Animal registration frequently asked questions

Council reviews animal registration fees each year as part of its budget and fees and charges process.

The latest review found that the previous fees were not covering the cost of providing animal management services across the region. The updated fees help Council continue these services in a sustainable way.

Registration fees help pay for animal management services that support community safety, responsible pet ownership and the effective management of dogs across the Sunshine Coast. These are services help residents, pet owners and our broader community.

Registration fees help pay for animal management services that keep pets and people safe. These services include:

• Reuniting lost pets with their owners.
• Responding to roaming animals and other animal-related incidents such as dog attacks.
• Operating and maintaining the Sippy Creek Animal Pound.
• Animal management patrols and compliance activities for dogs and cats.
• Community education programs that promote responsible dog and cat ownership, including dog bite prevention initiatives in schools and kindergartens.
• Pop-up community events where the team provides education and answers questions from residents.
• Signage within public open spaces.
• Working in partnership with animal welfare organisations.

Fees collected through dog registration are use for animal management purposes under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008. This means the money supports animal management services and is not used as general Council revenue.

These funds support animal management services, including responsible pet ownership programs, community safety activities, dog attack investigations, animal management facilities, and the management of dogs in public spaces.

The animal registration fees for 2026-27 were adopted through Council’s Budget process and apply for the the current financial year. Council welcomes community feedback, which can be considered as part of future reviews of services, fees, and budget planning.

The fee increase helps Council maintain current animal management services , rather than fund new, or expanded services. Under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008, dog registration fees must support animal management activities and cannot be used for Council's general revenue.

Registration revenue helps fund services such as the Sippy Creek Animal Pound, lost pet identification and reunification, animal management and compliance programs, community education initiatives, management of nuisance animals and the investigation of serious dog attacks.

The revised fees will help ensure Council can continue delivering these services for pet owners and the broader community as operating costs and service demands increase.

Animals registration fees help fund a range of animal management services that benefit all cat owners and the wider community. These include reuniting lost cats with their owners, responding to animal-related requests, managing nuisance and stray animals, supporting responsible pet ownership programs and maintaining local laws and services that help keep people and pets safe. While indoor cats may not use every service, registration helps ensure these essential services are available across the region.

As our community grows, the number of registered animals also grows. This also increases demand for animal management services, community education, compliance activities, customer support, and investigations that help keep pets and people safe.

 Registration fees contribute to the cost of providing these services across the community. Regular reviews help ensure fees remain aligned with the actual costs of delivering services and meeting community expectations, while continuing to support responsible pet ownership.

Community members can access information through Council's Right to Information (RTI) process, which provides public access to Council-held information in accordance with Queensland legislation.

For more information about RTI, including how to make an application, visit Council's Right to Information webpage.

Council is committed to transparency and making information available wherever possible through existing publications, reports and information access schemes before a formal RTI application is required. Further information on Council’s budget is available at https://brighterfuture.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/

Under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008, dog owners in Queensland are required to register their dogs within 14 days of adopting the dog or moving into the Sunshine Coast Council Region.

You can register your cat and dog online via MyCouncil:

• Register as an online user for MyCouncil.
• Click on MyCouncil Services under Personal Access.
• Select Animal Registration from the Applications and Searches menu.
• Complete the registration details and make payment where required.

Registration forms can also be returned to Council with the appropriate fee via post or in person.

Find out more about registering your dog or cat.

Animal registrations expire on 30 September each year. They do not automatically cancel.  You can cancel your animal registration or update your details here.

 If a dog is not registered, Council may take action under relevant legislation. This can include penalties.

You can update all your animals online as required. Update your animal registration details.

If you move house, please update your animal registration details with Council. Keeping your details current helps Council contact you if your pet is found or if there is an issue with your registration.

Update your animal registration details.

The annual registration period runs from 1 October to 30 September each year. Renewals are typically issued at the start of September. If you haven’t received your renewal. you can request a copy. 

You can register your cat and dog online via MyCouncil:

• Register as an online user for MyCouncil.
• Click on MyCouncil Services under Personal Access.
• Select Animal Registration from the Applications and Searches menu.
• Complete the registration details and make payment where required.

Registration forms can also be returned to Council with the appropriate fee via post or in person.

Yes. Pet owners are responsible for keeping their animal registration current.  If you haven't received your renewal notice, Council offers several ways to check your registration status or request a replacement notice 

If you require a copy of your notice complete the request for animal registration renewal.

Discounted registration is offered for: 

• desexed dogs 
• pensioner concession card holders 
• assistance dogs (free) 
• registered breeders such as QFA CCC, Dogs Qld, MDBA (where applicable). 

Council does not offer payment plans for animal registration. We understand household costs are a concern for many people. If you need more time to pay your renewal, please contact Council so we can discuss your circumstances.

Puppies and kittens under 6 months of age can be registered free of charge. For pets over 6 months of age, new registrations can be completed online through MyCouncil or by submitting the relevant registration form on Council's website. To help Council process your registration, please have the following information available:

• Proof of desexing (if applicable)
• Your pet's microchip details
• Any eligible pension concession card details
• Evidence of breeder or association membership (if applicable).

Council continues to offer discounted animal registration fees for eligible pensioner concession card holders. Pets that were registered with Council before 30 June 2025 and currently receive free registration will keep that benefit for the life of the pet. For pets registered after 30 June 2025, the discounted pensioner registration fee applies.

Yes. We understand that saying goodbye to a much-loved pet can be difficult. Council relies on pet owners to notify us when a dog or cat has passed away. Updating your pet's registration records helps ensure you do not receive future registration reminders or other correspondence relating to your pet.

Update your animal registration details.