Pet registrations & permits
Under NSW law, pet cats and dogs must be microchipped and then registered. If your animal is registered and your details are up to date, your pet can be safely returned to you if it gets lost.
Step 1: Microchipping
Before you can register your pet, it must first be microchipped by a vet or authorised identifier. Microchips are the size of a grain of rice and are implanted under your pet’s skin. Each microchip has a unique number that can be read with a scanner, like a barcode at the supermarket.
All cats and dogs must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away.
All cats and dogs must be registered by six months of age. The registration fee is a once-only, lifetime payment, even if pet ownership changes.
Step 2: Registration
You can register your cat or dog online or over the counter at your local council.
Online: Go to the NSW Pet Registry. You will need:
- NSW Pet Registry account/owner profile
- Your email address
- Your personal details
- One proof of identity document (Australian Drivers Licence, Australian Passport, Medicare Card)
- Microchip number
- Payment
Over the counter: You can register your pet in person at Kempsey Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre at 22 Tozer Street, West Kempsey.
You'll receive your certificate of registration once your cat or dog is registered.
- Microchip number
- Proof of sterilisation (if applicable)
Fees
A registration fee is paid only once in the life of your animal. Please note you can be issued with an on-the-spot fine if you have an unregistered animal.
The NSW Government sets all registration fees and these are updated on 1 July each year.
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Registration type
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Fee from 1 July 2022
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Dogs
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Dog – Desexed (by relevant age)
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$75
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Dog – Desexed (by relevant age – eligible pensioner*)
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$32
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Dog – Desexed (sold by pound/shelter)
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$0
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Dog – Not desexed or desexed after relevant age
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$252
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Dog – Not desexed (not recommended by vet)
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$75
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Dog – Not desexed (recognised breeder)
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$75
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Dog – Working
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$0
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Assistance animal/service of the state
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$0
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Registration late fee
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$21
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Cats
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Cat – Desexed or not desexed
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$65
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Cat – Desexed (eligible pensioner*)
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$32
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Cat – Desexed (sold by pound/shelter)
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$0
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Cat – Not desexed (not recommended by vet)
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$65
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Cat – Not desexed (recognised breeder)
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$65
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Registration late fee
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$21 |
* An eligible pensioner includes a person who receives the aged pension, war widow pension or disability pension. If you are unsure whether you are an eligible pensioner, please contact Kempsey Shire Council.
Change your details
If you're the new owner of a dog or cat, or you need to update your contact information, you must complete a Change of Owner/Details form. This form is available on the NSW Pet Registry website.
Please email a scanned copy of your completed form to ksc@kempsey.nsw.gov.au or take a copy in person to Council Customer Service at 22 Tozer Street, West Kempsey.
Permits
Some pet owners are required to pay for an annual permit in addition to their one-off pet registration fee. This applies to:
- restricted dog breeds and dogs formally declared dangerous – $221 annual permit
- non-desexed cats more than four months old – $92 annual permit.
You don't need an annual permit if:
- your cat was registered by 1 July 2020
- your cat is kept for breeding purposes and you are a member of a recognised breeding body
- your cat cannot be desexed for medical reasons.
How to get your permit
To pay for your permit, go to the NSW Pet Registry website.
Permit fees go directly to the Companion Animals Fund, which pays for companion animal management by local councils, including pounds and shelters, ranger services, dog recreation areas, and education and awareness programs. The fund is also used to operate the NSW Pet Registry and carry out responsible pet ownership initiatives.