Microchipping 

The Companion Animals Act 1998 requires all cats and dogs be microchipped by 12 weeks of age, or when they go to a new owner - whichever happens first.

Note: microchipping is a separate process to lifetime registration, you must do both.

Registration

The Companion Animals Act 1998 requires all cats and dogs be lifetime registered by 12 weeks of age or when they go to a new owner - whichever happens first.

The registration fee is a once-only payment, which covers the cat or dog for its lifetime in NSW, regardless of any changes in ownership.

Having your cat or dog desexed helps to reduce fighting, aggression and antisocial behaviour such as spraying to mark territory. It also helps to reduce the number of unwanted pets born each year.

Reduced fees will apply to dogs that are desexed by their relevant age (6 months).

Additional permit fees apply to cats that are not desexed by their relevant age (4 months). This permit is charged annually until the cat is desexed.

Registrations can be completed online via the NSW Pet Registry

View Shellharbour Council's Cat and Dog Registration fees.

Selling or giving away your pet

You must have your dog or cat microchipped before rehoming. As the owner, it is your responsibility to notify us that you will be transferring your pet ownership.

Updating your pet's details

You need to update your pet's details when one of the followin occur:

  • Your contact details change
  • Your pet given away/ sold to a new owner
  • Your pet goes missing
  • You change residence 
  • Your pet passes away

 

Update your details on the NSW Registry website or contact us 4221 6111.

Last updated : Tue 4 Feb 2025