Central Coast Council is holding a free microchipping day this weekend to help pet owners take that first step in responsible pet ownership.

Residents are encouraged to come along to the Animal Care Facility, at Charmhaven on Saturday 18 February and have their pet microchipped at no cost.

Council’s Group Leader Environment and Planning, Mr Scott Cox, said becoming a pet owner reaps many rewards, but it also comes with a great responsibility.

“Owning a pet can be beneficial to our health and well-being – they can keep us active and give that extra comfort around the home – but they can also become costly if certain steps aren’t followed,” Mr Cox said.

“Our animal care facilities receive a number of dogs and cats each year that have been abandoned as people don’t realise the level of care needed to raise a pet.”

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

“Microchipping is the first step in responsible pet ownership and helps identify your pet if they should ever go missing,” Mr Cox added.

“There is always an influx of animals brought into our facilities over the festive season.

“By making sure your pet is microchipped, registered and details are up to date, with current address and phone number, we can reunite your pet and family faster.

“We know how important it is to have your pet microchipped and that’s why we are offering this free service.”

The day is more than a free microchip, it’s also a great chance to check chip details are up to date and talk to staff on responsible pet ownership, including lifetime registration.

Everyone that comes to the Charmhaven facility to have their four-legged friend microchipped, registered or check their details are up to date will also receive a Happy Pet gift pack – a small bag full of treats, information and a toy for your pet.

Find out all these details and more at the Free Microchipping Day at the Central Coast Animal Facility, Charmhaven on Saturday 18 February from 10am-3pm.

Free microchipping will also be available at the Central Coast Animal Care Facility in Erina on the same day between 10am-4.30pm.

Check out more about the free service by visiting wyong.nsw.gov.au/pets