Microchipping and Registration

Under the Companions Animals Act 1998 it is compulsory to microchip your pet at 12 weeks of age. You must lifetime register your pet at 6 months of age. Whenever you buy a pet or are given one from a friends litter it must be microchipped before you can legally accept ownership of your new pet regardless of age. You still have until the pet is 6 months old before you must get it registered. If you are taking ownership of an aged pet you should check to see if it has been registered already. If not its your responsibility to get it done as soon as possible.

You are required by law to register your dog or cat for life. This enables authorities to identify your pet if it is lost or stolen.

Registration forms can be posted out to you by calling 9806-5000 or 9806-5700 and supplying your postal address. Alternatively you may pick up a registration form at our Customer Contact Centre at 30 Darcy Street Parramatta.

The registration fees are:

• $150 for undesexed
• $40 for desexed
• $40 for dogs or cats owned by registered breeders
• $40 for dogs over 10 years old (proof of age to be supplied); or $15 if the dog is owned by a pensioner
• $15 for desexed dogs or cats owned by pensioners.No registration fee for Guide and Assistant animals.

Microchipping your pet is the best chance you have of being reunited with him/her if it were to go missing. No matter what your lifestyle, circumstances or the temperament of your pet, there is always a chance it could wander off and get lost!

Microchipping is a painless and completely safe process that can only be performed by an authorised implanter. A tiny metallic chip is inserted underneath the skin between the shoulder blades of a companion animal.  Each microchip has its own unique number. The microchip is scanned to reveal this number and then the owners details can be viewed via the Pet Register website. This is how we find you tell you we have found your pet!

Authorised agents are generally most veterinary clinics and organisations such as the RSPCA, Animal Welfare League, Cat Protection Society, and Blacktown City Council Animal Holding Facility. You can register your pet at any Council, Blacktown City Council Animal Holding Facility, the RSPCA or the Department of Local Government.

Remember that the microchip is only as useful as the information provided. Whenever you move house, change numbers or go on holidays, its important you update your details. You can also provide a secondary address and contact person (a friend who pet-sits perhaps). This can be done by calling Parramatta City Council on 9806-5700 and asking for a Change of Address Notice form to be posted to you. Alternatively you can download the form here.

Benefits for desexing your pets

There are many reasons why pet owners should desex their pets.
As well as helping to stop pet overpopulation, the following are some of the other benefits associated with desexing cats and dogs.

Health

• Reduced risk of getting cancer or other diseases of the reproductive organs, such as testicular cancer, prostate cancer/disorders in males, and cystic ovaries, ovarian tumors, acute uterine infections and breast cancer in females, and also other diseases like mammary cancer, perianal tumors and perianal hamias.
• Females can suffer from physical and nutritional exhaustion if continually breeding.
• Pets generally live longer and healthier lives.

Behavioural

• Pets are less prone to wander, fight, and are less likely to get lost or injured.
• Reduces territorial behaviour such as spraying indoors.
• Less likely to suffer from anti-social behaviors. They become more affectionate and become better companions.
• Eliminates "heat" cycles in female cats and their efforts to get outside in search for a mate.
• Eliminates male dogs' urge to "mount" people's legs.

Cost

• Reduces the cost to the community of having to care for unwanted puppies and kittens in pounds and shelters.
• No additional food or vet bills for the offspring.
• No need to find homes for unwanted or unexpected litters of puppies or kittens.
• Save money from expensive surgeries from car accidents or fights, which are less likely to occur if your pet doesn't roam around.
• Dumping puppies and kittens is an ethical cost, as well as being illegal and inhumane.
• The price of desexing is more affordable to those in financial need with the assistance of organisations such as NDN.