The RSPCA shelter at Yagoona in Sydney has seen an increase in pets being surrendered for financial reasons but this has not been mirrored in Tamworth.

Tamworth Regional Council’s manager of environment and health Ken Reid said he did not know of people surrendering their dogs to the pound for financial reasons.

Tamworth RSPCA president Pat Varley said pet owners in Tamworth were feeling the pinch of the current economic conditions but didn’t know if they were surrendering animals for that reason.

“People are saying thank God the RSPCA is doing the registration days where they get microchipping done and vouchers for discounted desexing,” she said.

“People have got to think twice when someone offers them a pet. They’ve got to think about the long term care because it’s not just looking after the animal today, it’s next week and next year.”

Kootingal’s Jean Medlock, who runs a dog and cat refuge, had similar advice for prospective pet owners. She said she hadn’t seen an increase in people dumping animals, but people were now wanting smaller dogs because they ate less.

South Tamworth Animal Hospital veterinary nurse Rebecca Miller said she had also not noticed an increase in the number of animals being dumped and said people were getting rid of animals usually because they hadn’t done the necessary research before buying the animal.

“People need to research what they’re getting into because cats can live up to 15 years or more and dogs up to 17 years,” she said.

“They need to know microchipping and desexing are part of responsible pet ownership and medical bills can be costly.”

Both Jean and Pat said people needed to simplify the feeding of their dogs, which also meant it was cheaper to feed them.

Jean suggested a stew recipe and Pat suggested dry food and two chicken necks a day.

The stew recipe involves cooking pet mince or mince on special with cooked rice or pasta and mixed vegetables and be sure not to have any salt or onions in the mixture.