Microchip and register your pet
If you own a cat or dog and live in NSW, you are legally required to microchip and register your pet. This helps us quickly return your animal to you, if it is lost, injured or stolen.
We strongly encourage pet owners to be responsible for their pets and require them to undertake some simple measures listed below.
We encourage you to get your pet desexed – a simple procedure that helps pets to live longer and healthier lives and makes them less prone to common issues such as wandering, fighting or barking.
Our suggested 3-step process for pet owners:
Desexed pets are healthier pets
We encourage all cat and dog owners to get their pets desexed.
Desexing is when a vet removes part of a pet’s reproductive system while it is under a general anaesthetic, so the pet cannot breed or create unwanted litters.
It is a very common procedure, and pets recover quickly.
Why should a pet get desexed?
Many unwanted litters are born because owners do not get around to desexing their pet in time. This can lead to unwanted litters and the additional stress of having to raise young pets until you are able to rehome them.
Cats can become pregnant at just 4 months old, and dogs can become pregnant at 5 months.
If a cat continues to have litters (4 to 6 kittens per litter), and her offspring continue breeding for 7 years, this can add up to 420,000 new cats to the population.
Desexed pets:
- Live longer and healthier lives, and are less prone to wandering, fighting and anti-social behaviour.
- Are less likely to roam or escape in search of a mate.
- Have reduced risks of cancers and infections of the uterus or testicles, as well as other health issues.
- In some cases, show reduced undesirable behaviours such as escaping or excessive barking.
It also costs less to register your pet if it is desexed.
Desexing new pets
- Book your puppy or kitten in for desexing by the time they are 6 months old. Some vets prefer to wait until an animal is 5–6 months old, and in some cases may recommend waiting longer.
- Desexing can be done by your local vet. If your pet is not already microchipped, it is a good idea to do this on the same day.
- Once your pet is desexed, you will receive a desexing certificate. This entitles you to a discount on pet registration if your pet is not already registered.
What if my pet has an unwanted litter?
If your pet becomes pregnant and has an unwanted litter, you are responsible for finding new homes for all of the animals. You can contact an animal rescue organisation, the RSPCA, or as a last resort, Albury Animal Care Facility.
It is cruel and unacceptable to abandon unwanted puppies or kittens. Authorities such as the RSPCA or NSW Police can impose heavy fines for this inhumane action.
- All dogs and cats must be microchipped before they are 12 weeks of age or at the first point of sale (owner transfer).
- Make sure your pet is listed on the NSW Companion Animal Registry.
Microchipping is a quick and harmless procedure where a small microchip is inserted under the skin between your pet’s upper shoulder area.
If your microchipped pet goes astray and is taken to a vet, pound or shelter, the information listed on your pet’s microchip can be searched to contact you and quickly reunite you with your pet. This is why it’s so important to keep your details up to date.
Our rangers provide microchipping for local residents at a cost of $20 per animal.
How to microchip your pet
Microchipping can be provided by:
- Contacting your local vet.
- Contacting Albury Animal Care Centre on 02 6043 8530 to make an appointment or drop in during office hours.
- Contacting AlburyCity on 02 6023 8111 to arrange a Ranger to attend your home to microchip your pet.
When your pet is getting microchipped
- The authorised implanter will ask you to fill in the Permanent Identification form .
- The authorised identifier should arrange to place your details on the NSW Companion Animal Register, or you can send the completed form to us:
AlburyCity
Ranger Team
PO Box 323
Albury NSW 2640
We will enter the information from your form onto the NSW Companion Animal Register. There is no fee for this. If you reside in the Albury City area, we will send you a certificate of identification.
You will now need to complete the registration for your pet. You can do this online via the NSW Pet Registry or in person at our office.
What if my pet was microchipped in another state?
If your dog or cat was microchipped in another state and you move to NSW, you will need to have your pet added to the NSW Companion Animal Register, register your pet, and update your pet’s microchip details. Register your pet.
NSW pet registration is required only once and is valid for the life of the animal. It is not a yearly fee, as it may be in other states.
To check other state databases, contact Albury Animal Care Centre on 02 6043 8530, who can advise you on how to update this information.
Registration keeps pets safe
All dogs and cats must be registered before they are 6 months of age.
If your pet goes astray, the Rangers team, Albury Animal Care Centre or a vet can use your pet’s microchip and registration details to contact you and quickly reunite you with your pet.
- Registration is cheaper if your pet is desexed at the time you register them. In New South Wales, you only need to register your dog once for its lifetime.
NSW Pet Registry
There is only one microchip database relevant in NSW, which is also used to register your pet — NSW Pet Registry. Pet owners and breeders can create an online profile to update their details, notify if a dog or cat is missing, register ownership changes, and pay registration fees online.
Breeders are issued with a breeder identification number to record owner and animal information and help track litters over time.
Vets are required to update the register when they desex cats and dogs. Vets can also update the register if they believe a pet should not be desexed for medical reasons.
Before you register your pet
Make sure your pet is already microchipped and that you have received your certificate of identification. If your dog is desexed, you will be asked to provide their desexing certificate at the time of registration.
Your pet’s details must be kept up to date. This includes any changes to your address, mobile number and other personal details. If your situation changes, you must notify us so we can update your pet registration details. With up-to-date details on your pet’s microchip, we can easily contact the owner when a lost or missing pet is found.
- If you change your address, fill out the change of address form (C3C).
- If you sell or give your pet to a new owner, fill out the change of owner/details form (C3A). This form must also be completed by breeders of litters being sold or rehomed. It is also important to notify us if you change your mobile number or wish to add a secondary contact to your pet’s microchip.
Post your completed form to us or take it to a customer service centre.
You may be fined if you do not notify us when your pet is sold or given to a new owner.
Has your pet passed away?
If your cat or dog passes away, you need to let us know within 28 days.
We will record your pet as deceased and you will no longer receive notifications from us about your pet.
Can you no longer care for your pet?
If you are no longer able to care for your pet, please contact the RSPCA, Cat Protection Society, Animal Welfare League or a local animal shelter for advice.
It is illegal to abandon your animal and animal cruelty charges apply.