It's a legal requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994Opens in new tab, for every cat and dog over 3 months old must be registered with your local Council. This should be done as soon as they reach 3 months of age or you get a new pet. If you live in the City of Melbourne, make sure you register your pet with us. Remember, having your pet microchipped doesn't mean they're registered with us.
The pet registration period runs from 11 April to 10 April every year. You must renew your pet's registration by 10 April each year.
There are many benefits to pet registration – visit Animal Welfare VictoriaOpens in new tab to learn more.
Alternatively, you can download, complete and submit a pet registration application form below (City of Melbourne residents only). If you are trying to renew an existing pet registration, please refer to 'Renew your existing pet registration'.
Renew your existing pet registration
You must renew your pet's registration by 10 April each year. We'll send you a renewal notice in early March via post or email depending on your chosen preference. If you've received your pet's renewal notice, you can pay onlineOpens in new tab using the Animal Reference Number on your notice. Please check the details on your notice are correct before renewing your pet's registration.
Changing to an email renewal notice is not only good for the environment, but it can also help keep your personal details safe. If you'd like to receive your renewal notice via email, please let us know at animal.management@melbourne.vic.gov.au.
Text message reminders and late payments
If you've provided us with your mobile number, we'll send you a reminder text when it's time to renew your pet registration. This will also give you the opportunity to update your details. Owners who do not renew the registration of their pet by the due date are liable for a $15 late payment fee for each animal, and possibly infringement notices.
Registration and renewal fees 2024–25
Please note the below fees are registration fees for the full year. A 25 per cent fee reduction applies on 11 August and a further 25 per cent fee reduction applies on 11 December. Any applications made after 11 February each year will be for the following registration period (meaning the fee for the remainder of the current registration period is waived).
Dogs
| Fee type | Fee | Concession fee | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reduced | $70 | $35 | Any one or combination of the following:
Proof must be provided for all criteria. |
| Full | $210 | $105 |
|
| Other | $344 | N/A |
No concession applies. Please note: You must declare if your dog is a restricted breed as defined by the Domestic Animals Act 1994 Opens in new tab. Restricted breeds include:
|
| Transfer from another council | First year free | First year free | Your dog is currently registered with another Victorian Council (a renewal notice will not be accepted as proof). Proof must be provided for all criteria. Registration fee will be waived for this registration period only. |
| Foster carer | $8 | N/A | Enrolled as a foster carer with the City of Melbourne. |
| Late fee | $ 17.50 | N/A | Applied to each animal after 10 May each year. |
Please note the below fees are registration fees for the full year. A 25 per cent fee reduction applies on 11 August and a further 25 per cent fee reduction applies on 11 December. Any applications made after 11 February each year will be for the following registration period (meaning the fee for the remainder of the current registration period is waived).
Cats
| Fee type | Fee | Concession fee | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reduced | $43 | $22 | Any one or combination of the following:
Proof must be provided for all criteria. |
| Full | $130 | $65 | Cat with none of the above. |
| Transfer from another council | First year free | First year free | Your cat is currently registered with another Victorian Council (a renewal notice will not be accepted as proof). Proof must be provided for all criteria. Registration fee will be waived for this registration period only. |
| Foster carer | $8 | N.A | Enrolled as a foster carer with the City of Melbourne. |
| Late fee | $15 | N/A | Applied to each animal after 10 May each year. |
The concession fee entitlement only applies to holders of:
- Pension Concession Card
- Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Card specifying TPI or War Widow.
Health care and concession cards are not accepted.
Even if you only have them for a short time, you’ll still need to register your fostered pet if it is over 3 months of age.
If you register as a foster carer with Council you can receive a reduced registration fee. You can contact us at animal.management@melbourne.vic.gov.au for further information.
Find out more about the Foster Carer Registration SchemeOpens in new tab.
When you register your pet for the first time, we'll send you a lifetime plastic registration tag. Please attach this to their collar so we can reunite you both in the unfortunate event they become lost. If you'd like to change collars, we recommend affixing the tag to a split ring. This way you can change collars when needed.
Metal registration discs
We also have metal registration tags available that can be engraved with your pet's name and your contact details. To receive your free metal registration tag, simply complete our responsible pet ownership quiz.
Our pet registration tags are for life, so you won't receive a new one each year.
If you've lost your registration tag or can no longer read the numbers clearly, you can request a replacement free of charge. You can contact usOpens in new tab and we'll send you a replacement.
You can update your pet registration details by emailing us at animal.management@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Be sure to let us know if :
- you've moved address
- your contact details have changed
- your pet has recently been desexed
- you no longer own your pet
- your pet has passed away.
Please include your pet's animal reference number or pet registration tag number when contacting us.
It is also important to keep your pet's microchip details up to date if your details change. Visit Pet AddressOpens in new tab if you have forgotten which microchip registration company your pet is listed with.
Due to extra legal requirements, these dogs can't be registered the same way ordinary dogs can be. Each application is considered by the City of Melbourne before being accepted.
If you would like to register one of these dogs you must complete a registration application form (above) and return it dropping off the form in person. You cannot apply to register these dogs online.
More information from Victorian Government
