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Registration of animals

REGISTRATION OF ANIMALS

Losing a pet can be heartbreaking, and an unsuccessful search even more so.

To ensure that pets can easily be traced to their owners, all cats and dogs must be microchipped and lifetime registered as required under the Companion Animals Act, or owners may be subject to a fine of up to $1,320.

How do I register my pet?

According to the Companion Animals Act, cats and dogs in NSW must be identified with a microchip by the time the animals is 12 weeks old.
 
Once the animal is microchipped, these identification details are entered onto the NSW Companion Animal Register. A certificate is issued to the owner with the identification details.
 
Microchipping
The microchipping procedure is no more painful than a vaccination and is performed in the same way.
 
A tiny capsule the size of a grain of rice is injected under the skin on the back of the animal's neck. Veterinarians and shelters are provided with a scanner that reads the digital number on the chip inside the capsule.
 
Microchipping can be arranged through your local vet, animal welfare organisation or by Auburn Council’s rangers. Once a year Council’s rangers organise a Microchipping Day at Auburn’s Botanical Gardens. Look out for this day on our news section.
 
Once your animal has been microchipped, then you need to lifetime register it by 6 months of age. Fines apply for non-registration. Lifetime registrations can be made at any Council, the RSPCA or the Animal Welfare League.

Registration fees

  • Desexed cat or dog $40
  • Desexed cat or dog owned by a pensioner $15
  • Non desexed cat or dog $150
  • Cat or dog owned by a breeder $40
  • Assistance dogs are free

 When registering your animal, you will need to provide:

  • The animal's identification papers
  • Owner ID such as a drivers licence or passport as well as proof of address
  • Proof of desexing from your vet or a statutory declaration.

Any animal seized or taken into custody of a Council pound or animal shelter must be microchipped and lifetime registered before being returned to its original owner.

Recognised Breeder

A recognised breeder is a person who is a member of one of the following organisations: Royal NSW Canine Council, the NSW Cat Fanciers Association or the Waratah State Cat Alliance.  

Change of animal details

It is your responsibility as a pet owner to ensure that the information on the NSW Companion Animals Register is up to date and correct.
 
Contact Auburn City Council to provide the updated information on (02) 9735 1222. You can also download a change of details form here.
 
Changes that need to be notified include:

For more information on the Companion Animals Act 1998 or the Companion Animals Regulation visit the Australasian legal Information institute at www.austlii.edu.au.

 
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