With three cages and a hydraulic lift to lever dogs and cats from ground level into the vehicle, Mayor John Molony said the fibreglass canopy would make it safer for local laws officers when handling animals.

"The hydraulic lift improves work health and safety for local laws officers who sometimes had to carry dogs and cats into the vehicle, and with such close contact, officers ran the risk of being bitten or infected by a sick animal," Councillor Molony said.

"The fixed cages also allow more than one animal to be transported in the vehicle without them coming into contact with one another," he said.

The canopy was a prototype created for council by Australian Work and Leisure Vehicle Innovations, and the council would be contributing to a risk and benefit assessment on the canopy.

"Council's local laws officers will be providing important practical feedback to the company on how the canopy could be improved," Cr Molony said.

Cr Molony also said the council had increased its animal patrol hours since the beginning of the year, with patrol hours now starting at 6am instead of 8am.

"In response to community reports of roaming dogs in the morning, Council's extended animal patrol hours have been very successful in picking up wandering animals and bringing them to the pound safely," Councillor Molony said.

"The earlier start also coincides well with the school timings, making it safer for students who are walking to school," he said.

The council will soon be featuring animals brought to the Mount Isa City Council Pound on its Facebook page.