Microchipping and registration

There are many reasons for microchipping and registration, but one of the main reasons is to make it easy to be reunited with your pets.

Does my cat or dog need to be microchipped and registered and why?

Microchipping

 Facts about microchipping

  • The law requires all dogs and cats born or who change owners after 1 July 1999 to be microchipped
  • There are some exemptions
  • Animals are to be microchipped by 12 weeks of age, at a point of sale or change of ownership (whichever occurs first)
  • Microchipping is carried out by a vet and is painless - the microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and usually implanted between the shoulders
  • Microchipping enables vets and other animal workers to reunite pets with their owners - the microchip can be scanned to reveal all of the owner’s information supplied at the time of microchipping
  • It is important to keep your details current - you can download the relevant amendment forms below.

Registration

  • Pets need to be microchipped before they can be registered
  • The lifetime registration fee is paid at Council and is a one-off payment
  • Animals must be registered by six months of age
  • There are some exemptions
  • Information that may be needed includes microchip details, desexing certificate, breeders card, and your pension card if relevant

Why are microchipping and registration important?

  • More than 150,000 dogs and cats are lost or stolen every year and many are impounded because owners cannot be contacted
  • It helps to reunite pets with their owners
  • It helps to protect pets, people and the wider community

 

Are there any exemptions from microchipping and registration?

General exemptions

 Animals are exempt from microchipping and lifetime registration if they fit into one of the following categories

  • Cats born before 1 July 1999 that remain with their original owner
  • Greyhounds registered under the Greyhound and Harness Racing Administration Act 2004

Animal assistance pets

Animal assistance pets (such as seeing or hearing dogs) need to be microchipped and registered, but there is no registration fee. If you have an assistance animal, you need to provide reasonable proof that the animal is a genuine assistance animal.

Farm working dogs

A working dog is used primarily for the purpose of droving, tending, working or protecting stock, and includes dogs being trained. A working dog is exempt from microchipping and registration requirements if

  • It is ordinarily kept on land categorised as farmland for rating purposes
  • It is kept in the Western Division of NSW which is not within a local government area

You can choose to microchip and register working dogs, and this is recommended, but no registration fee applies.

When council determines whether or not a dog is classified as an exempt working dog, the decision may be based on where the animal is ordinarily kept, the breed and the work it is used to do.

If you have a working dog and live in an urban area, you need to microchip and lifetime register your dog. For example, a shearer or stock and station agent's dog is not exempt from microchipping and lifetime registration, but no registration fee applies. 

 

How do I arrange for microchipping and registration?

Microchipping

All vets in NSW are authorised to implant microchips and many vet nurses, pet grooming businesses and pet shops may also offer microchipping.

Council’s Compliance Officer is authorised to implant microchips. You can book your cat or dog to be microchipped by emailing council@narrandera.nsw.gov.au, phoning 02 6959 5510 or in person at Narrandera Shire Council’s Administration Centre, 141 East Street, Narrandera

Registration

Once you have arranged for your animal to be microchipped, you need to arrange for lifetime registration with Narrandera Shire Council, 141 East Street, Narrandera. You can download the Lifetime Registration Form from NSW Pet Registry

 

 

How much does microchipping and registration cost?

Check with your local vet for price details and bookings about microchipping. 

Check Council’s current Fees & Charges for microchipping services and NSW Pet Registry for current registration fees.

From 1 July 2021, the NSW Government introduced free lifetime registration for rescue pets adopted from council pounds, animal shelters and rehoming organisations. 

 

How do I update my pet’s registration details?

Council is responsible for updating and maintaining all information contained on the NSW Companion Animal’s Register.

  • If you are changing your name and/or address, complete a Change of Owner/Details form.
  • If you are only changing your address, use the Change of Address Notice. 

Download forms from NSW Pet Registry

When you become the new owner of a dog or cat (either by purchasing or by being given an animal), ensure that the previous owner/breeder submits a completed and signed change of ownership form. For peace of mind, new owners are recommended to check with council to ensure the details are changed in case your animal becomes lost or stolen.

The more information and contact details available in the registration system, the more likely you are to have your pet returned to you.  

 

Where can I get forms and more information?

Further information can be found at the NSW Pet Registry. Alternatively, phone Council's Ranger Services on 02 6959 5510 and ask for assistance.  

 

 

For additional information, check out the NSW Pet Registry website.

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