Did you know?

Before you get a pet

  • You must be over 18 to own a cat or dog in NSW.
  • Puppies and kittens must be at least 8 weeks old before you take them home.
  • The law requires those selling or giving away puppies and kittens to microchip them.
  • Puppies and kittens must receive initial rounds of vaccinations against common infectious diseases when they're 6 to 8 weeks old.
  • Fees apply if you do not desex your cat or dog by the recommended age.

Once you take them home

Cat and dog owners in NSW are required, by law, to keep their personal details and pet's information up to date in the NSW Pet Registry.  

When your contact details change, you must update them in the NSW Pet Registry. This can help councils and vets reunite you with your pet if they go missing.
 

Log in or create an account on the NSW Pet Registry

With a NSW Pet Registry account you can:

  • Register your pet
  • Update your contact details 
  • Update the address where your cat or dog is usually kept.
  • Add an additional address such as a holiday home, family member or additional breeding location.
  • Mark your pet as missing or found
  • Notify us if your pet has passed away.
Pet care essentials

Caring for pets requires time, energy and dedication. It's important to consider how a cat or dog will fit in with your lifestyle, work schedule, holidays and family dynamics. Pet care costs can also stack up quickly. Make sure you're prepared by researching long-term pet costs and needs before you take on the responsibility of owning a pet.