Pet Ownership
The Companion Animals Act 1998 was introduced to promote responsible pet ownership and help keep both the community and animals safe.
Under this law, all cats and dogs in NSW must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age and registered for life. These steps make it easier to return lost pets to their owners and help councils manage animals in the community.
Walgett Shire Council collects registration fees in line with the legislation. Pet details are recorded in a state-wide database, known as the NSW Pet Registry.
NSW Pet Registry
The NSW Pet Registry is the only official digital way to register cats and dogs in New South Wales. Use this digital tool to help manage your responsibilities as a pet owner, breeder, or veterinary practitioner:
www.olg.nsw.gov.au/public/dogs-cats/
Microchip Your Pet
Microchipping is a permanent way to identify your cat or dog. A small chip is placed under your pet’s skin. It contains a unique 15-digit number linked to your contact details on the NSW Pet Registry.
If your pet is lost or stolen, this number helps get them back to you.
What you need to know:
-
All cats and dogs must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age, or before being sold or given away—whichever comes first.
-
The person selling or giving away the pet is responsible for making sure it is microchipped.
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Microchipping must be done by a vet or authorised implanter. They will upload your details to the NSW Pet Registry.
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Your pet must be microchipped before it can be registered.
You can microchip your pet by calling your local vet or contact the Council's Ranger Services on 02 6828 6100.
Lifetime Registration
After your pet is microchipped, you need to register them on the NSW Pet Registry.
This must be done:
– by the time your pet is 12 weeks old, or
– as soon as they become yours,
whichever happens first.
Registration isn’t finished until the fee is paid. If payment is late, extra charges may apply—so it’s best to register early to avoid any penalties.
Once the pet’s profile is transferred into your name on the NSW Pet Registry, you are listed as the legal owner.
Registration is a one-off payment that lasts for your pet’s lifetime and is valid anywhere in NSW.
You can check if a pet is already registered by searching the NSW Pet Registry.
For breeders: If you still have puppies or kittens after they turn 12 weeks old, you’ll need to register and pay for them as the owner.
Fees and Desexing
Registration fees vary. Discounts apply for desexed animals. If your dog is not desexed by six months of age, or your cat is not desexed by four months of age (unless born before 22 July 2020), you may be required to pay an additional annual permit fee.
For current fees and more information, visit the Office of Local Government – Pet Registration Fees
2024/2025 Fees and Charges
| Registration type |
Description |
Fee |
| Dog– Standard lifetime registration
|
Basic lifetime registration fee for a dog
Note: Anadditional paymentapplies if a dog is not desexed by 6 months of age. If a vet decides that a dog should not be desexed before 6 months of age or ever in its life, a temporary or permanent exemption from the additional fee may be granted.
|
$78.00 |
| Dog - Standard lifetime registration - Eligible Pensioner |
Basic lifetime registration fee for a dog owned by an eligible pensioner |
$34.00 |
| Cat– Standard lifetime registration |
Basic lifetime registration fee for a cat
Note: An annual permit fee applies if a cat is not desexed by 4 months of age. If a vet determines that a cat should not be desexed before 4 months of age or ever in its life, a temporary or permanent exemption from the annual permit fee may be granted.
|
$68.00 |
| Cat– Standard lifetime registration – eligible pensioner |
Basic lifetime registration fee for a cat owned by an eligible pensioner |
$34.00 |
| Dog - Recognised breeding dog |
Dog not desexed by 6 months of age and kept by a recognised breeder for breeding purposes |
$78.00 |
| Cat - Recognised breeding cat |
Cat not desexed by 4 months of age and kept by a recognised breeder for breeding purposes |
$68.00 |
| Additional fee payable for non-desexed dog |
Owner must pay an additional fee for a non-desexed dog over 6 months of age |
$184.00 |
| Annual Permit for Cat |
Owner must pay an annual permit for a non-desexed cat over 4 months of age |
$96.00
|
What Do I Do If I have Changed Address?
If you’ve moved, you’ll need to update your pet’s details using the change of address form.
A change of ownership form can be obtained on the NSW Pet Registry website.
- If your new address is still in NSW, return the completed form to Walgett Shire Council by post or drop it in at the Council office. We’ll update your details and send you a new certificate of registration.
- If you’ve moved interstate, send the completed form to:
NSW Companion Animals Register
Locked Bag 3030
Nowra NSW 2541
Changes to Your Pet’s Status
If your pet has passed away or is no longer in your care, it’s important to update their details on the NSW Pet Registry.
You can contact Walgett Shire Council to help update your records. This ensures the registry stays accurate and you won’t receive reminders or notices unnecessarily.
To update your pet’s status, please call us or visit the Council office with your details.