Important Info You Should Know
General Guidance Only: owners must always check their local council rules for specific bylaws.
Pet Registration Guide
Every dog and cat aged three months or older must be registered with your local council. Existing registrations expire soon and must be renewed by 10 April annually. Registration fees vary across Victoria depending on several factors; please contact your specific council for their current fee schedule.
- De-sexed or over 10 years of age
- Kept for working stock or microchipped hounds (GMA)
- Training obedience certificates
- Concession card holder or foster carer
- Australian National Cats Inc.
- Dogs Victoria
- Feline Control Council (Victoria) Inc.
- Guv Council of the Cat Fancy Australia
- Master Dog Breeders & Associates
- Responsible Pet Breeders Australia
Renewals & ID Tags
- Annual renewals are due by 10 April every year.
- Your pet must wear their council ID tag when off property.
- If tags are lost, contact council immediately for replacements.
- Registrations must be renewed yearly to stay valid.
Moving Councils
- Notify your current council of your move.
- Register your pet with your new local council.
- Update address details on the microchip registry.
Multiple Pet Rules
- Most councils limit the number of pets per household.
- Apply for an excess animal permit for more pets.
- These rules help maintain community and pet welfare.
- Check your specific council as limits vary by zone.
Information current as at June 2026. Owners should confirm details with their local council.
Pet Registration Guide
Every dog and cat three months of age and over must be registered with your local Victoria council. Registration is a legal requirement that helps lost pets find their way home. Remember, existing registrations must be renewed by 10 April each year. Fees vary between councils, so please contact yours directly for specific rates.
Reduced Registration Fee Eligibility
- Your pet is de-sexed
- Your pet has an obedience certificate from a Government approved organisation
- Your pet is over 10 years of age
- Your animal is kept as working stock
- Your pet is kept for breeding by a registered domestic animal business proprietor
- A microchipped hound registered with the GMA
Pensioners with approved DSS or DVA concession cards and registered foster carers are also entitled to significant fee reductions.
APPLICABLE ORGANISATIONS
• Australian National Cats Inc.
• Feline Control Council (Victoria) Inc.
• Dogs Victoria
• Master Dog Breeders & Associates
• The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy Australia and Victoria Inc
• Responsible Pet Breeders Australia
Renewals & ID Tags
Renewal Date
- Existing pet registrations must be renewed by 10 April each year to remain valid.
Annual Renewals
- Registration is an annual requirement for all Victorian pet owners to stay compliant with state laws.
Lost ID Tags
- If your pet's council ID tag is lost or damaged, you must contact your local council immediately for a replacement.
Moving Councils
STEP 1
Notify your current local council of your move.
STEP 2
Register your pet with your new local council.
STEP 3
Update your pet’s microchip details with the relevant registry.
Multiple Pet Rules
Managing your growing furry family responsibly.
- Most councils have a standard limit on the number of dogs and cats allowed per household (usually 2 of each).
- If you ’d like to welcome more pets, you can apply for a multi-pet permit through your local council.
- Permits are granted at the council ’s discretion, focusing on property size and and your history as a responsible owner.
- Checking your specific council rules early ensures your home stays a happy, compliant sanctuary for all your mates.
Information current as of June 2026 and subject to change; always confirm details with your local council.