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.

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.

• 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 5pm

• 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.

• Lifetime Registration form

• Certificate of Identification or a copy of the Permanent Identification form

• Proof of desexing if applicable

• Proof of pensioner card if applicable

• Proof of breeder if applicable

All registration and annual permit fees have been adjusted for 2021/22. Please view the fees below:
 

Registration category	New fee amount
Dog – Desexed (by the relevant age)	$66
Dog – Desexed (by the relevant age eligible pensioner)	$27
Dog – Desexed (sold by eligible pound/shelter)	$0
Dog – Not Desexed or Desexed (after relevant age)	$224
Dog – Not Desexed (not recommended)	$66
Dog – Not Desexed (recognised breeder)	$66
Dog – working	$0
Dog – Service of the State	$0
Assistance animal	$0
Cat – Desexed or not Desexed	$56
Cat – Eligible Pensioner	$27
Cat – Desexed (sold by pound/shelter)	$0
Cat – Not Desexed (not recommended)	$56
Cat – Not Desexed (recognised breeder)	$56
Registration late fee	$18
Annual permit category	New fee amount
Cat not desexed by four months of age	$81
Dangerous dog	$197
Restricted dog	$197
Permit late fee	$18

Dog and cat owners may be issued with a Penalty Notice if they fail to microchip and lifetime register their pet.

Change of ownership, address, contact details or if your pet has 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.

Changed your address

If you have recently moved or changed your contact details, you must notify your local 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 9330 6400 Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm.