Our precious pets

Published on 14 April 2025

Onkaparinga residents love their pets. In fact, there are more than 34,000 registered dogs here, representing countless tummy rubs, slobbery tennis balls, and excited pre-walk barks.

And there’s never been a better time to be a pet owner thanks to a new partnership between the council and not-for-profit, Safe Pets Safe Families.

Last month, the first of three 2025 Community Connection Days was held at Christie Downs Community House. Attendees enjoyed free pet health and behaviour advice; information about registering, microchipping and desexing pets for less; a free sausage sizzle, raffle and giveaways; and other furry-friend owners to meet. The initiative was funded by the state government and supported by the council’s Community Safety team.

The events also provide referrals to pop-up Paws & Pals clinics, where the treasured pets of local homeless and vulnerable people can receive free, volunteer-powered veterinary care. The first Onkaparinga clinic was held late last year, with four planned in 2025.

The clinics recognise that, for some people, staying united with their pet can be tough due to homelessness, mental health, domestic violence or sickness.

Safe Pets Safe Families founder and Onkaparinga resident Jennifer Howard knows the trauma of losing a pet firsthand. She was left with no choice but to surrender her dogs to a shelter after fleeing domestic violence with her children.

“Sometimes people’s pets are the one solid rock in their life, so it’s really important to their health and wellbeing,” Jennifer says.

“We show people there’s support and access, and our services lead to less surrenders, less unnecessary euthanasia… when you support people and pets, it has broader impacts on society.”

The council’s community safety officers (or “rangers”) also attend the events and clinics. Much of their day-to-day role involves responding to wandering dogs and other dog incidents, so they love chatting with locals about positive pet ownership and compliance.

Make sure you say g’day if you attend an event this year – just make sure you don’t leave your sausage in bread anywhere near an inquisitive pooch.

To keep up to date about the next Community Connection Day, visit onkaparingacity.com/safe-pets.