More than 150,000 dogs and cats are lost or stolen every year in NSW, so microchipping and registration are an important part of owning a pet.
The simple, two-step process has many benefits.
By creating a profile on the NSW Pet Registry you will be able to:
- update your contact details such as a change of address
- transfer ownership of your pet
- report your pet as missing or deceased
- pay most lifetime registration fees online
As of from the 1 July 2020, it is required you get an annual permit (in addition to the lifetime pet registration) if:
- you own a dog of a restricted breed or declared to be dangerous
- you own a cat not de-sexed by four months of age
Your dog or cat should be microchipped from the time they are 12 weeks of age, at point of sale or change of ownership (whichever occurs first).
Step 1: Microchipping
Cats and dogs in NSW must be microchipped by the time the animal is 12 weeks old. If your pet is not microchipped when it is purchased or comes into your care, please contact your local vet.
Pet microchip records can only be created by a vet, an authorised microchip implanter or a local council.
Once your pet is microchipped, its details will be stored in the NSW Companion Animal Register and you will be issued with an Identification Certificate.
What is microchipping?
About the size of a grain of rice, a microchip contains a unique 15 digit identification number that is quickly implanted under your pet’s skin between the shoulders.
If your pet is found, the animal can be scanned and identified.
There are some exemptions from microchipping including bona fide working dogs in certain areas within NSW and greyhounds registered with the Greyhound Racing Authority.
Microchipping can only be done by an accredited person. A local vet can usually do this, or Council can microchip animals to be released from the animal shelter for a fee per animal.
Step 2: Pet Registration
You can register your pet online or at any local council in NSW.
To register your pet online, visit petreg.nsw.gov.au. You will need to have your driver’s licence, passport or Medicare card handy to create your Pet Registry account.
Your pet’s identification record (from step 1) must already exist before you can ‘claim’ it on the Pet Registry website.
Benefits of registration
Registration clearly identifies the animal as yours. If your pet becomes lost, Council will be able to notify you of your animal’s whereabouts.
Registration fees are used to provide services such as:
- Tending to stray dogs and dog attacks
- Public education about responsible pet ownership
- Maintenance of leash free areas
- Community microchipping days
Registration Fees
Fees for pet registration are set by the NSW Office of Local Government. Check here for the latest fees:
https://www.petregistry.olg.nsw.gov.au/registration-and-permit-fees/pet-registration-fees
