Responsible owners register their pets

Council says thank you to the 93% of responsible cat and dog owners who have renewed their pets’ registration for the current year.

Community Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said pet registration plays an important role in the safety and security of both pets and the community.

“Registration helps council to identify pets if they stray and reunite them quickly with their owners,” she said.

“It also helps council provide a variety of animal management activities and facilities across the region including the pound facilities, dog off leash parks, proactive patrols and education programs such as PetPEP.

“It is compulsory for all cats and dogs to be registered, except working dogs and assistance dogs. The annual registration period is from October 1 to September 30 the following year.

“Dogs must be registered every year.

“Cat owners have the option to select from lifetime registration if their cat is desexed and microchipped, or yearly registration is available as an alternative.

“To encourage and reward responsible pet owners, significant reductions in registration fees apply for desexed and microchipped dogs and cats, and for pensioners. Registration is also free for pets under six months old.

“Please also remember to notify council of any changes to your or your pet’s details so we can ensure our records are up-to-date. This includes changes to pensioner details, desexing, microchipping, registration cancellations and address for your animal.

“Council will be following up overdue registrations over the coming weeks. This follows a reminder notice mailed in November last year.”

Owners who fail to register their pets may face a fine of $227.

There are several convenient payment methods available including online, over the phone, via Australia Post or at your closest Customer Service Office.

Owners are also able to register their animal conveniently online via the MyCouncil function.