A wayward pet picked up on the streets is now taken to Canobolas Family Pet Hospital where, provided it is microchipped, it can be identified and reunited with its parents.

The hospital has received 41 stray pets in the first two weeks of the program.

All of the 19 microchipped cats and dogs were reunited with their families the same day they were brought in.

Hospital veterinarian Lisa Brisbane said that problems only arise when pets are brought to them without microchipping. 

“Unfortunately we are seeing a lot of pets being brought in without the identification chip,” she said. 

“We’ve only been able to reunite one unchipped pet with its owner – the rest have gone up to the bordering facility.”

If pet owners can’t be contacted by the close of business, the animals are being transported to a private pound.

Four dogs and two cats were transferred to the facility in the first week.

The council is imposing an impounding fee, along with the cost of registration and microchipping for all pets taken to the pound.

In an attempt to combat the problem, the hospital will provide half price microchipping on Friday.

“We’re offering it as a public service because we know how distressing it is when people lose their pets,” Mrs Brisbane said.

A microchip is a very small, permanent method of electronic identification, which is implanted just under the skin of the dog or cat, just between the shoulder blades. 

“It is just like getting an injection,” Mrs Brisbane said.

“It might be a little uncomfortable for the animal at the time but there’s no long-term discomfort.”

The council was forced to seek a new solution to the stray animal issue following the termination of its contract with the RSPCA last year.

RSPCA NSW said at the time it faced competing needs in the region and stepping away from the Orange pound contract would provide more opportunity to focus on its core business of investigating cruelty matters and providing animal welfare support.

A Facebook page publishing details of pets showing up at the hospital is part of the response to help reunite pets with their owners faster.