New pet registration rules

BYRON Shire Council is encouraging residents to review new NSW pet registration requirements enacted earlier this year. The new rules aim to improve pet management and help reunite lost animals with their owners and took effect in July 2024.

Byron Shire Council Manager Public and Environmental Services Sarah Nagel said under new rules, all cats and dogs must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or when sold or given away.

“Once microchipped, pet owners must register their pets on the NSW Pet Registry. This involves a once-one lifetime payment for the pet, even if ownership changes within NSW,” Nagel said.

The council is boosting its message to the broader community so pet owners can get microchipping, registration, and desexing crossed off their list of things to do when getting a new pet.

“The other main change is that dog owners will face a once-only additional fee if their pet is not desexed by six months,” Nagel said.

“Cat owners will incur an annual permit fee if their cat is not desexed by four months.

“If you’re coming in to register your pet, you’ll need to bring microchipping paperwork, proof of desexing if applicable and a pension card if applicable,” she said.

Owners must update the NSW Pet Registry if veterinarians recommend animals delay desexing for medical reasons.

Pet owners can visit Byron Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre in Mullumbimby for information and assistance.

To find out more or register a pet, visit petregistry.olg.nsw.gov.au