The NSW Government has introduced annual permits for non-desexed cats and restricted and dangerous dogs. A commitment to promoting responsible pet ownership and improving animal welfare standards.

Owners of cats not desexed by 4 months of age are required to pay an annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee. This aims to create a stronger incentive to desex cats, which in turn will improve their health and wellbeing, including reducing the risk of some cancers. Improving desexing rates will also:

• Ease the burden on pounds and shelters.

• Reduce euthanasia rates.

• Help to address concerns about feral, stray and roaming cats and their effect on wildlife.

Exemptions are in place for cats registered before 1 July 2020, those kept for breeding purposes by members of recognised breeding bodies, and cats which cannot be de-sexed for medical reasons. Anyone registering a cat on the NSW Pet Registry will be informed that they must pay an annual permit if their animal is not desexed by 4 months of age.

Owners of dogs of a restricted breed or declared dangerous are required to pay an annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee. This will serve as a further disincentive to owning high-risk dogs and encourage owners to better manage the behaviour of their animal.

Pet owners can pay annual permits via their account on the NSW Pet Registry website or in person at Council.

If you need any further information, please contact the NSW Pet Registry at pets@olg.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 134 460.

Visit the NSW Pet Registry website for a list of the current Annual pet permit fees.