In NSW, around 80,000 dogs and cats are lost, hurt or stolen each year. Many are lost and not able to be identified and returned to their owners. To prevent this from occurring, the Companion Animals Act 1998 requires that all cats and dogs be microchipped and registered for life. This easy two-step process will help return your pet to you if it is hurt, lost or stolen.

Step 1

The NSW Companion Animals Act states that your pet MUST be microchipped by the person, group or shop who is selling it to you. If you bred the pet yourself it must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age. This permanent form of identification is the size of a grain of rice and is placed by injection under the skin of your dog or cat's neck. The chip is inert and does not interfere with the animal.

Each chip contains a unique number that links the animal to the owner's details. This information is placed onto a statewide register that can be accessed by all councils and veterinarians in NSW.

Animals must be microchipped by the age of 12 weeks, and must not be sold without a microchip. If you are buying an eight week old puppy or kitten it must be microchipped before it leaves the place of purchase.

Remember the microchip details are only valuable is they are up-to-date so make sure you notify Council when your details change including if your animal is sold, given away or dies.

Step 2

When your pet reaches six months old, you must lifetime register them with Council. To register your cat or dog, you will need to bring along the following documents to Council's Customer Service Centre:

• Lifetime registration for companion animals form (PDF). This form is also available from our Customer Service Centre, your veterinarian or the Department of Local Government's Companion Animals website.
• Certificate of Identification showing your pet has been microchipped, and
• a copy of a Desexing Certificate if you plan on paying the reduced (desexed) fee.

As well as the above, your pet should also wear a collar with a tag showing their name and your address or telephone number.

Prices for lifetime registration

• Non-desexed cat or dog $150
• Non-desexed cat or dog owned by registered breeder $40
• Desexed cat or dog (proof must be provided) $40
• Desexed cat or dog owned by a pensioner $15
• Assistance dogs (proof of care required) - No registration fee