Welcoming the love and companionship of a pet into your home just got easier

Animal lovers who’ve tentatively been thinking about getting a rescue pet can rejoice as the City of Sydney reduces adoption fees for cats and dogs for a limited time from April 15 to 26.

The move is in a bid to reduce pressure on the city’s animal care facility where the number of pets being housed has almost doubled in the past two years.

It is well-known that a pet brings with it the joy of unconditional love and companionship and helps us to live a happier, healthier, and more active life.

For seniors, adopting an older, more settled pet can be a better fit than a puppy or kitten which demands much more time and energy.

The fee reduction by the City of Sydney will allow those who’ve previously baulked at the adoption cost reconsider the idea of getting a cat or dog.

From April 15 to 26, adoption fees will be cut from $399 to $199.50 for dogs and from $263 to $131.50 for cats.

Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO expressed her hope that the reduced fees would help some of the city’s four legged residents find a new home.

“We know that shelters and rehoming organisations are currently in crisis across Sydney. The cost of living, housing affordability and rental restrictions means the number of animals being surrendered has increased dramatically,” the Lord Mayor said.

“We know how important pets are to people’s lives and wellbeing. We’re hoping that by reducing these fees, we can both reduce the cost of pet ownership and help to ease pressure on our shelter.”

Lost and abandoned pets in the City of Sydney area have been looked after at the Sutherland Animal Shelter, in partnership with Sutherland Shire Council, since 2009.

“We’re very proud our animals are looked after at Sutherland Animal Shelter,” the Lord Mayor said.

“The facility provides a high level of care for animals and aims to rehome or rehabilitate each of its residents, with one of the lowest euthanasia rates in the country.

“However, it is also at capacity. The number of City of Sydney pets being kept in our shelter has almost doubled in the last two years, up from 44 dogs and 37 cats in 2021 to 84 dogs and 63 cats in 2023.

“For decades we have fought to improve the welfare of companion animals. Our new reduced adoption costs are part of a suite of initiatives the City of Sydney is running to support residents who own pets.”

In addition to the fee reductions, the City of Sydney runs several programs that support pet owners. These include annual pet days where social housing residents can access free pet health checks, vaccinations, microchipping, flea and worming treatments, and subsidised desexing.