10/03/2016

registering your pet - state by state breakdown

Pet registration requirements

It is so important that you have your pet registered with your local council. This means each time you move, you must update your details and re-register your pet with the new council.

Why do I need to register my pet?

The fees you pay for pet registration isn’t just to ensure that your pet is kept safe in the community, it also goes towards funding the local government staff who patrol and audit Domestic Animal Businesses like pet shops, shelters, catteries and kennels. This also includes the upkeep of dog parks, the services of animal management staff and on some occasions, it pays for educational animal seminars and domestic pet leaflets made available to the public.

Is it mandatory for me to microchip my pet?

Depending on your council’s regulations, it may be compulsory to have your pet microchipped. A microchip is a tiny electronic transponder that is programmed with your pet’s information so if they go missing they can be identified and you can be contacted. A microchip is a permanent form of ID about the size of a grain of rice. it’s injected under your pet’s skin to ensure that if their ID tag or collar is removed, they can still be found. The procedure to microchip your pet is not painful and causes no side effects as the chip contains no batteries.

You may be eligible for a reduced registration fee if:

  • Your pet is de-sexed
  • You have a pet over 10 years old
  • Your cat or dog is a working pet (depending on the organisation they work for)
  • Your pets are kept for breeding and you are a registered breeder
  • You are a pensioner with an approved concession card from the Department of Health and Human Services or Department of Veterans Affairs.

Check with your local council to find out which of these reductions may apply to you.

What you need to know about registration and microchip laws

We've broken it down for you, state by state.

VICTORIA NEW SOUTH WALES CANBERRA TASMANIA QUEENSLAND SOUTH AUSTRALIA WESTERN AUSTRALIA NORTHERN TERRITORY
Pet with a microchip

A final word…

There are some exceptions to registration, depending on your council. Guide dogs, guard dogs and service dogs for example are classified differently in different states. Cats also don’t always need to be registered, although every council recommends microchipping both your cat and dog as a responsible pet owner, regardless of their current laws surrounding registration. Small animals, birds and fish can be declared and in some states they may require a permit but generally speaking they do not require registration. As always, please use this as a primary guide and follow up with your own local council for the most up to date information.

Posted by Alana Rosso