Keeping track of pets

Staff members at the Warwick Vet Clinic in Albert Street were kept busy microchipping dogs and cats on Tuesday in the name of good pet ownership.
Each year the Southern Downs Regional Council spends a significant amount of money on the control of dogs and cats in the region said Manager of Environmental Services, Tim O’Brien and this day helped to reduce this problem.
“We believe that by having all pet’s microchipped, the cost of keeping animals in the Council kennels and cattery can be significantly reduced; thus saving money for the rate paying public,” Mr O’Brien said.
“It is tremendous that the Warwick Vet Clinic encourages all pets in the area to be microchipped. By having a permanent tag placed under their skin with owner contact details store in a central registry, the chances of finding a home for lost dogs and cats is greatly improved.”
Mr O’Brien was impressed with the turn out on the day and reminded owners of the details to keep dogs in the region registered.
Under the Animal Management Act it is now mandatory in the Southern Downs Region to ensure all dog or cats are microchipped as soon as they are over eight weeks of age. If you give away or sell your cat or dog, you will also be required to have it microchipped before the change in ownership takes place. New dog owners are also reminded that it is their responsibility to make sure the pet has a microchip before they are collected.
On the day, which saw over 30 animals microchipped, the Warwick Vet Clinic donated money back to the Warwick Animal Welfare Association to help in their quest to find homes for stray animals.