If your family pet has surprised you with a litter of puppies or kittens, you’re now classified as a breeder in NSW. This means you must care for them in the same way a professional breeder would until they’re placed in new homes.

Whether you’re a professional, a hobbyist, or the owner of a pet with an accidental litter, you must microchip all the animals you have bred (as outlined in the Companion Animals Act 1998). You must do this before selling or giving away the litter, or by the time they are 12 weeks old.

With a NSW Pet Registry account, you can manage all your responsibilities online.

Log in or create an account on the NSW Pet Registry

Advertising pets for sale

All advertisements for the sale of kittens, cats, puppies or dogs for sale must include a microchip number. 

Advertisements for puppies must also include a breeder identification number (BIN). You must be able to provide these numbers before the sale or transfer of a pet to a new owner.

Find out more about breeder identification numbers.

Dog owners and breeders

Anyone who is responsible for a dog that becomes pregnant must have a breeder identification number (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.

Find out more about changes to dog breeder laws.

Cat owners and breeders

Cat breeders and owners who are responsible for a cat that becomes pregnant do not need a BIN.

Surrender pets responsibly

If you can no longer care for your cat or dog, you can surrender them to a recognised rehoming organisation, a council pound or shelter. Contact these groups directly or speak to your local council to understand what you must do during this process.

Learn about adopting cats or dogs in NSW.

Using paper forms

Owners and breeders should use the NSW Pet Registry where possible. If you cannot access the online service, you can use paper forms to identify a litter, transfer ownership or get a breeder identification number.