Altona residents can save $25 this week.

This is the first time a week-long free licensing event is taking place. The town's animal control officer Geoff Loewen said free pet licensing is available from June 18-22.

"It is mandatory for all cats and dogs to be licensed in the town of all Altona," said Loewen.

Normally pet owners pay a one time fee of $25, but this week it will be free. This will make it easier for Animal Control to reunite an owner with their lost pet.

"The animals we do get at the pound, a lot of them are not licensed," explained Loewen.

However, when people come to claim their pet, it's mandatory to get it licensed first.

To get your animal licensed this week, bring your cat's or dog's information to the civic centre.

Loewen also commented on the success of the town's Trap, Neuter and Release program, which started a year ago.

Animal control will trap a stray cat in Altona, have them spayed or neutered, and release them back into the area they were found.

"We've had a lot fewer complaints with cats this year, we've had really no issues with kittens and feral cats," said Loewen.

"The benefit of that is you still have a cat that's able to help with environmental rodent control, but you won't have the same issues with marking territories and cat meowing at night when it's in heat," he added.

Finally, Loewen reminds residents that all animals should be on leashes while walking with their owners.

"It is by-law for all animals to be under your direct control," said Loewen. He noted the south side of the nature pond and behind the Millennium Exhibition Centre are the only two off-leash areas in Altona.