Companion animal FAQs

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Do I need to microchip and lifetime register my dog?

Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, all dogs more than six months old must be microchipped and lifetime registered.

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.

Do I need to microchip and lifetime register my cat?

Cats which are born, bought, sold, given away or otherwise change owners after 1 July 1999 will need to be microchipped and registered just as are dogs. Cats which are already settled with owners are not subject to these requirements.

How do I lifetime register my pet?

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 Thursday, 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.

How much are the lifetime registration fees?

2022/2023 lifetime registration fees are:

Desexed dog: $69
Non-desexed dog: $234
Desexed dog purchased from the pound: $0
Desexed/non-desexed cat: $59
Annual permit for non-desexed cat: $85
Desexed cat purchased from the pound: $0
Pensioner with desexed cat/dog: $29
Registered breeder - dog $69
Registered breeder - cat $59

What happens if I change my address?

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.

My dog or cat has died - what do I need to do?

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.

More information

Contact us

For all animal enquiries, please contact Council's Rangers:

T: 4474 1019
E: Council's Rangers