All paws aboard for Surry Hills pet day

September's Northcott Pet Day was all about looking after the city’s 4-legged friends – and their owners.

Julieanne Ellaby and Sweetheart

“Someone told me about the City of Sydney event today. I got Sweetheart’s vaccinations and nails clipped. Everyone wants to pat her because she has a cute face and it’s really hard when I have to tell people ‘no’. I live alone. She’s been with me since before I needed a hip replacement. She’s my companion. We do everything together – we eat together, we sleep together.”
Marc Clarke and Choo Choo

“Choo Choo’s 11 now. I worry a lot. We were homeless for five years and couldn't get a place because he was my companion animal. We got into a boarding house and they were charging me $200 a week and $100 for him. It's hard, mate. I owe a lot to the RSPCA. He had cancer a couple of years ago and Anne-Marie the vet, she did it all. She only charged me for the anaesthetic and let me pay it off. If your dog's sick and you need a couple of thousand dollars it breaks your heart. It's good these people do what they do.”
Ali Grace and Maggie

“I have a lot of friends here and Maggie does as well. I get all my vet stuff done here. They have really good programs that let us have vaccinations and microchips done so it’s really great.”
Sarah Bell holding Missy

“You get A1 service here for someone who’s on a pension. Especially for people with mental health issues around here, you need a companion. Missy is shy when we’re out – she doesn't move out of my arms. It’s great for the vets because they’re learning from this experience too.”
Rebecca Brooks and Blacky

“I came here to get him microchipped. These days are good. It helps those who can't help do things for themselves.”
Ahmed Haji and (Chocolate) Bear

“Bear’s an old dog and he has arthritis so I came for peace of mind and knowing what is going on. I can't afford to go to the vet all the time but I go when I really need to go. When things are tough it’s good to come here for reassurance and comfort just to know what is going on.”
Andrew Gibson with Aurora

“I brought my dogs here to get vaccinated and have a general checkup. I have another one at home that has heart issues at the moment so he can't come down, it’s too much for him and he’s on lots of medication.”