Residents in the City of Playford are being urged to take early action and register their pets online well before the due date of 31 August.

Laurel Osborne, a member of City of Playford's Customer Contact team, said there had been a significant increase in enquiries on pet registrations.

"Pet registration season is one of our busiest times," Laurel said.

“By registering your pet online well ahead of the 31 August due date, residents can avoid unnecessary worry and longer wait times.”

Online pet registration has proven to be a convenient option for pet owners. Using Dogs and Cats Online (DACO), residents can quickly and easily register their pets and update details from the comfort of their homes.

As the proud owner of a 9-year-old Cavalier King Charles named Lily, Blakeview resident Laurel loves nothing more than taking Lily on “walkies” around Playford.

“Lily likes to go for walks in the Munno Para Wetlands and we often visit pet-friendly garden centres, where I buy way too many plants,” laughed Laurel.

Laurel has been a much-valued team member at Playford for 20 years.

“Having worked in the call centre for a long time there is barely a day that goes by where a beloved dog is not reported lost. This can be a very stressful time for owners and our staff, as most of our team are pet owners themselves,” she said.

“If your pet is registered and is wearing their tag that means you are more likely to get reunited with your pet quickly and will avoid them having to be impounded if found.

“Sometimes we get a call from a member of the public who has found a dog and if the dog has their tag on and is registered, we can quickly check DACO and put them in contact with the owner to organise to get the dog back home.”

Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said pet registration is not just a legal requirement, it also plays a vital role in promoting community safety and responsible pet ownership.

“When a pet is registered, they are entered in the statewide database, so if they are found in another council area, we can still trace them back home to the owners,” Mayor Docherty said.

People must register their pets before the 31 August 2023. This can be done online, by phone on 8256 0333, or in-person at Playford Civic Centre, 10 Playford Blvd, Elizabeth, and the Stretton Centre, 307 Peachey Rd, Munno Para.

Cats are required to be registered, but no fees apply