A friendly reminder to pet owners: don’t forget to register your cats and dogs

If Christmas has seen the arrival of a new cat or dog in your family, don’t forget that you need to have them microchipped and

While annual pet registration is due for renewal on 10 April each year, Council does offer a pro rata payment for those registered outside of this period.

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

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

“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,” Cr Lamont said.

“Each year our Local Laws officers rescue hundreds of pets that go missing, and if the animal is properly microchipped and registered it makes it easier for us to rehome them with their owner,” she said.

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

“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,” Cr Lamont said.

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

“After your initial new pet registration with Council, a lifetime identification tag will be issued. The ID tag should be immediately attached to your pet’s collar, and worn at all times.

“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 customer service centres.

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

“Ensuring your animals, especially cats, are desexed prevents unexpected and unwanted breeding. It can also help to curb the number of stray cats on our streets,” Cr Lamont 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 as 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,” Cr Lamont added.

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.

You can register a new pet online, or download, complete and submit an Application to Register Domestic Animal(s) form; along with payment, which can be made online, via mail or in person at one of Council’s customer service centres. Please note, registration is not active until payment is finalised.

Registration renewals will be sent out around March 2020 to those with existing registered animals with Council.

If your dog or cat is missing, you can record your pet’s details on a Lost and Found register online, by contacting Animal Aid on 9739 0300 or the RSPCA shelter on 9224 2222.

For more information, or to update any details on pet registration and renewal contact Council on 1300 88 22 33.