Changes to Dog and Cat Laws

New laws for cat and dog owners will come into effect on 1 July 2018.

The laws and rules include:

These new laws and rules will simplify dog registration process, make it easier to reunite lost dogs and cats with their owners, help identify and put a stop to puppy farms and reduce euthanasia rates.

From 1 July 2018, owners must microchip their dogs and cats by 12 weeks of age or at the point of sale. Veterinarians may exempt an animal for medical reasons. Owners are encouraged to take advantage of the numerous discount microchipping days throughout the state. Visit chipblitz.com for upcoming dates, locations and to make a booking. Alternatively, contact your local vet.

Dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed by 6 months of age or 28 days after purchase by the owner. Working livestock dogs as well as dogs and cats owned by registered breeders will be exempt from the requirement to desex, however will still need to be microchipped.

People who breed dogs and cats for sale after 1 July 2018 must register with the Dog and Cat Management Board as a breeder. Your breeder registration number must be included in all advertisements for dogs and cats. There are new requirements to disclose the breeder registration number and other information to the buyer at the point of sale. All breeders are required to follow the new industry standards and guidelines.

From 1 July 2018, DACO will be the central database for microchipped and registered dogs and cats and registration payments. DACO will also be the register of breeders.

Existing dog owners should receive a renewal notice in the mail during July 2018 with their dog’s new lifetime registration disc (replacing the annual disc) and instructions on how to complete their annual dog registration on DACO. If you do not receive a renewal notice for your dog, please contact Council.