Changes to NSW Government pet ownership rules
Published on 11 July 2024
Recently unveiled updates to NSW Government pet ownership regulations came into effect across the state on Monday 1 July 2024, with important changes that will affect current and future pet owners in the Snowy Monaro.
These changes to the regulations aim to improve pet management and make it quicker and easier to reunite lost animals with their owners.
Under the new rules, all cats and dogs in NSW must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or when sold or given away – whichever comes first. Pet owners are also required to register their animals on the NSW Pet Registry by 12 weeks of age, or if their new pet is less than 12 weeks old, when they first take ownership.
This registration involves a one-off lifetime payment per animal, which transfers with the pet if ownership changes. Registration must be paid within 28 days to avoid late fees.
These updates also introduce additional fees for non-desexed animals.
Dog owners are now required to pay an extra charge if their pet is not desexed before six months of age. For cats, an annual permit fee applies if the animal is not desexed by four months of age. Cats born before 22 July 2020 are exempt from this last requirement.
To streamline pet management, owners are encouraged to create an account on the NSW Pet Registry website. This online platform allows users to pay fees, update pet details, and report missing animals.
It's now easier than ever to keep your pet's information up-to-date on the registry. Keeping information updated will help keep your pet safe, so it’s important to update your NSW Pet Registry account as soon as any change in ownership or address occurs.
Council encourages all pet owners to familiarise themselves with the new regulations and register for the new online NSW Pet Registry as soon as possible.
Visit the NSW Pet Registry website today at https://petreg.nsw.gov.au or learn more on the NSW Office of Local Government’s website at www.petregistry.olg.nsw.gov.au
If you have any questions or concerns about these changes, please contact our ranger services team by email at council@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au or call us on 1300 345 345.