a huge issue on the Central Coast, we hope that this new initiative will make adoption an even more desirable pathway for those looking for a pet, so that we can reduce the number of people accessing unregistered breeders.

“We look forward to seeing the positive impact this has on the animals in our care.”

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said pets are a much-loved part of the fabric of the Central Coast and this new registration fee exemption will make adoption an even more desirable choice for community members searching for a new companion animal.

“If you’re looking for a new four-legged friend, I encourage you to contact Council’s Animal Welfare Facilities to find out more about the animals currently up for adoption,” Mr Hart said.

“It’s important to remember that while owning a pet can be highly rewarding, it is also a big responsibility. Pet owners are encouraged to visit Council’s website to learn more about their responsibilities, not only to their pet, but also to the wider Central Coast community.”

To learn more about pet ownership on the Central Coast as well as information on Council’s Animal Care Facilities, search ‘pet ownership’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.