Microchipping & Registration
Gunnedah Shire Council enforces the NSW Government’s laws relating to pet ownership, which are outlined in the Companion Animals Act 1998 . Under the act, cats and dogs must be microchipped and registered so they can always be returned home if lost, injured or stolen.
This law is designed to reduce the number of animals put down in NSW, and to encourage people to take responsibility for their pets. We encourage owners to be responsible for their pets and require them to undertake some simple measures.
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 also encourage you to get your pet desexed – a simple procedure that helps your pet stay healthy, avoid unwanted litters and makes them less prone to wander and fight.
Starting from 1 July 2020, cats older than four months and not de-sexed will need an annual permit obtained from www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au. This is a new requirement under the Companion Animals Act 1998.
If your pet is desexed, you'll receive a discount on your registration. Eligible Pensioners will also receive a further discount upon presentation of your Pensioner's Card.
Lifetime Registration
Companion Animals Act
As a companion animal owner, you have responsibilities towards the wider community as well as towards your pet. The Companion Animals Act 1998 sets out some of these responsibilities and gives Councils the power to assist and where necessary, enforce the law to ensure that all owners meet these responsibilities. The Act also requires all cats and dogs to be micro-chipped and registered for life.
You can use the links below to download a Lifetime Registration Form or forms to update or change addresses and owner details.
Please click here to visit Companion Animals Act.
Please click here to download the Animal Control Fees and Charges 2026-2027(PDF, 627KB).
Microchipping
Dogs - must be microchipped and registered by 12 weeks – additional fees applied for not desexed by 6 months of age.
Cats - must be microchipped and registered by 12 weeks – yearly permit required if not desexed by 4 months of age.
What if I sell or give away my pet?
All cats/dogs must be microchipped before they are sold or given away.
Ownership must be transferred through the NSW Pet Registry to ensure the new owner becomes legally responsible for the animal.
Are there benefits to desexing my pet?
Yes. Desexing your pet can lower registration fees, support better health, and help prevent unwanted litters. Discounts are available on registration for desexed pets, with additional concessions for eligible pensioners upon presentation of a valid Pensioner Card.
Do I need to do anything if my registered animal dies?
Contact Council to let them know. Your details will be changed so they are corrected on the pet registry.
Can I surrender my dog to Council?
Council do accepted surrenders this will depend on availability of space/number on dog in pound fees will apply.
Can I adopt from the pound?