Pet Registration

Why do I need to register my pet? 

• The law requires all owners to register cats and dogs over three months with their local council
• Registering cats and dogs greatly improves their chances of being returned to the owner if they become lost. The Domestic Animals Act 1994 prohibits the return of unregistered pets to the owner.
• If a dog does become lost and Rangers can confirm it is currently registered, every attempt will be made to return the dog directly to the owner without the need to impound it.
• Registering your pet provides Council access to a rich source of information to assist the community more effectively. This allows them to respond to calls of dogs wandering at large, dog attacks, nuisance barking, cat trespassing, stray and feral cat colonies control of dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs; monitor pet shops, boarding facilities and breeding establishments; establishing and monitoring dog off leash areas; and monitoring parks and reserves to maintain a safe environment for all users.
• A portion of the fee goes to State Government (Bureau of Animal Welfare) to fund research and education into responsible pet ownership

Important information you need to register your pet for the first time

The law requires all owners of a cat or dog over 3 months old, to register it with Council. The registration period is from 10 April to 9 April each year. Failure to register or renew the registration of your pet can incur a penalty of over $300.

• All cats and dogs must be microchipped before they can be registered.
• Pets under three months old will be exempt of paying the registration fee, for the remainder of that registration period.
• Pets adopted from recognised adoption agencies are exempt from the registration fee for the remainder of that registration period.
• Having your pet desexed reduces the fee by 66 per cent for life. If your pet is desexed, you will need to provide the certificate for our records.
• If you desex your pet within 1 month of paying the registration fee and provide the certificate, we will refund the difference.
• If you are transferring a current registration from another Council to the City of Greater Dandenong, you can transfer the remainder of that registration free of charge. Simply provide current registration records from the council the pet is registered with.

How can I register my pet for the first time?

Only one of these applications is required. Residents can choose to complete an online application or a hardcopy application.

Online applications

Residents can now register their pets online. 

Step 1: Take photos of your:

• Microchip certificate 
• Desexing certificate (if your animal is desexed)
• Pension card (if applicable)

Step 2: Complete online application form below

Online Pet Registration Application

Step 3: Upload the files when prompted. 

The application form will be processed as soon as possible and you will be sent a link either via email or SMS for easy, online payment. Please note: your pet is not registered until payment has been received. 

Hardcopy applications

Residents may wish to complete a hardcopy registration application form.

Step 1: Print out below application form below and complete details

Hardcopy Pet Registration Application - 195KB

Step 2: Take these documents to a Customer Service Centre

• Microchip certificate 
• Desexing certificate (if your animal is desexed)
• Pension card (if applicable) 
• Completed Registration form 

Step 3: Take all documents to a Customer Service Centre

Free Desexing for Cats

Greater Dandenong Concession cardholders and people experiencing disadvantage can apply to have their cat desexed for free.

There are limited numbers for this program which will run until September 2023.

Read more information about free desexing for cats