newy.com.au – Newcastle dog and cat owners will be able to access free microchipping and NSW Pet Registry updates at a council support day in Tighes Hill on Saturday 7 November.
The Pet Support Day will run from 10am to noon at City of Newcastle’s animal facility. Rangers will also provide information on responsible pet ownership and resources available to help residents care for their animals.
The council has partnered with charity The Stay Foundation to offer veterinary care from Mayfield Veterinary Hospital, including free vaccinations, health checks and desexing for eligible residents who hold a valid pension card.
City of Newcastle’s executive manager of transport and regulation, Ryan Tranter, said rangers assisted 268 pets during the 2025/26 financial year. Around 100 were returned directly to their owners because they had microchips linked to current registration information.
About 70 dogs spent time at the Tighes Hill facility before rangers could locate their owners and return them home.
“Making sure your pets are microchipped, registered, and wearing up-to-date ID tags is one of the simplest things you can do as an owner to keep them safe and get them home as soon as possible,” Mr Tranter said.
Ranger coordinator Rachael Davis said reuniting lost pets with their owners was the team’s primary goal. Rangers had also worked with 16 rehoming organisations over the past year to find new homes across Australia for almost 100 animals.
More information is available on the Pet Support Day event page.
