People who are thinking about welcoming a dog into their lives are encouraged to visit an RSPCA shelter, a NSW council pound, or one of the many approved rehoming organisations.
The NSW Government offers 50 per cent off the registration fee for rescue pets.
Since 2015, 43,000 pet owners have saved $1.2 million in registration fees by adopting a rescue animal.
Ahead of International Dog Day on 26 August 2019, Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said existing pet owners could also help reduce the numbers of dogs and cats ending up in pounds and shelters.
“The easiest way to reduce the numbers of lost and unclaimed dogs needing to be rehomed is to follow the three easy steps of responsible pet ownership – microchipping, de-sexing and registering your pet.
“Keeping contact details up to date on the NSW Pet Registry also helps ensure a joyful reunion should your beloved cat or dog be lost, stolen or injured,” Ms Hancock said.
