Dog Registration
This section outlines information on registering your dog.
- Registering your dog
- Microchipping your dog
- Transferring registration
- If your dog has died
- Update your details
- Selected Owner Policy
Registering your dog
All dogs must be registered on or before 1 July every year or when they turn three months of age. Registration is due on 1 July, to be paid by 31 August. If your dog is neutered or spayed or you have Selected Owner Status, you’ll get a discounted fee.
New dog owners will need to fill in a dog registration form.
After your first registration, you are eligible to be considered for Selected Owner Status.
Your registration fee does not just cover the issue of your dog registration tag, but contributes to many aspects of dog control, including:
- Implementing, monitoring and enforcing dog control policy and law
- Investigating and resolving dog complaints
- Promoting better care and control of dogs
- Education around safety around dogs and bite prevention
- Upkeep of dog administration (e.g. registration database)
- Providing care and facilities for impounded dogs
The collar tag will be issued upon receipt of your registration fee and any other charges due.
Council mails out renewal notices in mid June each year to the mailing address contained in your registration records.
If you change your address it is important you notify Council of this. Check with Council’s Customer Services Centre if you do not receive your renewal notice by 30 June to avoid non-renewal.
Registration fees can be found here.
What happens if I don’t pay my dog registration?
Failure to pay your dog registration may result in a penalty fee being added. Continued failure to pay could result in a $300 fine, seizure and impounding of your dog or prosecution under the Dog Control Act.
Microchipping your dog
Does my dog need to be microchipped?
Under the Dog Control Act 1996, the following dogs must be microchipped:
- dogs registered for the first time after 1 July 2006
- dogs classified as ‘menacing’ or ‘dangerous’ after 1 December 2003
- unregistered dogs impounded after 1 July 2006
- registered dogs impounded twice after 1 July 2006
The microchip must be inserted within two months of the registration date. The microchip is approximately the size of a grain of rice and is injected into the scruff of a dog's neck. It has a unique number that can be listed on both council records and the National Dog Database. Once microchipped, your dog can be "scanned" for his or her microchip number and easily identified through either database.
There are two major reasons for microchipping a dog:
- to identify a lost or stolen dog and return him or her to the owner
- to identify a dog which has been aggressive and classified as dangerous or menacing. This is especially important if a dog owner attempts to disguise the dog's identity.
Getting your dog microchipped
The Council holds Microchipping Clinics at the Council Pound each Saturday. Microchipping can be conducted on your behalf by trained Animal Control Officers for a reduced fee of $25 and is a simple, straightforward procedure with minimal risks. Please phone the Council for further details about the microchipping service and timings.
Your vet can also microchip your dog. If your vet carries out the microchipping, it is your responsibility to advise Council of the chip number by giving the Council a copy of the microchipping certificate given to you by your vet.
Chip numbers are loaded onto the national dog database. If your dog is stolen or lost, then ownership can be tracked back to you in a timely manner if it is found.
Exceptions
All dogs registered for the first time after 1 July 2006 must be microchipped unless they are:
- Working dogs used solely, or principally for the purposes of driving stock,
- Existing dogs, other than those listed above.
Please note that unregistered “microchip exempted” working dogs that are impounded for whatever reason will lose their exempt status and will be required to be microchipped. The same applies for registered “exempt” dogs impounded for a second time. This can result in increased fees for micro-chipping.
If you believe your dog should not be microchipped for any reason, you must write to the Council explaining why not. Include all relevant documentation (e.g. a certificate from a registered vet about your dog's health condition).
Penalties
If your dog is not microchipped and should be, you will have committed an offence under the Dog Control Act 1996 and:
- may be issued with an infringement notice with a fee of $300
- if the Court considers the matter, (e.g. through a defended hearing of the infringement notice), the Court may impose a fine up to $3,000
- an animal control officer may seize and impound your dog until you agree to microchip him/her. If your dog is impounded and you do not agree to pay for its microchipping, your dog may be adopted or euthanised seven days after impoundment.
Transferring registration
If you get a dog that is registered under someone else’s name or you give the dog to someone else, you need to advise the Council in writing.
If your dog has died
You need to notify Council if your dog has died or has to be put down. You may be eligible for a refund of part of your dog registration fee if it is part way through the registration year.
You will need your current dog registration tag and some formal proof of death (e.g. veterinarian euthanasia certificate etc.) to claim the refund. This will be calculated at the time you notify Council.
If your dog has been destroyed under a court order you must produce a certificate from a veterinarian surgeon, animal control officer or ranger confirming your dog has been destroyed.
Update your details
If you leave the area or change your contact details, you need to let the Council know in writing.
Selected Owner Policy
The Council has a Selected Owner Policy. Dog owners within urban areas may wish to apply for Selected Owner status. This entitles you to a reduced dog registration fee. See more information here.
