New data from the NSW Office of Local Government has revealed the top five performing areas for pet registration in the state.
Central Coast was top dog in the latest OLG statistics, with 2,834 pets registered in the 2021/2022 period. Wagga Wagga came in second with 2,373 registrations, following by Lake Macquarie, 2,247; Hawkesbury, 2,160; and Sydney’s Northern Beaches with 2,005.
City of Wagga Wagga Council Manager Environment & Regulatory Services, Mark Gardiner said the results were impressive, considering the larger population of the other Local Government Areas in the top five.
“It acknowledges that people in Wagga Wagga and surrounds have their pets as a high priority, caring about their safety and ensuring that if they go astray, they can be safely returned,” Mr Gardiner said.
“It’s also a great achievement for Council staff, as they’ve been working hard in the community to make sure animals are microchipped and lifetime registered.
“Having a ranking of second out of 128 councils in the state is pretty good.”
Pet cats and dogs are required by law to be microchipped and given a one-off lifetime registration, which covers your dog or cat for its lifetime in NSW.
Mr Gardiner said the release of the statistics was a good reminder for pet owners who haven’t microchipped or registered their animals to do so.
“Getting your pet microchipped and registered is the best way to give them a safety net in case they’re accidentally let out or wander off,” he said.
“It gives you peace of mind knowing that if someone finds them, even if they’ve lost their collar, they’ll still be linked to you and your property.”
