Microchipping and registration

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1. Micro-chipping

Micro-chipping your pet involves a simple procedure where a small chip with a unique 15 digit number is implanted under the skin of the animal. It is relatively painless for your pet, just like when they have their annual injections. It is a requirement that all pets 12 weeks old are micro-chipped.

The microchip enables your pet to be identified if it is lost or stolen. It is relatively inexpensive and a simple way to make sure your pet is returned if it ever goes missing.

Micro-chipping your pet assists Council in identifying ownership of pets found wandering. Not micro-chipping your pet can lead to fines, or worse, we don’t know who to return the animal to!

Council is currently not providing micro-chipping. To have your pet micro-chipped please visit your local veterinarian. 

2. Registration

The NSW Government requires that all pet owners register their pet through their local Council. Registration lasts for the lifetime of your pet.

Registration through Council is required by the time an animal is 6 months of age. If your pet is picked up by the Ranger and not registered, you will need to register your dog or cat before it is returned to you. Not registering your pet can lead to fines being issued.

Register and update details online.

3. Prices 

Current registration fees in NSW are listed in the attachment below:

2023-2024-Companion-Animal-Registration-Fees.pdf(PDF, 174KB)

4. Annual Permits

The NSW Government has introduced annual permits for non-desexed cats and restricted and dangerous dogs as part of its commitment to promoting responsible pet ownership and improving animal welfare standards.

From 1 July 2020 owners of cats not desexed by four months of age will be required to pay an $85 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee.

Exemptions are in place for cats that are registered by 1 July 2020, those kept for breeding purposes by members of recognised breeding bodies, and cats which cannot be de-sexed for medical reasons.

From 1 July 2020 owners of dogs of a restricted breed or that are formally declared to be dangerous will be required to pay a $206 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee.

This will serve as a further disincentive to owning high-risk dogs and encourage owners to better manage the behaviour of their animal.

From 1 July 2020, pet owners will be able to pay for annual permits using the NSW Pet Registry website or through their local council.

For more details about Annual Permits, visit the Office of Local Government website. 

5. Update your details

Don’t forget to keep your pets details up to date! If you sell your pet to someone else or move to a new address, update these details through the Council. Forms are available at the Government Access Centre in Miller Street. For more information, please contact Council.

Visit the Office of Local Government for more information on responsible pet ownership.