The NSW Government is strengthening puppy and dog welfare across the state by implementing a range of new measures to ban puppy farming.
Updates to the NSW Pet Registry
Mandatory breeder identification numbers
Anyone is considered a breeder if their dog or cat is pregnant or has had a litter, even if the litter was unintential.
From 1 December 2025, anyone who is responsible for a dog that becomes pregnant must have a breeder identification number (BIN)
- There will be two new BIN eligibility classes: dog and cat breeder.
- BINs issued before 1 December 2025 will not be cancelled or reissued. They will be updated with:
- Active cat breeder eligibility
- Inactive dog breeder eligibility.
- Dog breeders with an existing BIN must activate dog breeder eligibility.
- From 1 December 2025, BINs will be issued with active dog and cat breeder eligibility.
Read more about mandatory breeder identification numbers https://www.petregistry.olg.nsw.gov.au/mandatory-breeder-identification-numbers
Assistance for breeders
The quickest way to apply for a BIN, or activate dog breeder eligibility, is to log in or create an account on the NSW Pet Registry.
Councils are encouraged to direct dog breeders to create a NSW Pet Registry account. An online account ensures the records collected through the registry are maintained, up to date, and accurate.
With a NSW Pet Registry account, breeders can manage their pet-related administrative tasks online:
- Identity authentication through Service NSW.
- Share profile details including BIN and mother microchip number with vets.
- Instant ownership transfer.
- Owner and breeders receive confirmation of ownership transfers.
- Increased transparency and accuracy of pet location and ownership.
Help breeders and owners get started on the NSW Pet Registry
Assist breeders offline
Dog breeders who are unable to create a NSW Pet Registry account online must download an application form from the NSW Pet Registry website.
It is a new requirement that councils must sight the breeder’s identification and record this on the BIN application form before it is submitted.
Breeders must visit their local council and present:
- A completed application form for a mandatory breeder identification number (BIN)
- Two forms of ID, one of which must be a photo ID
- Council staff must sight the two forms of ID and complete the ‘Council use only’ section of the form.
Incomplete applications may result in processing delays.
Councils receiving enquiries regarding privacy can refer to the NSW Pet Registry Privacy Collection Notice.
Data entry of P1A form in Companion Animals Register (CAR)
When the Permanent identification P1A form is used to identify a litter, vets and breeders must include both:
- breeder identification number and
- mother’s microchip number.
The CAR will continue to allow the entry of new pet records without a BIN or mother’s microchip number, ensuring that pet details can be kept up to date.
We will keep you informed of future process changes to CAR.
Validate a breeder identification number
Regardless of whether a breeder applies for a BIN online or offline, they will be sent an email confirming their BIN and eligibility status. Councils can request this documentation or use the NSW Buyer Search to validate the breeder’s eligibility status.
Dog owners and breeders – mandatory BIN
Dog breeders and owners who are responsible for a dog that becomes pregnant must apply for a BIN, even if the pregnancy was unintentional.
If a dog becomes pregnant unexpectedly, the person in charge of the dog must apply for a BIN:
- within 14 days after becoming aware of the pregnancy, or
- 7 days after the dog gives birth.
Cat owners and breeders – no change
Cat breeders and owners who are responsible for a cat that becomes pregnant do not require a BIN.
Rehoming organisations
If a designated rehoming organisation intentionally[MM1] [VG2] breeds dogs for profit, they are required to apply for a BIN.
A rehoming organisation number (RON) can be used in the following situations:
- When a pregnant dog enters the organisation’s custody
- If a dog that has been seized or surrendered and is in the organisation’s custody becomes pregnant by accident
Enquiries regarding BIN applications for rehoming organisations should be directed to pets@olg.nsw.gov.au
Resources for councils
Fact sheet for breeders
Offline BIN application form
BIN process document for councils
Read more about the changes to dog breeding laws. <https://www.petregistry.olg.nsw.gov.au>
Contact Us
NSW Pet Registry Helpline
pets@olg.nsw.gov.au
Resource kit to support the new laws
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has developed a free resource kit to help you share information about the changes to the dog breeding laws in NSW.
What’s inside:
- Fact sheets
- Buyer’s checklist
- Social media tiles + copy
- Newsletter content
- Posters, bookmarks & Q&As
Download the resource kit
Request printed copies
Printed materials are available in limited quantities. To receive copies, complete the form by Friday, 5 December 2025.