Be Responsible Pet Owner – Identification is Key

Securing and caring for pets in a property’s premises is one thing, being able to identify them is another. 

“Following successful free microchipping days across Warrumbungle Shire, with 95 animals being microchipped, it is important for pet owners to remember that both dogs and cats need to be registered following microchipping of the animal,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan. “Microchipping only identifies the animal, registering the animal provides owner details.” 

Under the Companion Animals Act 1998 it is a legal requirement that all cats and dogs, other than exempt cats and dogs, must be registered by six months of age. The registration fee is a once-only payment, which covers the cat or dog for its lifetime in NSW, regardless of any changes in ownership. 

“Residents are encouraged to have their cat or dog desexed before registering it.”

“Registration fees are used by local councils for providing animal management related services to the community. These may include ranger services, pound facilities, educational and other companion animal-related activities,” said Cr Doolan. 

If you fail to register your cat or dog when required to do so, you may be issued with a fixed penalty notice of $330 or more. 

Registrations can be done online at NSW Pet Registry, or at the Council Administration Office in Coolah or Coonabarabran. In order to register your animal, you will need to complete a registration form and provide their microchip number for identification. If you don’t know the microchip number of your animal your local veterinarian or Council staff can scan it and tell you prior to registration. 

“With the increase in roaming dogs across the Shire it is important to make sure your pets are secure, microchipped and registered. Thank you to everyone who took part in the recent microchipping days,” said Cr Doolan. 

“Our pets are important to us and it is vital for them to be identified and registered to keep them safe and to keep our community safe,” Cr Doolan concluded. 

Last Updated: 31 Jul 2023