Pet registration

If you own a pet, they must be microchipped and lifetime registered with the NSW Pet Registry. This is a legal requirement and can help to reunite you if your pet is missing. You also need to let us know if you move, you no longer own your pet, or your pet dies.

Registering your pet

Step 1.Microchip your pet

Microchipping is a legal requirement. Head to the Office of Local Government's website to find out what's required for microchipping.

All cats and dogs, other than exempt animals, must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away, whichever happens first.

A vet or accredited implanter can microchip your pet and fill out a Permanent Identification form. 

 

Step 2.Register your pet

Registering your pet is a legal requirement.

Visit the NSW Pet Registry to complete your pet's registration.

Completed registration forms can also be lodged at any of our Customer Service Points.

Working dogs and guide dogs have to be registered, however no registration fees apply. A ‘working dog’ means that your dog is used primarily for the purpose of droving, tending, working or protecting stock. A Statutory Declaration will need to be completed.

Some eligible pensioners will also need to be assessed for eligibility by their local council. If this applies to you, contact us.

 

Step 3.Keeping your details and ownership updated

Keeping your pets details current is also a legal requirement.

You should update details:

  • if you change your address or personal contact details
  • if you sell or give away your pet - you must notify NSW Pet Registry or Council within 14 days
  • if your pet passes away - you must notify NSW Pet Registry or Council within 28 days

To update your, or your pet's details, go to the NSW Pet Registry.

Changes of pet ownership are the responsibility of the previous owner.

 

Step 4.Forms

You can access a range of forms related to changing ownership, registering pets and updating your details on the Office of Local Government's website.

Visit the Office of Local Government's website for more information on how to register your pet.

Death of an animal

Owners of companion animals (dog or cat) are required to notify the Council within 28 days of the death of an identified or registered companion animal.

Clause 30 of the Companion Animals Regulation 2008 provides that notification of the death of an animal may be made in writing, by completing the Notice of Deceased Animal form.

Council also requires a copy of the Certificate of Euthanasia from the Veterinarian or a Statutory Declaration stating that the animal is deceased/deceased date, signed by a Justice of the Peace.

Rules for selling a cat or dog

As a result of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Companion Animal Breeding Practices, from 1 July 2019, people advertising kittens, cats, puppies or dogs for sale or to give away in NSW will need to include an identification number in advertisements.

The identification number can be either:

  • a microchip number
  • a breeder identification number, OR
  • a rehoming organisation number.

The rules will apply to all advertisements, including those in newspapers, local posters, community notice boards and all forms of online advertising, including public advertisements on websites such as the Trading Post, Gumtree and social media sites.

For further information about the changes, visit the Department of Primary Industries website.

 

Back to top