Pets and Animals
Lifetime protection for your pets
The Companion Animals Act was introduced by the NSW Government in 1998 to protect pets, their owners and the broader community. Around 80,000 dogs and cats are lost, hurt or stolen each year. Most are impounded and are not able to be identified. Because they cannot be reunited with their owners, they may be destroyed.
Under the Act, all owners of puppies and kittens must take two steps to provide lifetime protection for their pet. Together these two steps will help return your pet to you if it is lost, hurt or stolen.
As of October 1, 2002 all dogs must be microchipped and registered under the new system.
If you are the new owner of a cat after July 1, 1999 your pet must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age for lifetime identification and must be lifetime registered with Council by six months of age.
Cats owned as at July 1, 1999 are exempted from permanent identification and lifetime registration requirements. However, owners are encouraged to microchip and register their cats for their protection.
For more information Companion Animals FAQ's
Microchipping and Registration
