Council - Dog Registration
A simplified process for the registration of dogs and cats
The Dog and Cat Management Board in conjunction with councils have simplified the way your dog and cat microchip and registration details are managed. The Dogs and Cats Online website (DACO) is the central point for all your dog and cat information, including all microchip details, dog registration and payments.
Registering your cat(s)
While cats do not need to be registered, it is compulsory for:
- all cats to be microchipped
- all new generations of cats (born after 1 July 2018) to be desexed (exemptions apply).
Registering your dog(s)
In the city it is compulsory for:
- all dogs to be microchipped
- all new generations of dogs (born after 1 July 2018) to be desexed (exemptions apply)
- all dogs over the age of three months to be registered.
These changes are designed to increase the likelihood of lost or impounded dogs and cats being reunited with their owners while reducing the number of unwanted and abandoned litters at pounds and shelters.
Once your dog is registered, you are required to update DACO as soon as possible if the following events occur (you do not need to call or email Council as well, we will see your update in DACO):
- the dog is moved to another premises
- the dog dies or is missing for more than 72 hours
- ownership of the dog is transferred to another person.
Failure to register a dog may mean that we are not able to return your dog if it escapes, and it is also an offence under the Act.
Registration categories
Dog registration categories have changed and now all dogs fall under one of these two categories:
Standard dog: A dog that is both desexed and microchipped.
Non-standard dog: all other dogs, even if they are exempt from desexing or microchipping requirements such as dogs belonging to registered breeders and working livestock dogs.
A copy of desexing papers must be uploaded into DACO for all Standard Dog registrations.
Registration fees
Animal registration fees are charged and are used to fund a range of dog management services. Registrations are renewed annually and fees are capped.
Renewal notices are posted out from 1 July, with information on how to pay and update your details on the DACO online system. Dog registrations must be renewed by 31 August each year. A late fee may be applied if not paid by the due date and an expiation fee may also apply.
For current fees, please refer to the fees and charges schedule.
Please note: a concession of 50 per cent applies to eligible benefits cardholders. For concession payments, proof of concession entitlement must be provided each year.
Making payment
Payment can be made online via the DACO website.
Remember: dogs must be re-registered by the 31 August each year. Please be aware that a late fee may be applied if not paid by the due date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the registration renewal process?
Each July you are sent your renewal information to your selected contact method (Post, Email or SMS). You will receive a unique code which can be entered onto dogsandcatsonline.com.au (DACO), along with your surname, to make payment (email and SMS communications will have a direct link to pay). Concession card information can be entered into the system during this process and the fee will automatically be recalculated.
A step by step flyer will accompany your renewal notice to assist you to transition to the new registration database. Electronic instructions are also going to be available on DACO.
You will not be issued with a dog registration disc upon renewal. The dog registration disc that you received last year (or when your first registered your dog) is now valid for the life of your dog. You can pay to have a new disc sent to you if you misplace your original discs ($10.00) or alternatively you can have the dogs DACO number etched onto any tag of your choosing.
How do I replace lost dog tags?
Log into your DACO owner account and select to replace your dog tag. Alternatively, you can get your own tag from any pet store and have the DACO number inscribed on the new tag.
You do not need to register your cat within the like you would a dog. Some Councils do require cat registration so please check with the local Council if you are moving area.
However, you do need to microchip your cat no matter where you live and need to enter those details online into DACO.
What do I do if I have lost or found a dog or cat?
In the unfortunate event that your beloved pet should go missing, you can log in to DACO to report it as lost.
If a member of the public finds your pet they can visit the site, see that it is reported as missing and contact your through the method you have selected.
If you happen to find a dog or cat and it is wearing a registration tag you can visit DACO to see if the owner has reported it missing and attempt to get in contact with them.
Council Officers are available 24 hours to collect wandering / lost dogs that have been restrained. Please call the Council / After Hours Call Centre on 8203 7203.