Microchipping
In NSW, all cats and dogs, except for those exempt, must receive a microchip by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away—whichever happens first. Consequently, we typically perform microchipping at the time of the first vaccination; however, it’s never too late to get it done.
We implant the microchip under the skin between the shoulder blades. Moreover, any veterinary clinic or council ranger with a microchip scanner can read it, which allows them to locate the owners of found cats and dogs by searching the Companion Animal Registry, managed by the Department of Local Government.
REGISTRATION
Dogs are required to be registered by six months of age and cats by four months of age. The registration fee is a once-only payment, which covers the cat or dog for its lifetime in NSW, regardless of any changes in ownership.
We encourage you to desex your cat or dog before registering it. Desexing your pet before registration helps reduce straying, fighting, aggression, and antisocial behaviors, such as spraying to mark territory. Additionally, it helps decrease the number of unwanted pets born each year. To read more about our desexing service visit our Desexing page.
Discounted registration fees apply to desexed dogs.
Annual permits are required in Mudgee for owners of non-desexed cats, restricted dog breeds, and dogs declared to be dangerous.
Registration fees are used by councils for providing animal management related services to the community. These may include ranger services, pound facilities, dog refuse bins, educational and other companion animal-related activities.
HOW TO UPDATE YOUR PET'S DETAILS
You can update your pet’s details by filling out a ‘Change of Ownership’ form and handing it into the council. In addition, these forms are available for pickup either from the council or here at the clinic.
Online service ‘NSW Pet Registry’ is also available if you would prefer to update your pet’s details online.
The NSW Pet Registry facilitates the reunion of lost pets with their owners and is now available for cat and dog owners to:
- Create an owner profile
- Update their contact details
- Transfer ownership of pets
- Report their pet missing
- Pay most lifetime registration fees online
Click on the above image to read more about pet registration.