Pet owners can book in to bring their cat or dog to the Moruya Showground between 9am and 1pm on Saturday, June 2, to be microchipped for free.

There will be experts on hand to give advice about dog and cat care, a coffee and cake stall, information about the Eurobodalla Canine Club and obedience and one-on-one dog demonstrations. RSPCA NSW will also provide discount desexing vouchers to pet owners whose animals are not desexed.

Council’s Environmental Health Coordinator Nathan Ladmore said the council’s recent survey and drop-in sessions as part their Companion Animal Management Plan review highlighted the need for responsible pet ownership.

“Council has been working with animal agencies and has this fantastic opportunity for pet owners,” he said.

“Microchipping and placing a collar with ID on your pets are the quickest ways to have them returned if they’re lost. Microchipping is also required by law in NSW by 12 weeks of age.

“Lost pets are impounded each year in Eurobodalla and in many cases, it could have been avoided if the animals were microchipped.

“Council recognises that the cost of microchipping can be significant and this free microchipping day is a great opportunity to get your dog or cat chipped for free.”

Mr Ladmore said modern microchips were about the size of a grain of rice and when scanned revealed a unique identification number.

“Once you have the microchip number, you can then lifetime register your pet, which includes your contact details, and ensures your pet is returned home safe and sound,” he said.

“Registering pets with the council is required by six months and the cost is greatly reduced for desexed animals.”

Bookings are essential for the free microchipping day to RSPCA NSW Eurobodalla branch on 0429 488 200. Pet owners are asked to make sure dogs are on leads and cats are in carry cases.