Time to renew dog registrations

It’s the end of the financial year, which means it’s also time to renew your four-legged friend’s registration or register them for the first time.

Council has issued its animal renewal/registration notices for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.

Mayor Kerry Hayes said if pet owners haven’t received a notice by the end of this week, they should contact council to arrange payment and ensure their pet’s registration is up to date.

‘This includes new animals to the region, change of ownership or those who may not have been registered in previous financial years,’ he said.

Registration fees are due by 27 August 2021 and non-payment of outstanding registrations will result in enforcement action and on-the-spot fines. Payment will be accepted from 1 July 2021.

Mayor Hayes said it is important all pet owners do the right thing and pay their registration.

‘Our animal registration scheme is not a revenue-raising exercise for council,’ he said.

‘Rather, it is about responsible pet ownership. If your dog is registered and is found wandering the street, council officers can return it to you much more quickly.

‘Registration also helps pay for things like our animal management facilities, dog parks and education programs.’

Registration is just $20 for dogs that are both microchipped and desexed, and $30 for a dog that is microchipped or desexed. Entire dogs that are not microchipped are $130.50.

‘Council has kept the cost low to ensure it is affordable for pet owners and to encourage people to comply,’ Mayor Hayes said.

He also reminded residents that council now has lifetime registration tags.

‘This means that the tag you received for your dog’s registration renewal last year will not be replaced with a new one this year. If your current tag is lost or damaged it must be replaced at your expense,’ he said.

Residents can pay via BPAY, over the phone by calling 1300 242 686 or by visiting their closest council office.