Animals & Pets
Information for Dog Owners in NSW
The Companion Animals Act 1998 was introduced in New South Wales on 1 July 1999 to protect pets, people and the wider community.
More that 150,000 dogs and cats are lost or stolen every year in NSW. Many are impounded because their owner cannon be contacted. Some may end up being rehomed or even destroyed. To decrease the number of pets that are euthanased each year, the Companion Animals Act requires that all NSW dog and cat owners have their pets permanently identified and registered for life.
Microchipping and registration is a two part process that requires dog owners to:
1. Have their animal implanted with a microchip from the time they are 12 weeks of age. This must occur at point of sale or change of ownership.
2. Register their animals with their NSW local Council by 6 months of age.
There is nothing stopping you from registering your new puppy as soon as possible. Early microchipping and registration is highly recommended as a large percentage of puppies under 6 months of age are regularly lost from their homes.
Desexing means that lifetime registration is cheaper, pets don’t stray, they are cleaner and less likely to be involved in territory disputes or attacks.
Please note, that by law when your dog is in public it is required to have a collar around its neck with a tag attached that shows the dogs name and address or phone number of the dog’s owner.
Technological advances have made it easy to keep track of your pet through the implantation of a microchip.
About the size of a grain of rice, a microchip contains a unique 15 digit identification number that is quickly implanted under your pets skin between the shoulders, which can be scanned in the event your pet is found lost or stolen.
For peace of mind it is always advised that the new owner makes enquiries with the Council to ensure the details are changed and as much information is provided in case your animal becomes lost or is stolen. The more information and contact numbers available on the Companion Animals Register the more likely you are to have your pet returned to you.
If you sell or give away a dog it is your responsibility as the ‘old’ owner to update the new owner’s details on the Companion Animals register at your local Council, otherwise penalties may apply. Please contact Council for more information.
If your dog is missing – Contact Council 02 6799 6866 as soon as possible. Council will update your dog’s record on the Register to show your dog is missing and verify that your contact details are correct. That way, when your dog is found the Council or pound can return your dog to its home.
