Make sure you’re across the new rules on pet registration

Published on 27 November 2024

Byron Shire Council is helping spread the word on new pet registration requirements introduced by the NSW Office of Local Government in July this year.

The new rules aim to improve pet management and help reunite lost animals with their owners.

“Under the new rules, all cats and dogs must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age, or when sold/given away, whichever comes first,” Council’s Manager Public and Environmental Services, Sarah Nagel said.

“Once microchipped, pet owners must register their pets on the NSW Pet Registry by 12 weeks of age.  This involves a once-one lifetime payment for the pet, even if ownership changes within NSW,” Ms Nagel said.

“The other main change is that dog owners will face a once-only additional fee if their pet is not desexed by 6 months, while cat owners will incur an annual permit fee if their cat is not desexed by 4 months.   

“We’ve been out talking to vets and new pet owners but now we want to spread the message to the wider community.  Pet owners really need to get microchipping, registration and desexing crossed off their list of things to do when they get a new pet as quickly as possible,” she said.

If your vet recommends delayed desexing for medical reasons, they’ll need to update the NSW Pet Registry by your pet’s relevant desexing age.

To register your pet go to www.petregistry.olg.nsw.gov.au or drop into Byron Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre in Mullumbimby for assistance.

“If you’re coming in to register your pet, you’ll need to bring microchipping paperwork, proof of desexing if applicable and a pension card if applicable,” Ms Nagel said.

For information on current rules on pet microchipping and registration, visit www.byron.nsw.gov.au/microchipping-pet-registration.