Registration is required under the Companion Animals Act 1998 for all dogs and cats before they turn six months of age.
There is an on-the-spot penalty for failure to comply.
The registration fee is a once-only payment and covers lifetime registration in NSW, even if pet ownership changes.
Lifetime registration fees can now be paid online at the NSW Pet Registry website or Service NSW using your MyServiceNSW Account.
If you are unable to access the online registry you can register your cat or dog at the Civic Centre or at any Service NSW Centre.
Please make sure you bring the following items with you:
- Proof of desexing, if applicable. This may take the form of a Certificate of Sterilisation or receipt containing microchip number from a Vet or a statutory declaration stating that the cat or dog has been desexed and is permanently incapable of reproduction
- Pensioner concession card or registered breeder identification, if applicable.
Further information on how to register your cat or dog may be obtained from Council on 02 4868 0888.
Introduction of annual permits for non-desexed cats and dangerous/restricted dogs.
The NSW Government is introducing annual permits for non-desexed cats and restricted and dangerous dogs as part of its commitment to promoting responsible pet ownership and improving animal welfare standards.
From 1 July 2020 owners of cats not desexed by four months of age will be required to pay an $80 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee.
This will create a stronger incentive to desex cats, which in turn will improve their health and wellbeing, including reducing the risk of some cancers.
Improving desexing rates will also ease the burden on pounds and shelters, reduce euthanasia rates, and help to address concerns about feral, stray and roaming cats and their effect on wildlife.
Exemptions are in place for cats that are registered by 1 July 2020, those kept for breeding purposes by members of recognised breeding bodies, and cats which cannot be de-sexed for medical reasons.
From 1 July 2020 owners of dogs of a restricted breed or formally declared to be dangerous will be required to pay a $195 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee.
This will serve as a further disincentive to owning high-risk dogs and encourage owners to better manage the behaviour of their animal.
From 1 July 2020, pet owners will be able to pay for annual permits using the NSW Pet Registry website or through Council.
Anyone registering a cat on the NSW Pet Registry will be informed that they must pay for an $80 annual permit if their animal is not desexed by four months of age.
Annual permit fees will go directly to the Companion Animals Fund which pays for companion animal management by local councils including pounds/shelters, ranger services, dog recreation areas, and education and awareness programs.
The fund is also used to operate the NSW Pet Registry and carry out responsible pet ownership initiatives.
If you require any further information or assistance, please contact the NSW Pet Registry at pets@olg.nsw.gov.au and 1300 134 460.
The National Desexing Network has veterinarians available who offer discount desexing to pet owners in genuine financial need.
To find out if you qualify and to contact a NDN vet visit the website at www.ndn.org.au or telephone 1300 368 992.
You must update the Companion Animals Register when:
- You sell or give your animal away
- You change your address or other contact details
- Your animal dies or has been missing for more than three days
You can update these details online at the NSW Pet Registry website
If your dog or cat has died, you must notify Council within 28 days (or 24 hours in the case of a restricted dog or declared dangerous dog) of its death.
Download the Notification of Deceased Animal form(PDF, 85KB).
Download other notification forms from the Office of Local Government website.