Register or change your pet's details

Microchipping and registration

Did you know that microchipping, registration and identity tags are all requirements for both dog and cat owners under the Companion Animals Act?

Microchip Implants are available from the Animal Shelter during open hours and by appointment outside of open hours. Dogs and Cats over the age of 12 weeks must be protected by permanent identification (microchip implant).

A dog or cat may not be sold or given away unless it is registered and micro chipped, and details of the new owner placed onto the NSW Companion Animals Register. This is mandated by the Companion Animals Act.

Dog and Cat breeding requirements

Starting 1 December 2025, all dog breeders in NSW, whether regular, occasional, or accidental, must hold an active Breeder Identification Number (BIN). Cat breeders are not required to have a BIN, but they will automatically receive one if they use the NSW Pet Registry. New BINs issued after this date will cover both dogs and cats, while existing BINs will remain active for cats but inactive for dogs unless reactivated online.

For puppies born on or after 1 December 2025, advertisements must include the breeder’s BIN and the mother dog’s microchip number. Vets and identifiers will also need to record both details when microchipping litters. Applications for BINs can be made online via the NSW Pet Registry or offline through local councils, which require ID verification.

These changes form part of broader reforms under the Puppy Farming Act and updated animal welfare laws. Key rules include a cap of 20 adult female dogs per premises (up to 50 with an exemption), a lifetime limit of five litters per female (no more than three by caesarean), mandatory compliance with the Breeding Code of Practice, and minimum staffing ratios. Penalties for non-compliance are significant, with fines up to $110,000 and possible jail time for serious breaches.

Fees for dogs and cats

As required under the Companion Animal Act 1998, A Companion Animal (Dog or Cat) will be due for lifetime registration when it turns 12 weeks (3 months) of age. If your pet is over that age now registration should be completed without delay as the law provides for an on-the-spot penalty of $330.00 for failure to comply with the registration requirements and possible late fee of $22.00.

Registration fees are due at 12 weeks of age. A late fee is applicable if registration is not paid within 28 days after registration requirements. An additional fee for a dog is due 6 months and an annual permit payment for a cat is due at 4 months if not desexed. (i.e. Sterilisation certificate from a vet).

When registering your companion animal please have your Ownership form and evidence of desexing if applicable. If applying for registration of a desexed animal owned by a pensioner, your pension card must be sighted at time of payment. If applying for registration of an animal sold by eligible shelter, please have receipt of purchase available.

If applying for a working dog registration, your dog must be a working breed which is primarily for the purpose of droving, tending, working, or protecting stock, (please not that a working demonstration may be required).

All fees may be subject to an annual CPI increase. Those categories of Companion Animals which have a $0.00 registration fee are still required to be microchipped and registered with the appropriate paperwork being completed. This a ONE OFF registration fee for the lifetime of your pet in NSW.

Registration and permit fee changes from 1 July 2024
Please ensure evidence of desexing, pensioner eligibility, and approved breeder status is sighted for the required registration types. The date of desexing should be updated for desexed animals.

Registration fees are due at 12 weeks of age, a late fee is applicable if registration is not paid within 28 days after registration requirement. An additional fee for a dog is due at 6 months and an annual permit payments for a cat is due at 4 months if not desexed.

Registration Category	Registration Description	Registration Fee	Late Fee
Dog registrations
Standard registration	For dogs over 12 weeks of age	$78.00	$100.00
Additional fee (if desexed after 6 months)	Applicable if the dog is not desexed by 6 months	$184.00	$206.00
Sold by Pound/Shelter	For dogs sold by a pound or shelter	$28.00	$50.00
Recognised breeder	For animals bred and kept by a recognised breeder	$68.00	$90.00
Desexed (Eligible Pensioner)	For desexed dogs owned by an eligible pensioner	$34.00	$56.00
Desexed	For dogs not desexed due to medical advice	$78.00	$100.00
Assistance/working animal	For dogs trained to assist or perform working tasks	$0	$0
Service of the state	For dogs owned by the State (e.g. Police dogs)	$0	$0
Cat registrations
Standard registration	For cats over 12 weeks of age	$68.00	$90.00
Desexed (eligible pensioner)	For desexed cats owned by an eligible pensioner	$34.00	$56.00
Sold by pound/shelter	For cats sold by a pound or shelter	$28.00	$50.00
Recognised breeder	For cats bred and kept by a recognised breeder	$68.00	$90.00
Desexed	For cats not desexed due to medical advice	$68.00	$90.00
Additional fees
Late fee (cat/dog)	If registration is not paid within 28 days		$22.00
Additional fee for delayed desexing (dog only)	If the dog is not desexed by 6 months of age	$184.00	$206.00