The couple had decided to close their doors last November but an opportunity just a few months later to operate the Port Stephens Council pound forced them to reconsider retirement plans.

"We were quite content to call it a day and relax after years in business when the opportunity arose for us to tender to run the council pound," Sue said.

"The fact is that we would rather not see any pets come here ... this is the last resort for those dogs and cats who have been lost or abandoned.

"And as an animal lover I want to stress the importance to pet owners to microchip their animals, which costs less than $50.

"The rangers and vets will always do their best to contact pet owners before they are sent here, but ultimately the onus is on the owner to ensure they are registered."

A council spokesperson said that the former tender expired at the end of September 2021 and that CEJ's had won the public tender for animal impound services starting October 1.

"The contract is for three years with options to extend an additional year and then another year prior to going out to public tender again."

The Summers liken their business to a foster home, or a pet holding station.

"We will work with vets, and the local community in order return the animals to their owners."

The property has the capacity to hold up to 100 animals and the Summers say they can cater for all sorts of animals including cattle, horses, piglets and others.

The couple's love of animals knows no bounds. They have 14 of their own dogs, many of them rescue dogs, and they have kept other animals over the years including a couple of horses. But for now, retirement has been placed on hold.

Under the Companion Animas Act 1998, all animals must be microchipped and lifetime registered before leaving the animal refuge.

"Anyone can take a lost cat or dog to council's animal refuge," the council spokesperson added.

"They can also contact council's rangers before transporting the animal to the refuge. Our rangers can come to you and scan the cat or dog to see if all information is up to date on the NSW Companion Animal Register (NSW Pet Registry)."

The council spokesperson said that the fine amount for not microchipping a dog or cat was $180 and the fine amount for not having a lifetime registration was $330.

More information is available on the website: portstephens.nsw.gov.au/live/resident-services/animals-and-pets.

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