When to register your pet
All pet cats and dogs in NSW must be registered on the NSW Pet Registry either by 12 weeks of age or immediately upon transfer (whichever happens first).
Did you know?
- Pets must be microchipped before they can be registered.
- Until payment is made, your pet is not registered and you may be liable for fines, including a fixed penalty notice of $330. A late payment fee will also be applied if you do not pay registration within 28 days of when it was due.
How to register your pet
Create an account on the NSW Pet Registry for a quick and easy way to claim ownership of your new pet and pay registration on the very same day - leaving you with more time for cuddles.
Learn more about registering a rescue animal
Using the digital NSW Pet Registry
In NSW, you can register your cat or dog online in a few simple steps.
1. Create a NSW Pet Registry profile
Log in to the NSW Pet Registry with your existing MyServiceNSW account details and follow the prompts to set up your NSW Pet Registry account.
2. Transfer ownership
Share your NSW Pet Registry profile with the breeder - they can instantly transfer official ownership to you once your pet is in your arms, ready for their forever home.
3. Pay your once-only registration fee online
You’ll receive a confirmation notification from the NSW Pet Registry confirming ownership of your new pal. You will also be sent a link to complete your registration payment.
4. Make sure to keep your pets details up to date
Always confirm pet details are accurate on the NSW Pet Registry, and update pet photos and other information when necessary. Up-to-date details on the NSW Pet Registry can help reunite you with lost pets.
Registering your pet using forms
Transfer of ownership and registration can be completed using paper forms.
If a breeder or previous owner has provided you with a copy of the completed and signed Change of owner (C3A) (PDF, 150 KB) form, you will need to take this form to your local council along with a completed Pet registration (R2) (PDF, 147 KB) form when you pay the registration fee.
If you do not have a copy of the Change of owner (C3A) form signed by the original owner, you must also give council a statutory declaration to claim official ownership of your pet and then register them. This document must include:
- your name and address
- the pet's microchip number
- the details of how you came to own the pet, which you are declaring to be true
- your signature and the signature of an authorised witness (this can be a Justice of the Peace (JP), a legal practitioner or a notary public)
- the date and location where the declaration was made.