Pet care after lockdown

21 October 2021

Animal shelters and rescue organisations across the country are reporting unprecedented surges in pet fostering and adoption, as families and individuals have sought companionship amid the coronavirus pandemic. In line with this, Council’s Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter has also been rehoming more pets than ever this year. As the lockdown ends, keeping pets safe will continue to be a high priority for all pet owners.

Shelter staff do their utmost to ensure that as many lost pets as possible are reunited with their owners or found suitable new homes, thanks to our positive partnerships with a number of rescue organisations and regular Facebook posts.

Did you know that Shelter staff can reunite lost pets with owners even before they are taken to the Shelter? This can prevent further stress on your pet and you as the owner. It can even save you money if Council staff can return your pet before going to the Shelter.

For this to be possible, ensure that your pet is microchipped and that your cat or dog also wears a tag on a collar with your current contact details. That way if your pet gets out and someone picks them up, whether it is Council Shelter staff or a neighbour or a stranger, they will be able to contact you straight away and save your pet a trip to the Shelter.

Too often pets are microchipped but their owner’s details are out of date, which means staff cannot inform the owner that their pet has been found. Pet registration details are like the registration details of your car, when you change your car’s details then change your pet’s details.

If you change address, update your contact details yourself at petregistry.nsw.gov.au or call the Shelter on 4560 4644 and they can update it for you.

In NSW, all cats and dogs, other than exempt cats and dogs, must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away, whichever happens first. A microchip is required by law and a permanent method of electronic identification that cannot be lost – never rely on a tag alone.

Handy pet tips from the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter

Keep your pets occupied when at home alone.Mental stimulation is very important for both cats and dogs and each will require different levels of stimulation dependent on their breed and age. See the useful ideas below for you to try at home.

DOGS

• Snuffle mats: these can be purchased from various pet supply stores or can be a D.I.Y at home. These mats are used to scatter food treats through so your dog can sniff through the material and search for the treats.
• Treat balls made of rubber material in various sizes and strengths. Stuff with dog treats and your dog will have to work out how to get the treats from inside the ball. Freeze on hot days. You can also hide treats in your home or backyard to occupy your dog for hours.
• Toy rotation: Dogs get bored if the same toys are available all of the time, so rotating toys is a good idea to keep your pooch interested and occupied.

CATS

• Kitty activity zone: cats enjoy all types of stimulating activities, from climbing, pouncing, chasing and scratching. Setting up an area in your home for kitty-friendly activities is an easy way to keep them entertained. Things to include can be anything from a window perch overlooking the yard/outdoors, adding cardboard boxes is also an exciting addition.
• Catnip-filled toys: having a range of catnip-filled cat toys are great stimulation for your cat providing them with a toy to play with as well as scent stimulation from the smell of catnip.
• Cat furniture is another way to keep your cat occupied. Scratch posts, cat trees and kitty condos can supply your cat with hours of fun as well as a safe hiding place.

Exercise and Enrichment

• Use a lead. Taking your dog for a walk or a run is a great way to keep your furry friend happy and healthy, but don’t forget that your dog must always be kept on a lead, unless in an official off-leash area. And always follow sign posted areas, as some public areas are animal-free zones.

Keeping pets safe, occupied and contained

• Pet-proof your house and yard. To keep your pet safe, it is important to pet-proof your house and yard. Make sure all yard fences are safe and secure to keep your pets in their own property. Inside the house, keep all power cords, chemicals etc. out of reach of your pets.

If you find an animal roaming on the street

• Check to see if they are wearing a collar or have a tag with a contact phone number.
• Take them to the vet to scan for a microchip and potentially contact the owners.
• Check the local ‘Lost & Found Pets’ social media pages.
• Knock on the front door of nearby houses as it could be their pet or a neighbour’s pet.
• If you are unable to locate the animal’s lawful owner within a short period of time, the next step is to contact the local council and give the details to the Animal Shelter staff.
• You can search for lost pets and new pets at

hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/services/places-and-facilities/animal-shelter

or visit the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter at 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave.

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday:            9am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 4:30pm

Saturday:                          9:30am to 11:30am

Sunday:                            7am to 9:30am

Phone:                              4560 4644

Email:                                companionanimal@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au