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Microchipping and Registration
 

Why it’s important to microchip and register your pet

The NSW Companion Animals Act 1998 requires all dog and cat owners to have their pets microchipped and lifetime registered.

Microchipping and Lifetime Registration is a two-step process that requires dog and cat owners to:

  1. Have their pet microchipped and identified on the NSW Pet Registry by the time they are 12 weeks of age by a vet or accredited implanter.

  2. ​Lifetime Register their pet by six months of age.

When selling or giving away a cat or dog you must ensure it is microchipped (even if it is less than 12 weeks of age).

This process assists Council to reunite lost pets with their families if found unattended or that have strayed from their owners property. Many cats and dogs are transferred to animal shelters because their owner can’t be contacted.
 

About the NSW Pet Registry

The NSW Pet Registry (Registry) is a database managed by the Office of Local Government for cats and dogs that live in NSW. This is the official database in NSW for registering your animal in accordance with the Companion Animals Act 1998.

See the Pet Registry fact sheet for more information. ​

  • Microchipping (Identification)

    In NSW, all cats and dogs, other than exempt cats and dogs, must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away, whichever occurs first.

    After microchipping, a Permanent Identification form will be completed with the owner details. Once your details are entered into the NSW Companion Animal Register, you will be sent a Certificate of Identification. 

    The owner can then go online to NSW Pet Registry, create a profile and claim their pet.

    The NSW Pet Registry enables the pet owner to:

    • Create an owner profile

    • Update their contact details

    • Transfer ownership of pets

    • Report their pet missing and found

    • Pay most lifetime registration fees online

    For more information on NSW Pet Registry.

  • Lifetime registration

    All dogs and cats, other than exempt dogs and cats, must be registered by six months of age. The registration fee is a once only payment which covers the dog or cat for its lifetime in NSW, regardless of any changes in ownership. 

    Registration fees are used by Councils for providing animal management related services to the community such as ranger services, dog refuse bins, educational and other companion animal related activities.

    From 1 July 2021, the NSW Government is introducing free lifetime registration for people who adopt a rescue pet from council pounds and animal shelters, and rehoming organisations.

  • How do I lifetime register my pet?

    • Online via NSW Pet Registry website.

    • Council Customer Service Centre – Georges River Civic Centre, Corner MacMahon and Dora Streets, Hurstville – Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.

    • By post to Georges River Council, PO BOX 205, Hurstville BC NSW 1481. Please enclose payment by cheque or money order along with the documents required.

  • Documents required
  • Registration fees

    All registration fees are the same across NSW in accordance with sections 18 and 27 of the Companion Animals Regulation 2018. The current fees for 2023/24 are outlined below:

    Registration category

    New fee amount

    Dog – Desexed (by the relevant age)

    $75.00

    Dog – Desexed (by the relevant age eligible pensioner)

    $32.00

    Dog – Desexed (sold by eligible pound/shelter)

    $0.00

    Dog – Not Desexed or Desexed (after relevant age)

    $252.00

    Dog – Not Desexed (not recommended)

    $75.00

    Dog – Not Desexed (not recommended - eligible pensioner)

    $32.00

    Dog – Not Desexed (recognised breeder)

    $75.00

    Dog – working

    $0.00

    Dog – Service of the State

    $0.00

    Assistance animal

    $0.00

    Cat – Desexed or not Desexed

    $65.00

    Cat – Eligible Pensioner

    $32.00

    Cat – Desexed (sold by pound/shelter)

    $0.00

    Cat – Not Desexed (not recommended)

    $65.00

    Cat – Not Desexed (not recommended - eligible pensioner)

    $32.00

    Cat – Not Desexed (recognised breeder)

    $65.00

    Registration late fee

    $21.00

    Annual permit category

    New fee amount

    Cat not desexed by four months of age

    $92.00

    Dangerous dog

    $221.00

    Restricted dog

    $221.00

    Permit late fee

    $21.00
  • Animal change of detail

    It is important to ensure that your pets microchip details are kept up to date so your pet can be easily returned home. Change of ownership, address, contact details or if your pet is missing or deceased, are all details which need to be updated.

    You can update these details on the NSW Pet Registry website via your owner profile or you can provide Council the necessary documents and we can update those details for you.

     

    Change of ownership

    If you change ownership of your pet, it is the responsibility of the previous owner to ensure the Change of Owner/Details form is completed by the ‘old’ and ‘new’ owners and submitted to Council within 14 days.

     

    Change of address or details

    If you have recently moved or changed your contact details, you must notify  Council within 14 days by completing the Change of Address form.

    If you have any enquires regarding the details of your pet, please contact Customer Service on (02) 9330 6400 Monday to Friday between 8.30am - 5.00pm.

     

    Moved interstate or from overseas

    If you have moved into Georges River Council with your pet from another state or country you must identify and register your pet on the NSW Pet Registry.

    You will need to provide proof of ownership in the form of a bill of sale or a statutory declaration if unavailable. You are required to provide a Certificate of Identification, copy of the Permanent Identification form or a completed verification of existing microchip form which can be signed by any vet.

    Once your pets microchip details are entered on the pet registry you must complete a lifetime registration form and pay the applicable fees.



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