With the festive season in full swing, Melton residents are being encouraged to think carefully about responsible pet ownership and consider adoption, as the community heads into one of the busiest times of the year for animal services.
Melton’s animal management team has issued a seasonal guide to help households prepare, offering advice on everything finding the right pet to keeping animals calm during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Locals thinking about welcoming a new furry family member are urged to adopt, with cats and dogs at the Melton Pound ready to find permanent homes.
Staff say they work closely with each animal and can help families choose a pet that suits their lifestyle and long-term plans.
Adopted pets come de-sexed, microchipped, vaccinated, health-checked and flea and worm-treated, with registration included for Melton residents up until April 2026.
Owners are also being reminded to update their pets’ microchip details ahead of Christmas to significantly improve the chances of a safe return if an animal becomes lost.
Microchip information can be checked via the Pet Address website, or pets can be scanned at the pound or by a vet.
As New Year’s Eve approaches, residents are encouraged to secure pets at home and ensure fencing and gates are escape-proof, with fireworks posing a significant stress risk for many animals.
