City of Greater Geraldton offers free three-year registration for adoption of animals from local shelters

Barriers to adopting animals in the City of Greater Geraldton have been lowered, with the council offering three years free pet registration as part of a new agreement. Under the partnership between the city, Mid West Cat Shelter and Geraldton Dog Rescue animals adopted from these groups will have the first three years of registration fee-free. Three years worth of registrations usually cost $42.50, while lifetime registrations have been reduced by that amount to cost $57.50. Mayor Jerry Clune said the initiative was to help with overcrowding at rescue facilities. “Animal shelters and rescue centres throughout WA are currently at capacity,” he said. “Adopting a pet from one of our wonderful animal shelters relieves pressure on the organisations and is advantageous for new pet parents as the animals come desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and checked by a vet. “Additionally, the new owners benefit from intimate knowledge of the centre staff who can help match people with the right pet for their lifestyle. “We hope that this new agreement provides prospective pet owners with a further incentive to adopt a cat or a dog rather than going to a breeder.” The city urged anyone considering adopting an animal look into their financial circumstances first. More information on pet ownership in Geraldton is available on the city website.