IN AN Australian first, Sutherland Shire residents are now able to register their dogs and cats online.
The shire has one of the highest rates of animal registrations in NSW and the new online service is aimed at making it easier to register the family pet.
"The days of having to visit council in person to register your new dog or cat are gone," said Sutherland Shire mayor Steve Simpson.
Other recent technical innovations introduced by the council include using iPads to review microchipping and registration details for stray animals and using SMS alerts to remind owners to register their pets.
Pet owners still have the option of registering their animals by visiting the council customer service centre in Eton Street, Sutherland, or the Sutherland Shire Council Animal Shelter, at 8 Produc-tion Road, Taren Point.
The council recently sent letters to 700 dog and cat owners who have animals due for registration giving them the option of being the first to trial the new online registration process.
To register a dog or cat online, you must be a shire resident and be able to pay the registration fee by credit card.
Pensioner discounts will apply.
Once the details and payment are verified, the council updates the NSW Companion Animal Register and sends the owner a certificate of registration.
Residents can also post an animal registration form, available on the council's website (sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au), with the required documents to Sutherland Shire Council, Locked Bag 17, Sutherland NSW 1499 with a cheque or money order made out to the council.
What do you think of the idea to register pet details online?