Registering your pet in Australia

When your pet comes home from Mickleham, DAFF’s guide reminds you that you are now responsible for local requirements, which might include registering your pet and its microchip and paying yearly fees. DAFF isn’t involved, so contact your council or state government. This guide explains the systems in the two most common destination states and how to approach the rest.

Your microchip

Your pet already has an ISO-compliant microchip, because DAFF requires it for import. Standard scanners in Australia read ISO chips, but the chip number must be linked to your Australian contact details on the relevant registry. Without that, a lost pet can’t be reunited with you.

New South Wales

NSW uses the NSW Pet Registry, run by the Office of Local Government.

• Service NSW says all pet dogs and cats must be microchipped and registered from 12 weeks of birth, or when ownership is transferred.
• The pet must be microchipped before registration, and you must be 18 or over to own a dog or cat.
• You can register online or visit your local council with documents and the fee.
• Your pet doesn’t have to be desexed to register, but extra charges apply for dogs not desexed by 6 months and an annual permit fee applies for cats not desexed by 4 months.

Fees are set by the NSW Government and change over time, so check the current fee schedule.

Victoria

Agriculture Victoria says:

• all cats and dogs aged 3 months and over must be registered with their local council;
• they must be microchipped before their first registration;
• councils can require all cats and dogs in their area to be microchipped.

Registration in Victoria is usually renewed annually with your council.

Other states and territories

Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory all have their own laws and council systems. Search for your council’s pet registration page, or your state government’s companion animals page, and check:

• the age by which pets must be registered;
• whether registration is annual or lifetime;
• discounts for desexed pets, seniors or microchipped pets;
• limits on the number of pets per household;
• cat containment or curfew rules.

What to bring

• proof of identity and your new address;
• your pet’s microchip number;
• evidence of desexing, if it applies (a vet certificate);
• vaccination records;
• your import paperwork, which shows the microchip and history.

Moving between states

If you later move interstate, your registration doesn’t automatically transfer. Register with your new council or state registry, and update the microchip record.

Dog tags and IDs

Many councils issue a registration tag that your dog should wear in public. Add a tag with your phone number too.

Restricted and dangerous dogs

State laws also cover dangerous and restricted dogs, with extra rules on enclosures, signage and muzzling. If your dog is a large or guarding breed, check your state’s rules. These are separate from the import breed bans.

Next steps

Protect your pet from local hazards, starting with paralysis ticks.

Microchip databases

Australia does not have one national microchip register. Your pet's microchip number must be recorded on a database, and in some states the state registry is the official record. Private databases include the Australasian Animal Registry, Petsafe and Central Animal Records. After import, make sure the chip is recorded in Australia with your new address and phone number. A chip that is only registered overseas will not help a council ranger or vet reunite you with a lost pet.

Updating your details

Whenever you move house or change your phone number, update both the microchip database and your council or state registration. In NSW you can update your details online through the NSW Pet Registry. In other states, contact your council or the database that holds the record.

Desexing and discounts

Most councils charge lower registration fees for desexed animals, and some offer concessions for pensioners or for dogs that have completed obedience training. Several states require cats, or both cats and dogs, to be desexed by a certain age unless an exemption applies. Check your council's website for the current fees and rules.

Cat curfews and containment

Some councils require cats to be kept indoors or contained at night, or at all times. If you are moving with a cat, check your council's cat rules before you choose a home, and plan for a cat enclosure if your pet is used to roaming.

Tags and collars

Many councils require dogs to wear a registration tag or collar ID when in public. Even where it is not compulsory, a tag with your phone number is the fastest way for a neighbour to return a lost pet.