Microchipping and Registration

As of 1 October 2002 all dogs and cats over the age of 12 weeks must be micro-chipped and all dogs and cats over the age of six months must be lifetime registered under the Companion Animals Act 1998. Significant penalties apply if you do not register your dog or cat.

Micro-chipping

If your animal goes missing, a microchip is the best way to try and ensure the safe return of your pet. Animals that come into our shelter who are micro-chipped usually find themselves home safe very quickly. A collar and tag is also a great way to ensure your pet’s safe return. Microchipping cats and dogs is mandatory in NSW.

Council can microchip your pet at our animal shelter for a fee of $67. Alternatively, vets and any other authorised microchip implanters can microchip your pet.

Updating Microchip Details

Up to date microchip details play the most important part in you being contacted if your pet is found straying. If you re-home an animal, you must complete a Change of Ownership form, signed by you and the new animal owner. This form must be submitted to Council. It is the responsibility of the original animal owner to submit this form to ensure the animal will be put into the new owner’s name. If this is not done, whoever is the owner listed on the microchip is the legally responsible owner of the animal.

Animal Registration Calculator

Want to know what you need to do to register your pet? Use our Animal Registration Calculator.

Lifetime Registration

Once your pet is microchipped, it identifies your dog by recording its breed, age, colour and owner details. The second step is to register your pet by 6 months of age. Registration is Statewide and once an animal has been registered at any Council in NSW, it will remain lifetime registered in all of NSW. If your dog has been declared dangerous or is a restricted breed, annual registration will apply from 1 July 2020.

To arrange lifetime registration of your pet you can come into Council between 8:00am and 4:00pm on weekdays or by appointment only at the Animal Shelter on weekends.

You can complete a companion animal registration form online on the NSW Companion Animal Register website.

You must complete the Lifetime Registration Form and attach any proof required for reduced fees.