Register Pets, New Permits

As of 2002, all dogs must be lifetime-registered and micro-chipped. You can register them here:

www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au

The Companion Animals Act give more detail about registration of animals in our community.

www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/act/1998/87

From 1 July 2020

The NSW Government is introducing annual permits for non-desexed cats and restricted and dangerous dogs as part of its commitment to promoting responsible pet ownership and improving animal welfare standards. Read more here: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/responsible-pet-ownership/nsw-pet-registry/annual-permits/

Dogs

Key points of the Companion Animals Act affecting dogs:

A dog must never be trained to attack. Dog droppings must always be picked up from a public place. If a dog is a nuisance action must be taken to control it. Aggressiveness and continual barking are considered to be a nuisance. A dog must always be under effective control when off the owners property - that is, it must be on a lead unless in a specified area. It must also be well socialised and trained.  

Cats

The Companion Animals Act gives cats specific protection but also introduces responsibilities for cat owners:

All new cats or kittens must be permanently identified and lifetime registered, cat owners must identify their cat either by collar and tag or by microchip. If a cat causes a nuisance to neighbours, through noise or by attack on other animals, owners must act to control the cat. Existing laws relating to cats in wildlife protection areas remain in force. Stray cats that attack animals or someone else's property may be removed.

Micro-chipping your Pet

Permanent identification is by a microchip the size of a grain of rice being placed by injection under the skin in an animal's neck. The chip is inert and does not interfere with the animal in any way. Each chip contains a unique number which links the animal to the owner's details, kept on a State-wide register. Privacy controls will ensure the confidentiality of an owner's details and limit access to lawful purposes only.

Lifetime registration should be completed by the time the animal is six months old. This will allow sufficient time to have pets micro-chipped and desexed should you wish to obtain the benefits of cheaper registration.

Exemptions

People with assistance animals such as guide dogs must have their animal permanently identified and registered, but are exempt from paying registration fees.

Greyhounds do not have to be permanently identified, but are subject to a fee while they are registered for racing purposes.

Farm working dogs living on rural properties do not have to be identified or registered.

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