Your dog or cat must be microchipped and registered on the NSW Pet Registry. It's also important that you keep their registration details up to date at all times.
Step 1: Microchip your pet
This should be done by the time your pet is 12 weeks old, or when they go to a new owner - whichever happens first.
Before you can register a pet, it must be microchipped. Microchipping can be done by a vet or 'authorised identifier'.
The person selling or giving away an animal is responsible for making sure it's microchipped.
Step 2: Register your pet
You need to register your pet by the time they're 12 weeks old, or when they go to a new owner - whichever happens first.
As well as adding their details to the NSW Pet Registry, you must pay a fee to confirm their registration.
How to register your pet
The NSW Pet Registry is being updated, and some features - including online payments - are not currently available for all users.
Some of the rules about pet registration have also recently changed.
In the meantime you can download forms from the NSW Pet Registry website, then bring your completed form/s to Council and make payment in-person to complete pet registration.
Our Customer Service Centre is at 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong and is open 8.30am - 5pm weekdays (except Public Holidays).
Step 3: Desex
While it isn't compulsory to desex all cats and dogs, it's strongly recommended. Desexing can help prevent unwanted litters and provide health and behavioural benefits.
You can still desex an animal after it's registered but it's cheaper to register a desexed animal, so in most cases it's best to do this before you register your pet.
Step 4: Update your details
You need to tell Council when the following things happen to you or your pet.
| Event | When to tell us | How to tell us |
|---|---|---|
| Your contact details change, including your name, address or phone number | Within 14 days | Download the Update Your Details C3C form from the NSW Pet Registry |
| Your pet is sold or given to a new owner | Within 14 days | Download the Change of Owner C3A form from the NSW Pet Registry |
| Your pet goes missing for more than three days | Within four days | Phone Council on (02) 4227 7111 or write to us |
|
Death of animal (not declared dangerous, menacing or restricted) | Within 28 days | Phone Council on (02) 4227 7111 or write to us |
| Death of an animal declared dangerous, menacing or restricted, or for any dog involved in an attack | Within 28 days |
Advise Council in writing. If the animal was euthanised, you will need to include the proof of euthaniser certificate. |
Forms for notifying us of updates can be found on the NSW Pet Registry website.
Please note, you still need to tell us about any of the above changes if you've already given your new details to your vet. Vet records don't automatically copy across to the NSW Pet Registry or Council.
Log in for vets and authorised identifiers
Vets and authorised identifiers (AIs) can log in to identify microchip numbers, manage litter and offspring records, and update statuses for pets that are desexed, deceased, lost or found.
More information
If you need help with the NSW Pet Registry, please call 1300 134 460 or email pets@olg.nsw.gov.au