02/11/2024

The NSW Government has recently introduced changes to registration requirements for dog and cat owners across NSW under the Companion Animals Act 1989 and Georges River Council would like to let pet owner know of these requirements.
 
By 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away (whichever happens first), companion animals are to be microchipped and their details recorded on the NSW Pet Registry operated by the Office of Local Government.  
 
It is important to be aware that registration of an animal is a two-step process. Once a pet has been microchipped (identified), a registration fee must then be paid by the time the pet reaches 12 weeks of age to complete that process.
 
To encourage owners to desex their pets, a one-off fee for dogs not desexed by six months of age and an annual permit fee applies for owners of cats not desexed by four months of age.
 
Council recommends desexing pets which, particularly for cats as they are not required to be prevented from roaming, reduces unwanted litters and the risk of your pet developing health and behavioural problems.
 
Registration payment covers the pet for their lifetime, even if ownership changes. Registration fees helps fund essential public services for the community like dog parks, shelter and pound facilities, discounted desexing and microchipping for pets and education programs promoting responsible pet ownership.
 
It is the responsibility of the person selling or giving away the pet to ensure it is microchipped and ownership is transferred into the new owner’s name within 14 days.
 
Sydney Dogs and Cats Home Managing Director, Melissa Penn said microchipping is a vital tool in reuniting lost pets with their families. 
 
“At Sydney Dogs & Cats Home, we've seen firsthand the importance of keeping details up to date. So many animals miss going home to their families because they are not microchipped, or the microchipped information is out of date.
 
“Let’s make sure all beloved family pets make it back home if they are lost. Microchip your pet and remember to update the details if they change,” she said.
 
Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg also echoed these sentiments:

“Microchipping your pets is not just a precaution; it's a promise to keep them safe and ensure they can be brought back home in the event they get lost.
 
“I encourage all pet owners within our area to make sure their pets are microchipped, and their details are kept up to date,” said the Mayor.
 
Pet owners can update their contact details, report a lost or found pet, pay registration or transfer ownership online by creating a NSW Pet Registry account via the Office of Local Government Pet Registry website or by contacting Council. Fines may apply for failing to microchip or register your pet by the required age or update your pets microchip details.
 
For more information on animals and pets within Georges River, visit our Animals and Pets webpage.