Dog registrations soar in NSW’s Hunter region as city populations decline, driven by pets offering companionship and support.

In New South Wales’ Hunter region, dog registrations have surged as birth rates decline in cities like Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Dungog. Newcastle saw a 14% rise in dog registrations from 2023 to 2024, following a 57% increase the prior year, while Lake Macquarie reported a 58% jump between 2022 and 2023. By late 2024, Lake Macquarie had nearly one microchipped dog per two residents, and Newcastle had over 64,000 registered dogs. Local councils are improving record accuracy through reminders and free microchipping events. Residents, including dog owner Ashley Field, say pets provide emotional support and companionship, especially during hardship, and advocate for adopting from rescues over buying from breeders, noting many healthy dogs are surrendered due to financial strain.