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Dog and Cat Registration

Council Services

In South Australia, all Dogs and Cats must be microchipped, desexed and registered in Dogs and Cats Online, the South Australian statewide database for Dogs and Cats registration. Some exemptions apply.

Registration

Dog and Cat registration is completed through Dogs and Cats Online. There are reference guides on the website if you require assistance. Alternatively you can phone or visit the Council Office. Registrations are valid to 30 June annually.  Renewal notices are issued at the beginning of July by either, email, text message or post. Renewals are to be paid by 31 August in order to avoid late fees.

Dogs

Once you have registered your Dog in Dogs and Cats Online, you will receive a registration notice from Council and a grey plastic disc with your Dog’s registration number. Always attach this disc to your Dog’s collar to be on display. You only receive a disc once as your dog’s registration number stays with it for life. You may choose to engrave the registration number on a permanent metal disc with your name, phone number and use this as a substitute tag.

Cats

It is mandatory to register and provide your cats microchip number to Dogs and Cats Online. Council charges a minimal Cat registration fee. Your cat’s microchip number should be provided to you by your vet, microchip implanter, shelter or breeder.  If you do not have a record of the microchip number, contact the vet, breeder or shelter where you bought or adopted it from. You can also ask Council Officers to scan your animal to find the microchip number.

Registration renewals

Registered dog and cat owners receive renewal notices each July with simple instructions for renewing directly in Dogs and Cats Online. You will not be able to complete the registration until you have received your renewal notice. If you are unable to renew online please contact Council on (08) 86 261 001 to assist you.

When logging into Dogs and Cats Online, ensure you check your contact and housing address details are correct.

Registration fees

Council charge an annual registration fee for cats and dogs fees and charges click here

The penalty for failing to register your dog at 3 months of age is a $170.00 expiation fee.

Keeping details up to date

You must keep your details in Dogs and Cats Online up to date. If you move, you should update your address in Dogs and Cats Online. If your dog or cat dies, is missing for more than 72 hours, is given to a new owner, or is surrendered to the RSPCA or Animal Welfare League, you must notify council or update the record in Dogs and Cats Online.  Choose ‘deceased’ or ‘lost’ from the ‘Animal Status’ drop down menu on your pet’s record.

Registration transfers

If your dog or cat goes to a new home, the registration must be transferred to the new owner. You will need to initiate a transfer in Dogs and Cats Online and give the transfer number to the new owner who will log in to complete the transfer themselves. There are simple reference guides on the Dog and Cat Management Board’s website if you need help.

Mandatory microchipping

All dogs and cats must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age (unless exempted by a vet—see the Dog and Cat Management Board for details). Veterinary businesses regularly visit the Streaky Bay area and can microchip your pet.

Lincoln Veterinary Clinic at www.lincolnvet.com.au

Vets on Eyre at www.vetsoneyre.com.au

Mandatory desexing

All dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed by a registered veterinary surgeon before it is 6 months of age; or within 28 days after an owner takes possession of a puppy or kitten. Some exemptions can apply, visit the Dog and Cat Management Board website for details.

Limits on pet numbers

You can own 2 dogs and 2 cats on your property, if residing within a township. Outside of a township you are allowed 3 dogs (other than working dogs) but a limit of 2 cats remain. If you wish to keep more dogs or cats than the current limit, you must seek council’s approval in writing.

Breeding, selling, and buying

There are laws which regulate breeding and selling dogs and cats in South Australia. The most significant are set out below. Visit the Dog and Cat Management Board website for further information.

  • Breeders and sellers must adhere to the South Australian Standards and Guidelines for Breeding and Trading Companion Animals.
  • Breeders intending to sell dogs or cats they have bred, must register in Dogs and Cats Online as a registered breeder.
  • A dog or cat cannot be sold/given away without a microchip number.
  • Dogs and cats must be desexed by six months of age (unless a working dog).
  • Any advertisement selling a dog or cat must include the seller and breeders’ contact details and DACO breeder registration number.
  • Sellers/breeders must provide specific information to purchasers, e.g. seller and breeders details; breeders Dogs and Cats Online number; vaccination details; desexing details; microchip details; known illnesses or medical conditions; control order information (dogs)