Dog and Cat Registration in South Australia: A Complete Guide
Owning a dog or cat in South Australia comes with many responsibilities.
If you already have a furry friend or are thinking of adding one in the future, it’s important to know what you’re required to do.
Some of the responsibilities of owning a dog or cat include:
- registering your dog or cat through Dogs and Cats Online (and renewing this each year)
- desexing your dog or cat within the first six months of them being born
- transferring ownership of your dog or cat if you decide to give it a new home
- updating any changes to your location if you move, through Dogs and Cats online
- reporting to your local council if your dog is missing for more than 72 hours
- letting your local council know if your dog has passed away.
Local councils have an important role when it comes to dog and cat ownership. This includes enforcing the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995. Often, councils also create by-laws about leash requirements, curfews or noise complaints.
Dog and cat registration
Registering your dog or cat on Dogs and Cats Online is a mandatory step in South Australia. It helps ensure:
- lost pets are reunited with their owners
- the community is kept safe from roaming animals.
By registering your dog or cat you are following the law and doing your part to keep your pet safe and secure.
How to register your dog or cat
All dogs and cats must be registered in South Australia. Dogs and cats over three months old must be registered in the name of a person aged 16 years or older. You may be fined if you don’t register your pet.
You can register your dog or cat through Dogs and Cats Online in South Australia.
About Dogs and Cats Online
Dogs and Cats Online is an online database used for registering dogs and cats in South Australia. It is used to renew registrations, update pet details and report lost or found pets.
To use Dogs and Cats Online you will need to create an account, provide your pet's details and pay the registration fee.
Registering dogs
You can register your dog in Dogs and Cats Online by its microchip number. This is generally given by the breeder, shelter, vet or previous owner. This must be done within 14 days of taking ownership of your dog.
If your dog’s microchip has not been added to the online database, you will need a copy of the microchip certificate to register your dog.
It’s your responsibility to let your local council know or update the record in Dogs and Cats Online when:
- you change where your dog lives
- your dog passes away
- your dog is missing for a period exceeding 72 hours
- the ownership of your dog changes.
The cost to register your dog in South Australia depends on which council you live in. This can range from $15 to $85 per year.
You may get a discounted registration if:
- you have an Assistance Dog
- you are a concession card holder
- if your dog is desexed
- if your dog has completed certified training.
Registering cats
If you own a cat, they must be microchipped and desexed. This information must be registered in Dogs and Cats Online.
If you are transferring ownership of your cat, you will need to update your cat's registration details in Dogs and Cats Online and give the new owner the information.
The new owner is then responsible for completing the ownership transfer.
Most South Australian councils do not charge a fee to register your cat. Cats are not issued a registration number (however, they are still microchipped).
Renewing your pet’s registration
Registrations are valid until 30 June each year. In July you’ll receive a renewal notice by email, SMS or post and you have until 31 August to renew and pay the fee.
Dog, cat and breeder renewal notices are issued together to give owners the convenience of renewing in one place on Dogs and Cats Online.
Councils set their own fees for dog and cat registration, which vary depending on whether the animal is desexed, microchipped, or both.
How to renew registration and pay
You can pay in person at your local council office, or online through the Dogs and Cats Online website.
Penalty for failing to renew registration
You may be fined if you don’t renew your dog or cat’s registration. This may be a recurring fine every fortnight your dog or cat remains unregistered.
Council's role in pet registration and ownership
In South Australia, councils have a role in dog and cat management. They are responsible for enforcing local by-laws and ensuring pet owners follow the rules.
Council responsibilities
Councils are responsible for managing dogs and cats in their local areas.
They enforce the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, which details the legal requirements for owning a dog or cat in SA.
Some of the council's responsibilities include:
- Registering dogs and cats. Dogs, cats and breeders must be registered in Dogs and Cats Online. Councils are responsible for setting dog and cat registration fees and ensuring owners register their pets.
- Microchipping and desexing. Councils give advice to dog and cat owners about microchipping and desexing responsibilities.
- Responding to complaints. Councils respond to complaints about dogs and cats, such as barking, wandering or attacks. They may investigate the complaint and take action, such as issuing a warning or imposing fines.
Local council by-laws
Councils have the power to create local by-laws. These control dog and cat ownership in their areas. By-laws may include:
- Leash laws. Councils may require dogs to be on a leash in public areas, such as parks and beaches, to ensure public safety and prevent dog attacks.
- Cat curfews. Some councils may impose cat curfews to prevent cats from wandering at night and disturbing residents or wildlife.
- Nuisance laws. Councils may have by-laws to stop dogs and cats from causing a nuisance, such as excessive barking or digging.
Local by-laws may vary between councils, so it's important you check with your local council about the rules in your area.