Transfer your pet to a new owner

Introduction

If you sell or give away your dog or cat, you must transfer official ownership of the pet to the new owner.

You can transfer ownership:

• instantly online through the NSW Pet Registry, or
• in person at your local council.

As the former owner, it is your responsibility to update the animal's ownership details.

There is no fee to transfer ownership, but your council may fine you if you do not update the details.

Eligibility

• the new owner must be aged 18 or over
• dogs and cats must be microchipped before selling or giving them away, or by the time they are 12 weeks old.

What you need

• a MyServiceNSW Account
• the new owner must have a NSW Pet Registry profile – you can invite them to create one during the transfer process (if applicable).

If you're unable to transfer online, you'll need the PDF form – 'Change of owner (C3A)'.

How to transfer

1. Select the 'Transfer online' button.
2. Select 'Log in to NSW Pet Registry'.
3. Select 'Continue with Service NSW'.
4. Log in or create your MyServiceNSW Account.
5. Follow the prompts to create your Pet Registry profile (if applicable).
6. Select 'Transfer a pet' on your dashboard.
7. Select the specific pet.
8. Enter the new owner's email address and select the 'Invite an owner' button (if applicable)
9. Confirm the transfer.
10. The pet will be officially listed under the new owner's name and appear on their profile.

If you're unable to transfer online:

1. Download and complete Change of owner (C3A) – PDF.
2. Visit your local council and submit your 'Change of owner' form within 14 days of selling or giving away your pet.

More information

• If you're transferring an unregistered dog or cat under 12 weeks of age, the new owner must register the pet and pay the registration fee on the day ownership is transferred.
• Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, you cannot advertise for sale, sell or give your dog away if it is a restricted, dangerous or menacing dog.
• You can register your dog or cat, update your contact details and report your pet missing through the NSW Pet Registry.
• In NSW, when you advertise that you are selling or giving away kittens, cats, puppies or dogs, you must include:
  • the pets’ microchip number, or
  • your breeder identification number (BIN), which is issued free of charge when you create a litter for the first time on the NSW Pet Registry.
  • rehoming organisations must use their rehoming organisation number.