Animals & Pets

Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, and for many of us, our pets are beloved members of the family. Owning a pet is a privilege that comes with important responsibilities—to your pet, your community and the environment.

The Companion Animals Act 1998 was introduced in New South Wales to protect pets, people, and the wider community. Each year, more than 150,000 dogs and cats are lost or stolen in NSW, with many impounded because their owners cannot be contacted. To reduce the number of animals that are euthanised, the Act requires all dogs and cats to be permanently identified (microchipped) and registered for life.

Key Responsibilities of Pet Owners

✔️ Microchipping & Registration – All dogs and cats must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age and registered for life.

✔️ Desexing – Desexed pets qualify for discounted lifetime registration fees, are less likely to roam and have a reduced risk of aggressive behavior and health issues.

✔️ Identification – When in public, dogs must wear a collar with a tag displaying their name and the owner's contact details.

✔️ Responsible Ownership – Pets should be properly contained within your property, exercised and socialized responsibly, and not cause a nuisance to neighbors.