Companion animal registration and microchipping FAQs

Yes. Under NSW law, all dogs must be microchipped and registered by 12 weeks of age.

Microchipping ensures your dog can be identified and reunited with you if lost, giving you peace of mind.

Exemptions:

• Farm working dogs used for droving, tending, or protecting livestock.
• Dogs in training to become working dogs.

Even if exempt, we encourage owners to microchip and register working dogs to protect these valuable animals.

Why registration is important

• Ensures your dog's safety.
• Promotes responsible pet ownership.
• Complies with the law and improves community safety.

Yes. All cats must be microchipped and lifetime registered by 12 weeks of age.

Why registration is important

• Ensures your cat's safety.
• Helps reduce the number of unclaimed pets in shelters.
• Supports animal welfare initiatives.

Follow these steps:

1. Get your pet microchipped:
   Visit your vet or animal welfare organisation to have your pet microchipped. Ensure you receive the Permanent Identification (P1A) form or a Verification of Existing Microchip (M1) form.
2. Provide proof of microchipping:
   If you don't have the microchip papers, visit an authorised identifier for a signed statement of the animal's microchip number.
3. Visit a Council office to register:

   Bring the required documents, including proof of microchipping and desexing (if applicable). If applying for a pensioner discount, show your government pension card.

Locations:

• Customer Service Centre, Vulcan Street, Moruya
  Open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm
  T: 4474 1000
• Narooma Depot, Glasshouse Rocks Road, Narooma
  Open Monday to Tuesday, 8.30am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm
  T: 4476 4144
• Batemans Bay Depot, Princes Highway, Batemans Bay
  Open Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm
  T: 4472 4035.

Registration fees are subject to change. A late fee of $22 applies to registrations 28 days past the due date.

• Dog registered before12 weeks or transferred from breeder: $78
• Not desexed dog at 6 months (extra fee): $184
• Not desexed dog: $262
• Desexed dog: $78
• Not desexed (recognised dog breeder): $78
• Working dog: $0
• Not desexed dog at 6 months (not recommended by vet): $78
• Desexed dog owned by eligible pensioner: $34
• Desexed dog rehomed from eligible pound/shelter: $0
• Annual permit (dangerous/restricted dog): $230
• Assistance animal (with evidence - medical and public access test): $0

Registration fees are subject to change. A late fee of $22 applies to registrations 28 days past the due date.

• Desexed or not desexed (written notification from vet that the cat should not be desexed): $68
• Not desexed cat (recognised breeder): $68
• Desexed cat rehomed from eligible pound/shelter: $0
• Desexed cat owned by eligible pensioner: $34
• Annual permit for undesexed cat over 4 months: $96
• Assistance animal (with evidence - medical and public access test): $0

If your pet is registered, you must update your contact details on the NSW Pet Registry within 14 days of moving.

Alternatively, we can update the Pet Registry for you. Provide your:

• updated details
• pet's microchip number.

If your pet has died, you must let us know within:

• 28 days for most pets
• 24 hours for restricted, dangerous or menacing dogs (we may require evidence from a vet).

Contact us:

• T:  02 4474 1019
• E: Rangers