Companion animal FAQs

Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, all dogs must be microchipped and lifetime registered by 12 weeks of age.

Farm working dogs used primarily for the purpose of droving, tending, working or protecting stock (and dogs being trained to be working dogs) are exempt from the microchipping and registration requirements.

While this is the case, these dogs are valuable animals and owners are encouraged to have their dogs microchipped and registered for the dog's own protection.

Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, all cats must be microchipped and lifetime registered by 12 weeks of age.

Before being lifetime registered, all dogs/cats must be microchipped. Vets and most animal welfare organisations offer this service.

Owners of dogs which have already been microchipped will need to provide proof of the microchip number, such as the certificate received at the time the dog was microchipped.

Alternatively, owners will need to take their dog to an authorised identifier (some vets and animal welfare organisations offer this service) and get a signed statement from that person of the animal's microchip number. When lifetime registering a dog, owners must provide proof of microchipping (normally the pink copy of the 'Permanent Identification/Registration Form' - the one with the bar code on it) and proof of desexing, if applicable. If applying for a pensioner discount a government pension card must be shown.

In the Eurobodalla Shire, registrations can be processed at these Council offices:

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

Lifetime registration fees can be subject to change.

A late fee of $22 applies to all registrations after 28 days from when due.

• 12 weeks or when first transferred from breeder: $78
• Not desexed dog at 6 months - additional fee: $184
• Not desexed dog: $262
• Desexed dog: $78
• Not desexed (recognised dog breeder): $78
• Working dog: $0
• Not desexed dog at 6 months of age (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 (requires evidence - medical and public access test): $0

Lifetime registration fees can be subject to change.

A late fee of $22 applies to all registrations after 28 days from when due.

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

If you have a dog or cat which is registered, you have a responsibility to ensure that the information on the NSW Pet Registry is up to date. Within 14 days of moving or changing your contact details, you should update your pet's details on the NSW Pet Registry.

Alternatively, you can notify Council of the change of details. Please assist Council staff by providing the microchip number of your pet to enable speedy updating on the Registry.

There is no charge for notifying a change of your details.

If your cat or dog has died, you must notify Council within 28 days (or 24 hours in the case of a restricted dog, dangerous or menacing dog) of its death. Notification may be by telephone, or in writing by email or letter to Council.

In the case of a restricted or declared dangerous dog, Council may require you to provide documentary evidence from a veterinary practitioner that your dog has died.