Pet Identification & Lifetime Registration
Under The Companion Animals Act 1998, cat and dog owners must take two steps to provide their pet with lifetime protection; permanent microchip identification and lifetime registration.
This two-step system greatly assists the City of Sydney and other councils in returning your pet to you in the event that it is lost, hurt or stolen. It also provides the City of Sydney with a more effective means of keeping track of cats and dogs for the benefit of the wider community.
Step 1 – Microchipping
The first step is to permanently identify your cat or dog through microchipping before it is 12 weeks old.
Microchipping is typically carried out by a vet, but can also be done by animal welfare organisations and other authorised organisations. It is a very safe, almost painless and low-cost procedure that inserts a rice-sized microchip containing an identification number in between your pet’s shoulders.
At the time your cat or dog is microchipped, you will need to complete a Permanent Identification/Registration Form.
A copy of this form will be sent to the City of Sydney who will send you out a Certificate of Identification before your pet is six months old.
From the time your cat or dog is 12 weeks old, it must also wear an identification disc with your name and contact number.
Step 2 – Lifetime Registration
The next step is to register your cat or dog with the City of Sydney. Registration will link your pet’s microchip identification number to your contact details on the NSW Companion Animals Register. Privacy controls ensure the confidentiality of your information.
Conditions
Lifetime registration for your cat or dog is to be completed at 6 months old or a penalty of $165.00 applies to owners failing to comply.
You must be over 18 years old to register your cat or dog. If the pet belongs to a child or teenager, a parent or guardian must register the animal on their behalf.
Dangerous/Restricted Dogs not registered by the age of 6 months old penalty of $1,320.00 applies to owners failing to comply.
Lifetime Registration Fee
A lifetime registration fee is payable once only for the lifetime of your cat or dog.
If you have your pet desexed, you will be eligible for a reduced fee. Evidence of desexing, such as veterinary certificate or account, must be produced at the time of registration.
If you are a recognised cat or dog breeder you will need to provide a copy of your current membership card.
If you receive an aged, disability, service, widow carers or supporting parent pension, you will need to provide a copy of your current pension card.
Registration for assistant animals, such as hearing impaired or guide dogs, are free.
City of Sydney Residents
Lifetime Registration Fees:
- Non-desexed cat or dog $150
- Desexed cat or dog $40
- Recognised breeder $40.
Lifetime Registration Fees for Pensioners:
- Pensioner: first pet free
- Pensioner: each additional non-desexed pet $10
- Pensioner: each additional desexed pet $5.
Non-City of Sydney Residents Who Are Pensioners
Non desexed cat or dog $150
Desexed cat or dog $15
How to Register
To register, you must supply the following documentation and payment to the City of Sydney:
- Certificate of Identification (sent to you by your local council)
- evidence of desexing (if applicable)
- a copy of your breeder membership card (if applicable), Also the following documents:
1. Documentations verifying that your dog is a purebred (pedigree paperwork)
2. A statement by the owner that the animal is to be kept for breeding purposes.
- a copy of your pensioner card (if applicable)
- the appropriate lifetime registration fee.
Cheques and money orders should be made payable to: City of Sydney.
Where to Register
Download a Permanent Pet Identification Registration form from the Department of Local Government website: www.dlg.nsw.gov.au.
If you are unsure which form to download, please contact the City of Sydney's Pet Registration Officer on the number below.
Registration for your cat or dog can be completed in person. Please take your documentation to the your nearest Council Location.
Alternatively, lifetime registration may be obtained by posting your documentation to:
Pet Registration Officer
Tel: 02 9265 9333
Email: jfloyd@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
City of Sydney
Joanne Floyd
GPO Box 1591
Sydney NSW 2001
Once you have done this, the City of Sydney will send you a Certificate of Registration.
Downloads
Information for Cat and Dog owners about their responsibilities for pet welfare.
- Information about Cats in NSW | PDF 171Kb
- Information about Dogs in NSW | PDF 188Kb
- Identification & Registration Fact Sheet | PDF 616Kb
For More Information
Pet Registration Officer
Tel: 02 9265 9333
Email: jfloyd@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
City of Sydney
Joanne Floyd
GPO Box 1591
Sydney NSW 2001
Last Updated: Wednesday 6 August, 2008
