PEOPLE aren't the only ones in need this Christmas.
Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter is packed with homeless, unwanted and abandoned animals in desperate need of a home.
The shelter also caters for animals picked up in The Hills and Penrith local government areas.
As of October, 1550 dogs and 646 cats from across the Hawkesbury area had been rescued.
Figures released by Hawkesbury Council last week revealed that out of these, seven per cent of dogs and 35 per cent of cats were euthanased.
While these numbers appear to be less than last year, the council's director of city planning, Matthew Owens, said the community must do their bit to make sure all animals had a second chance.
"It is crucial for all pet owners to microchip their animals and to ensure they have a collar and tag with a current phone number on the tag," Mr Owens said.
"By law, microchipped animals who present to the shelter are kept for 18 days, and non-microchipped animals eight days.
"We will keep as many animals as long as we can to ensure they find a home."
"If you are going away and someone is minding your pets, inform them of the shelter's number in case the animal goes missing."
■ The Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter is at 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave. Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am-12.30pm and 2pm-4.30pm; Saturday, 9.30am-11.30am; and Sunday, 7am-9am. Details: Call 4560 4644, or email companionanimal@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au.
