All dogs and cats must be microchipped prior to 12 weeks of age before being sold or given to another person.  This is a requirement of the Companion Animals Act 1998.  If the dog or cat is retained by the breeder, it must be microchipped at 12 weeks of age. 

When your dog or cat is six months of age, you must also register your pet with Council.  This form of registration involves a one off payment and covers the entire life of the animal, so don't forget to register a change of address for your registered animal if you move.

Microchipping can be done by your local vet and is a safe way of ensuring that you will be contacted if your pet is found straying.  If your pet ever escaped from home or became lost you will have a better chance of being reunited if your cat or dog is microchipped and registered.

To register your cat or dog just call into Council's offices and bring with you your animal's certificate of identification, which you receive when your pet is microchipped.  You also need to bring with you proof of desexing, if this applies to your animal, and any concession card should you be seeking a pensioner rate.  Pensioner rates only apply to desexed animals.  The applicable fee can be found in Council's Fees and Charges Schedule.