In the last two years, Bathurst Regional Council has been "very active" in rehoming animals that have been brought to the pound, with there being a big increase in success rates.

In 2017, 47 per cent of the 609 dogs that came to the pound were rehomed, while 26 per cent of the cats under council's care were adopted.

The results were better in 2018, seeing 67 per cent of dogs (448) rehomed and 30 per cent of cats (98).

While there were animals still waiting for homes, the percentages were in the high range for regional councils.

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Mayor Graeme Hanger said there were a couple of reasons why council believed the rehoming rates were improving.

"This success is attributed to an additional trainee position at council's facility, plus an award winning social media campaign and website presence displaying the animals available," he said.

"Council staff undertake an exhaustive check to determine the suitability of a candidate animal to join another family, particularly if the family already has a pet."

Council keeps a record of the animals at the pound on its website, displaying ages of the dogs and cats, their breeds and genders.

Photos of the animals are regularly promoted on council's social media channels.

In a story in the Western Advocate last year, Cr Hanger said social media posts on pet adoptions had a reach of over 105,300 between July and October.

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That led to an increase in inquiries from both prospective pet owners and the owners of lost animals.

It also resulted in council winning the H Dougherty Award for Excellence (30,000 to 70,000 population) at the Local Government Week awards in August, 2019.

While council has seen an increase in rehoming, it hasn't had the same success with pet registrations. Residents are reminded that it is a legal requirement to register dogs and are encouraged make sure theirs is registered.