How to register a pet in NSW in 2026, including microchipping requirements, registration fees, and how to apply, for dogs and
Pets & Lifestyle Desk is a contributing writer covering pets and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
All dogs and cats in NSW must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age. Microchipping involves inserting a small microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, under the animal's skin between the shoulder blades. The microchip contains a unique identification number that can be scanned by a veterinarian or a council officer. The microchip is registered on the NSW Pet Registry, which is a statewide database of microchipped animals.
If you buy a puppy or a kitten from a breeder, the breeder is responsible for microchipping the animal before it is sold. If you adopt a dog or a cat from a shelter, the shelter is responsible for microchipping the animal before it is adopted. If you do not microchip your dog or cat within 12 weeks, you may be fined by your local council.
In addition to microchipping, all dogs and cats in NSW must be registered with your local council. Registration is a legal requirement and helps to identify lost animals. The registration fee varies by council and by the type of animal. The fee is higher for dogs than for cats and higher for desexed animals than for entire animals.
To register your pet, you will need to provide the following:
Microchip number. The microchip number is required to register your pet. The microchip number is on the microchip registration certificate that you received when your pet was microchipped.
Proof of desexing. If your pet is desexed, you will need to provide a certificate from your veterinarian. Desexed animals have a lower registration fee than entire animals.
Proof of vaccination. Some councils require proof of vaccination as a condition of registration. Check with your local council to see if vaccination is required.
Registration fee. The registration fee varies by council. The average fee for a desexed dog is $50 per year, and the average fee for an entire dog is $100 per year. The average fee for a desexed cat is $25 per year, and the average fee for an entire cat is $50 per year.
You can register your pet online, by post, or in person at your local council. To register online, visit your local council website and follow the instructions. You will need to provide your personal details, your pet's details, and your payment details. To register by post, download the registration form from your local council website and send it to the council with your payment. To register in person, visit your local council office with your pet's microchip number and your payment.
Once your pet is registered, you will receive a registration tag. The tag should be attached to your pet's collar. The tag has a unique identification number that can be used to identify your pet if it is lost.
Pet registration is valid for 12 months. You will need to renew your pet's registration each year. You will receive a renewal notice from your local council before the registration expires. You can renew online, by post, or in person at your local council.
If you do not renew your pet's registration, you may be fined by your local council. The fine for not registering a pet is typically $100 to $300.
If your pet is lost, there are several steps you can take to find it:
Check the NSW Pet Registry. The NSW Pet Registry is a statewide database of microchipped animals. If your pet is found and scanned, the microchip number will be used to identify you as the owner.
Contact your local council. Local councils maintain a register of lost and found animals. Contact your local council to report your pet as lost.
Contact the RSPCA. The RSPCA maintains a register of lost and found animals. Contact the RSPCA to report your pet as lost.
Post on social media. Post a photo of your pet on social media, including local community groups and lost and found pets groups.
Put up posters. Put up posters in your local area with a photo of your pet and your contact details.
The following tips can help you keep your pet safe:
Microchip your pet. Microchipping is the most effective way to identify your pet if it is lost. Make sure your contact details are up to date on the NSW Pet Registry.
Register your pet. Pet registration is a legal requirement and helps to identify lost animals.
Keep your pet indoors. Keep your pet indoors at night to prevent it from wandering. If you let your pet outside during the day, make sure it is supervised.
Use a leash. Use a leash when you walk your dog. A leash prevents your dog from running away or getting lost.
Update your details. If you move house or change your phone number, update your details on the NSW Pet Registry and with your local council.
More information about pet registration in NSW is available at your local council website and the NSW Pet Registry.
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