Central Coast Council is holding a free microchipping day on 16 February for four-legged family members of Central Coast residents.

Residents are encouraged to bring their pet to one of the Central Coast Animal Care Facilities at Charmhaven and Erina, to have them microchipped at no cost.

Mayor Jane Smith said microchipping was one of the first steps in responsible pet ownership.

“Should your cat or dog ever go missing, microchipping helps reunite pets with their owners,” Mayor Smith said.

“It’s an important and simple step in pet ownership, along with registering your animal and ensuring your contact details are up-to-date.”

Pet owners must microchip and register their new family member by 12 weeks of age, or when they are first sold, which ever happens first. If owners fail to microchip their pet then they may be issued a fixed penalty notice for $180.

“We know how important it is to have your pet microchipped and that’s why Council is offering this free service,” Mayor Smith said.

“Each year the animal care facilities on the Coast receive a number of dogs and cats that have been abandoned.

“This number typically increases after the festive season, with many people giving pets as gifts and not realising the level of care needed to raise a pet.”

More than 45 per cent of cats and dogs that come into the facilities are not microchipped and less than 60 per cent of these are reunited with their owners.

Residents that have their four-legged friend microchipped, registered or update their details will also receive a Happy Pet gift pack – a small bag full of treats, information and a toy for your pet.

The day is also a great chance for owners to check their contact information is up to date and talk to staff on responsible pet ownership, including lifetime registration.

The Free Microchipping Day will be held at the Central Coast Animal Facility, Charmhaven and Erina, on Saturday 16 February from 10am-4pm.

SoCare Wyong Animal Care Facility

2 Depot Road, Charmhaven

Ph: 4350 3184

Central Coast Animal Care Facility – Gosford Pound

Pateman Road, Erina

Ph: 4304 4350

To find out more about microchipping visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/pets