Reducing the Cost of Registration

There are two easy ways you can reduce your annual dog registration fee and be a responsible dog owner.

1. Pay on time - pay the registration fee on or before 31 July annually (A 50% penalty fee applies to late payments)
2. De-sex and microchip your dog.

Have your dog de-sexed

A local veterinarian will perform the operation while your dog is under anaesthetic (dogs are de-sexed by having their reproductive organs removed). Usually, you will be able to take your dog home the same day and then take it back approximately ten days later to have the stitches removed.

The cost of de-sexing varies between veterinarians.

Microchip Your Dog

By law, the following dogs must be microchipped:

• dogs registered for the first time after 1 July 2006
• dogs classified as "menacing" or "dangerous" after 1 December 2003
• unregistered dogs impounded after 1 July 2006 and
• registered dogs impounded twice after 1 July 2006.

Dogs used solely or principally for herding stock do not have to be microchipped.

If there is a medical reason for not having your dog microchipped, you will have to provide Animal Control with a Vet Certificate.

Getting Your Dog Microchipped

Microchipping is done by your vet and is a simple, straightforward procedure with minimal risks.

A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is injected into the scruff of a dog's neck. It has a unique number that can be listed on both council records and the National Dog Database. Once microchipped, your dog can be "scanned" for his or her microchip number and easily identified.

Your vet will give you several copies of the microchip barcode details. You will need to post or fax a copy of this to Animal Control or you can scan a signed copy of the microchip details and email it to Animal Control.

Penalties

Failure to have your dog microchipped, when legally required to do so may result in:

• an infringement notice with a fee of $300
• a fine up to $3,000
• seizure and impounding of your dog. If your dog is impounded and you do not agree to pay for its microchipping, your dog may be adopted or euthanised seven days after impoundment.