Microchipping
In NSW, all cats and dogs, other than exempt cats and dogs, must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away, whichever happens first. The person selling or giving away the pet is responsible for getting the pet microchipped and transferring the microchip into the new owner’s details.
Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are implanted beneath the animal’s skin between the shoulders. No personal information is stored on the microchip, only the unique identification number which can be read with a scanner, like a barcode at the supermarket. The microchip number is recorded on the NSW Pet Registry along with details about you and your pet.
If your pet gets lost, approved users can get in contact with you using these details listed on the NSW Pet Registry by scanning the unique microchip number implanted in your pet.
Microchipping your pet does not complete the Lifetime Registration requirement
Registration
All cats and dogs, other than exempt cats and dogs, must be lifetime registered by 12 weeks of age or when sold if earlier than 12 weeks.
The lifetime registration fee is a once-only payment, which covers the cat or dog for its lifetime in NSW, regardless of any changes in ownership.
Registration fees are used by councils for providing animal management related services to the community.
Discounts are available for de-sexed pets, eligible pensioners and cats and dogs bought from certain rehoming organisations, including council pounds and shelters.
If your pet is not desexed by 6 months of age, an additional fee is applicable.
How can I pay my animal registration?
- Online: https://www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au
- By Phone: (02) 4560 4644 Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter
- In person: Council Administration Building 366 George St, Windsor NSW or at the Animal Shelter 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave NSW, please bring all required paperwork.
Responsible pet owners’ microchip and register their dog or cat and ensure that their contact details are up to date. If your dog or cat is lost, up to date contact details are the best way to bring your pet home. You can update your details online using the NSW Pet Registry or at Council.
Registration Fees
| Registration Type | Fee from 1 July 2024 |
|---|---|
| Dog – Registration fee (by 12 weeks or when sold if earlier than 12 wk) | $78 |
| Dog – Additional Fee (dog not desexed by 6 months) | $184 |
| Dog – Registration Combined fees (for not Desexing dog by 6 months) | $262 |
| Dog – Registration ( by eligible pensioner) | $34 |
| Dog – Desexed (sold/transferred from pound/shelter or rehoming organisation | $0 |
| Dog - Not desexed ( not recommended) | $78 |
| Dog – Registration (not recommended eligible pensioner) | $34 |
| Dog – Registration (recognised breeder) | $78 |
| Dog - Assistance Animal, working dog, Service of State | $0 |
| Cat – Registration fee (by 12 weeks or when sold if earlier than 12 wk) | $68 |
| Cat – Registration (eligible pensioner | $34 |
| Cat – Desexed (sold by pound/shelter) | $0 |
| Cat – Registration (not recommended) | $68 |
| Cat – Registration (not recommended – eligible pensioner*) | $34 |
| Cat – Registration (recognised breeder) | $68 |
| Registration late fee | $22 |
| Permit Type | Fee from 1 July 2024 |
| Cat not desexed by four months of age | $96 |
| Dangerous dog | $230 |
| Restricted dog | $230 |
| Permit late fee | $22 |
