In an effort to expedite the reunification of pets with their owners, Horsham Rural City Council will introduce $45 microchipping services at its pound facility.
Director Communities and Place Kevin O'Brien said initiative was spearheaded by the community safety unit.
"It enables a speedier process to get animals back to their owners and will also reduce the costs involved," Mr O'Brien said.
By offering this service, HRCC aims to decrease the number of animals surrendered and further minimise euthanasia rates.
The service is also expected to lessen the financial burden on the community and pet owners by ensuring timely release and a reduced microchip fee.
Unidentified animals can now be microchipped, registered, and released on the same day.
Previously, all unidentifiable cats and dogs had to be microchipped by local veterinarians, costing between $88 and $98, before they could be released.
This process required scheduling an appointment with a community safety officer and the owner's presence, which could take up to seven days.
During this period, the animal would remain in the council's holding facility, accruing a daily impound charge of $33.
According to the Domestic Animals Act 1994, all cats and dogs over three months old must be microchipped before being registered with their local council.
Animals cannot be released from the pound until they are registered and microchipped.
