Identification of Your Pet

Dogs and cats other than exempt dogs and cats, must be identified and registered on the NSW Pet Registry by 3 months of age.

Prior to registration, your dog or cat needs to be microchipped. The person selling or giving away the pet is responsible for getting the pet microchipped. The microchip contains a unique 15-digit number which helps in identification if the animal is lost or stolen. The microchip must be implanted by an authorised identifier, this service can be provided by your local vet or animal shelter who will then identify your pet on the NSW Pet Registry.

In addition to being microchipped, dogs and cats are required to wear a collar and tag when in a public place so they can be easily identified and returned to you if lost or injured.

All dogs, except working dogs, must wear an identification collar and tag that is engraved with their name and your address and telephone number when outside its own property.

All cats, except cats being exhibited at a show, or in transit to and from a show, must have some form of identification when in a public place. 

You can update your information, notify pet missing or deceased by creating an online account with the NSW Pet Registry or by contacting Council's Animal Care Facility on (02) 4645 4790.

Should you sell or give away your cat or dog once microchipped, you are required to notify the change of ownership on the NSW Pet Registry. Change of Ownership Forms are available on the Office of Local Government website or from Council's Animal Care Facility.

Change of pet ownership rules

• When transferring ownership of a pet, it is the responsibility of the old owner to process the Change of ownership via the NSW Pet Registry or Council's Animal Care Facility.
• If you are selling or giving away your cat or dog, any advertisements must include a microchip number, breeder identification number or a rehoming organisation number.
• The microchip number must be displayed in any advertisement regardless of where you are advertising, whether you are a professional breeder or not, or the age of the animal (this includes unborn litters).