Friendly reminder: Pet registration renewals due in April

Maroondah pet owners are reminded that pet registrations are due by Wednesday 10 April 2019.

Once your pet is registered with Council you will automatically receive a renewal notice each year.

Councillor Samantha Mazzuchelli said that while annual pet registration is due on 10 April each year, Council offered a pro rata payment for those registered outside of this period.

“While registration renewals occur annually on 10 April, those considering registering a new pet should not hold off from undertaking this important process. If you register your pet now, ahead of 10 April, you will not be charged for an additional month, you will simply pay for 12 months and renew again next April,” Cr Mazzuchelli said.

“Similarly, if you obtain a new pet after 10 April deadline, your registration fee will be determined on a pro-rata basis,” she said.

Victorian legislation requires every cat and dog aged three months and over to be registered with their local council. Animals being registered for the first time must be microchipped prior to registration.

Cr Mazzuchelli said up-to-date pet registrations and microchipping were the best ways to ensure any lost pets were reunited with their owner.

“Each year, our Local Laws officers rescue dozens of pets that go missing. Registration and microchipping provides easy identification of your animal and greatly assists in their return if they are lost or found wandering away from home,” she said.

“Having your pet microchipped is a simple process. It is a pain-free procedure performed by a veterinarian, in which a microchip – about the size of a grain of rice – is inserted under the skin.

“Microchipping also provides a permanent form of identification, and your pet’s details will be recorded on the nationally accredited database, Central Animal Records. You will also receive an external tag and certificate of identification.”

Pet owners should note they need to keep the same identification tag that is issued with the original registration and display this on their pet’s collar, at all times. Tags are not re-issued with each registration renewal.

The annual registration fee is also significantly reduced for animals that are de-sexed. Eligible concession card holders also receive substantial discounts.

“De-sexing is key to preventing unwanted breeding and stray animals in Maroondah, especially cats,” Cr Mazzuchelli said.

“Aside from the peace of mind you get from registering your pet, animal registration fees are important as they help Council to fund activities such lost and found animal services, off-leash dog parks and dog exercise equipment, and responsible pet ownership education programs.

“Please don’t wait until it’s too late and your pet is missing – make sure their registration is renewed and that their microchip details are up-to-date,” she said.

Under the Domestic Animal Act, penalties may apply to owners of unregistered animals, animals found wandering and those found not wearing a registration tag.

If your pet has passed away or you have relocated outside of Maroondah, it is also important for owners to notify Council as soon as possible.

For those who require a replacement tag, these are available free of charge by calling customer service on 1300 88 22 33 or visiting any of our

How to pay your pet registration fee: