Adopt dog and give them best start to 2024

Christmas is often a challenging time for animal shelters and rescue organisations, and this year is no exception.

Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter takes in dogs and cats from Penrith, The Hills, Hornsby and Cumberland LGAs, as well as our own. Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter is currently at capacity with lost and abandoned dogs – a situation that is being experienced at most public and private shelters and rescue organisations in Sydney.

Due to the high numbers of dogs at the shelter, Council rangers are currently unable bring in stray dogs. Staff are working closely with rescue organisations to find ways to help manage the high volume. Shelter staff area also doing everything in their power to reunite lost pets with their owners, and to find new loving homes for those that need them.

All dogs are currently priced between $49 and $99, which includes microchipping, lifetime Council registration, desexing and first vaccination. Cats are also available from $29.

There are a number of key ways that locals can help this holiday season:

If you find a stray or roaming dog, try to find its owner. Local vet clinics can scan for a microchip in a bid to get an animal home before coming to the Shelter.

• Adopt a dog instead of buying one from a breeder or pet store.
• Before gifting a puppy, consider carefully whether you are able to devote the time and resources to caring for and raising one.

• Make sure your yard is secure at all times to ensure your dog doesn’t wander.

• Make sure your dog is desexed to reduce the chance of your dog wandering, and to prevent unwanted litters.
• Make sure your dog is registered and microchipped so if it does wander it can be easily returned to you.
• If you are going away this holiday season, ensure your animal is being suitably cared for by family, friends or a kennel in a secure yard.
• Be aware that fireworks are often legally and illegally let off during this holiday period, and this can lead to dogs escaping their yards. Ensure your dog is secure.

To view the pets that are currently looking for their owners and pets available for adoption at Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter, please visit www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/for-residents/animals-and-pets/animal-shelter

From the end of January 2024, the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter will have its own dedicated website at www.hawkesburycas.com.au