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

All companion animals must be microchipped and registered by 12 weeks of age, or when first transferred, sold or given away to another person (whichever comes first). You must also ensure that the new owner’s details are transferred and recorded on the NSW Pet Registry. If you need assistance, please contact us on 4221 6111.

If you have sold or given away your animal, you are responsible to ensure the ownership details have been changed. The owner of an animal, as recorded on the Pet Registry, may remain liable for all fees and charges incurred by that animal, including any fines, unless the new owners details have been notified. It is an offence to sell, transfer or give away an animal without transferring the animal to the new owner.

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 : Mon 27 Oct 2025