It can be an upsetting and stressful situation for the whole family to have a beloved pet go missing.

If your pet is registered and microchipped, your dog or cat has a much higher chance of being returned to you if it ends up in an animal shelter or vet clinic.

This year, Bass Coast Shire Council’s pet registrations are due on 10 May, with renewal notices currently arriving in mailboxes.

Under Victorian law, every cat and dog three months of age and over must be registered with their local council. Pets being registered for the first time must also be microchipped prior to registration.

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari, said registering your pet is a key part of being a responsible owner.

“No family wants to experience the distress of losing a pet so having your pet microchipped and registered will give you the best chance of being reunited as soon as possible,” Cr Tessari said.

“It’s also important to make sure your contact details are kept up-to-date, including your current address and phone number.”

For more information on pet registration and responsible pet ownership please contact Council’s Community Safety Team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211, or email basscoast@basscoast.vic.gov.au.