Registration

Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, all cats born after 1 July 1999 must be Lifetime Registered by their owners.

Cats settled with their owners before the commencement of the Companion Animals Act on 1 July 1999, are exempt from Lifetime Registration. However, they lose their exemption if they are impounded by the local Council or if they are found in breach of the Act. They also lose their exemption if they are sold or given away. This means they then must be microchipped and lifetime registered.

Owners must take two steps to lifetime register their pet. These 'two steps' will help return your pet to you if it is lost, hurt or stolen.

If your pet is desexed and you can provide proof, you will pay a reduced registration fee.

Council recommends desexing of all companion animals.

Step 1. Microchip Your Pet

Some Councils, vets, animal welfare organisations and other authorised persons can microchip your cat or dog. Prices for this service may vary.

Step 2: Register Your Pet

Lifetime registration can be done at any local council. All NSW councils are connected to the statewide Register.

When you register your pet you will need:

• A certificate of microchipping or a letter from your vet
• Proof of desexing from your vet or a statutory declaration; the Companion Animal Legislation encourages responsible pet ownership, part of which includes desexing your pet
• Any documents which entitle you to a discount such as a pensioner concession card, veterans card, registered breeder membership card

You can download a copy of the Lifetime Registration Application Form here.

The once-only registration fees, as set by the Companion Animals Act 1998, are listed below: