Many owners can already register online, but this is only possible if certain criteria are met. Registering your dog or cat online through the new NSW Pet Registry will soon be available to everyone.
If you don't meet the criteria you'll need to register your pet at your local council.
Do I have to register my pet?
Yes. All pet dogs and cats in NSW must be registered on the NSW Pet Registry.
This must be done after the animal has been microchipped, and:
- 12 weeks from their date of birth, or
- on the day their ownership is transferred (if that happens before the dog or cat is 12 weeks old).
If the animal has not been sold or given away by the time they are 12 weeks old, the first owner (breeder) must pay the registration fee.
Registration covers the dog or cat for its lifetime, even if their owner changes.
Note: If you move interstate or overseas, you may need to re-register your pet according to country, state or council requirements.
What must be done before I register my pet?
Your pet must be microchipped before you can register it, but there are certain exemptions.
Desexing prior to registration is not required.
Microchipping
- All pet dogs and cats must be microchipped before being sold or given away, or by 12 weeks of age.
- The person selling or giving the pet away is responsible for getting the animal microchipped.
- If you're unsure whether your animal is microchipped your regular vet will be able to tell you.
Exemptions from registration and microchipping
Pets exempt from registration and microchipping include:
- working dogs usually kept on farmland
- greyhounds currently registered under the Greyhound Racing Act 2017.
Visit Pets exempt from registration and microchipping for more information.
Does my pet have to be desexed?
No. Pets do not have to be desexed before they're registered.
Note: You'll be charged an:
- additional fee if you do not desex your dog by 6 months of age
- annual permit fee if you do not desex your cat by 4 months of age.
However, if your vet advises delaying or avoiding desexing for medical reasons, they can record this on the NSW Pet Registry, or provide you with an exemption certificate.
You'll need to take that certificate to your local council before your pet reaches the prescribed age to avoid incurring any of the additional costs.
Who can register online?
At present, you can only register your pet dog or cat online, if:
- your pet is microchipped
- you had an account with the 'old' Pet Registry, before 28 June, and
- your MyServiceNSW account details exactly match the details that were on your old Pet Registry account, including your:
- legal first and last name
- mobile number
- email address
- your pet was already linked to that account
OR
- you're a new pet owner, and:
- you're creating a NSW Pet Registry account for the first time
- your new pet was transferred to you using the new digital NSW Pet Registry after 1 July.
If you meet these criteria, visit Register your dog or cat online.
Who needs to register offline?
You'll need to register your pet dog or cat at your local council, if any of the following apply:
- you had an 'old' Pet Registry account but you do not meet the necessary criteria to apply online
- your new pet was not transferred to you via the new digital NSW Pet Registry, and/or
- you received a paper form – Change of Ownership (C3A) from the breeder
- you adopted your pet from a recognised rehoming or welfare organisation
- you're bringing a pet in to NSW from interstate or overseas
- your pet is an assistance animal
- your pet is a working dog
- your pet is a retired greyhound.
How do I register offline?
Registering your pet offline involves a visit to your local council.
Depending on your situation, you'll need certain documentation:
- the PDF form – Lifetime registration (R2)
- a copy of the Certificate of Identification from the previous owner, or
- a completed Permanent Identification (P1A) – PDF (breeders only)
- the registration fee (if applicable).
In addition to the R2 form, if applicable:
- evidence you're entitled to:
- a reduced registration fee (eligible pensioners), or
- an exemption
- evidence your dog or cat is an assistance animal
- a completed 'Change of owner (C3B)' form given to you by the rehoming or welfare organisation
- if the pet was not transferred into your name at the point of purchase:
- a statutory declaration
- proof of ownership
- if your pet has come from interstate or overseas:
- an M1 form
- a statutory declaration.