Pet Registration & Change of Owner
Pet Registration, Change Owner or Update Details
When to register
Registration should occur after the animal is microchipped, and it must be done either:
- by the time the animal is 12 weeks old
- at point of sale or change of ownership (if this occurs before the animal is 12 weeks old).
The Registration fee covers the cat or dog for its lifetime in any NSW Council area including if the ownership changes. However, certain pets may require an annual permit.
How to register your pet
Registration and owner information is managed through the NSW Pet Registry, a secure online platform provided by the NSW Government.
Step 1 - Create
- You'll need two forms of valid ID (e.g. driver licence, Medicare card, passport) to set up your profile.
Step 2 - Link
- Once signed in, your pet's profile will automatically appear if it was transferred to your account.
- If your pet does not appear, use your pet's microchip number to link and claim them using the 'Link My Pet' feature.
Step 3 - Register
- Select your pet's profile and click 'Register' to pay the one-off lifetime registration fee online.
- Registration is complete once the registration fee has been paid, and the owner and pet details are correct.
Step 4 - Manage
- Maintaining accurate information on the NSW Pet Registry helps reunite lost pets with their owners.
- Your Pet Registry account will enable you to update your contact details, pet photo, desexing status and transfer ownership of your pet.
Technical support
The NSW Pet Registry has a dedicated support team available to assist with any issues related to the online registration platform.
- Support hours - Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm
- The team can help with login issues, linking pets, and navigating the registry.
- Call 1300 134 460 or email - pets@olg.nsw.gov.au
Need help?
What you need to provide
- Pet registration form (R2 form)
- Proof of desexing (if required)
- Proof of adoption from a recognised pound or shelter (if required)
- Any other documentation for the animal registration - Change of ownership form (C3A form), Permanent identification form (P1A form) if moving from another state
- Pension card details.
Registration fees
A late fee will apply if registration fees are not paid within 28 days of the registration due date.
Important
Please note that City of Newcastle is unable to waive late registration fees. If you believe there are exceptional circumstances, we recommend contacting the NSW Pet Registry directly to discuss your options.
Lodge registration or change of owner forms
When you have prepared all the required paperwork listed above, you can submit your request to us using this request form.
Your pet is not considered registered until the registration fee is paid and the pet and owner information is up to date.
Next steps
- You'll receive an acknowledgement with your request number.
- Submitting this form does not mean your pet is registered, we may contact you for further supporting documentation to complete the registration.
- Once we have all the correct documentation to proceed with your pet's registration, we will contact you for payment of your registration fee.
- Once your request has been completed, you will receive a notification, along with a copy of your lifetime registration certificate and a receipt for the payment of your fees.
Time frames
We aim to process animal registrations within 10 days. However, processing time may vary if all required documentation is not included with your request.
Helpful links
- Office of Local Government - Forms (e.g. Registration form, change of owner and change of details)
- Buyer search - look up the animals microchip to check if they are registered
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