Pets

Every spring, animal shelters and rescue groups across Australia experience an increase in unwanted litters of puppies and kittens. While many pets find loving homes, thousands enter shelters or rescue care each year because there are simply not enough homes available.

National Desexing Month encourages pet owners to have an important conversation with their veterinarian before the spring breeding season begins.

Desexing can help prevent unexpected litters, provide health and behavioural benefits for pets, and reduce pressure on animal shelters and rescue organisations. Every pet is different, which is why it’s important to speak with your veterinarian about the right timing for your pet.

July is National Desexing Month, with participating veterinary clinics across Australia offering special desexing offers to help more pet owners access veterinary care before spring.

Please visit National Desexing Month 2026 for more details.

There are more than 40,000 pets and companion animals in Hornsby Shire. Council aims to protect the rights of these animals and their owners, as well as the rights of other community members.

Your responsibilities & FAQs

For the comfort, safety and health of the community, pet owners are responsible for their pets. Read about these responsibilities and the answers to some common enquiries.

Keeping cats safe at home

The Keeping Cats Safe At Home project aims to improve care for pet cats through responsible cat ownership and to protect wildlife from cat predation.

Registering your pet

All cats and dogs must be micro-chipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away. They must be lifetime registered by six months.

Off-leash dog areas

Hornsby Shire Council offers a number of areas where dogs and their owners can play together entirely unleashed.

Lost and found pets

It's very distressing when a pet goes missing. Council tries very hard to reunite you with your companion as quickly as possible.

Barking dogs

Dogs that bark excessively can put a severe strain on the relationship between neighbours and it's important to handle the situation carefully.

A rescue animal may be your purr-fect pet-match!

The Hawkesbury Animal Shelter is brimming with happy, healthy pets just waiting for you to take them home.

When you adopt your pet from the Shelter you are adopting an animal which has been health checked, desexed, vaccinated and often, wormed and treated for fleas. They have also been assessed for rehoming.

If you think a rescue dog or cat is for you, please visit the Hawkesbury Animal Shelter’s gallery to view the animals they have available for you to adopt.

National Desexing Network

Vouchers for FREE desexing of cats are available to Hornsby Shire Council residents who have a valid pension or concession card. Call NDN on 1300 368 992 to get a voucher now!

*Vouchers available while funding lasts.

**Other eligibility criteria may be considered, so please call to enquire.

Find out more