Companion Animals

Welcome to the Companion Animals home page. This site contains information and resources for dog and cat owners, breeders, pet shops, vets, authorised identifiers and councils in NSW.
Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. For the vast majority of us our dogs and cats are our friends and companions. They are much loved members of our families. However, there are a small number of people who do not care for their animals responsibly. These animals often become a problem for the community. The new Companion Animals Act, which first came into effect in September 1998, is designed to benefit pets, their owners and the wider community. The permanent identification and lifetime registration system which came into effect on 1 July 1999 greatly assists authorities in returning lost and injured animals to their owners. It provides NSW councils with a more effective means of keeping track of dogs and cats for the benefit of the wider community.

Dog Attack Reporting

• Dog Attack Data

Companion Animal Brochures

• Information for Cat Owners in NSW - Brochure (171Kb pdf)
• Information for Dog Owners in NSW - Brochure (188Kb pdf)
• Restricted and Dangerous Dogs in NSW - Brochure (156Kb pdf)
• Dogs in Rural Communities - Brochure (166Kb pdf)
• Temperament Assessment Statement - Back page of Owner Copy (456Kb pdf)
• Breed Assessment Statement -Back page of Owner Copy (789Kb pdf)
  
  
  

  Brochures are provided in various languages. To download a brochure click here.

Registration Fees under the Companion Animals Amendment Regulation 2005

Fees that are in force are:

• Desexed $40
• Non-desexed $150
• Breeder $40
• Desexed animal owned by an eligible pensioner $15

Companion Animal Forms

• P1A - Permanent Identification Form (995Kb pdf)
• R2 - Lifetime Registration Form (953Kb pdf)
• C3A - Change of Owner/Details Form (144Kb pdf)
• C3B - Change of Owner/Details Form - Processed by Animal Welfare Organisation or Council Pound (153Kb pdf)
• C3C - Change of Address Notice (49Kb pdf)
• M1 - Verification of Existing Microchip Form (109Kb pdf)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Companion Animals Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (193kb)

Contact Details

For all general enquiries regarding companion animals (for example: change of address / ownership, update of other details, lost pets, complaints, general information about dog and cat ownership and responsibilities), please contact your local council.

Email:	pets@dlg.nsw.gov.au
Telephone:	+61 (0)2 4428 4181
Fax:	+61 (0)2 4428 4199
Postal Address:	Locked Bag 3015, Nowra, NSW 2541 Australia

The Minister for Local Government is the Hon Barbara Perry MP.

The NSW Companion Animals Register, operational from the 1 July 1999, holds dog and cat registration details for NSW.