Companion animal legislation
NSW companion animal legislation details the identification and registration requirements for companion animals, and the duties and responsibilities of owners.
Annual permits for dogs and cats
Annual permits are required for non-desexed cats over 4 months old, and restricted and dangerous dogs. This permit - and the associated fee - is in addition to the once-off pet registration fee.
Pay your annual permit
- Online via NSW Pet Registry
- In person at Sutherland Shire Council Customer Service Centre
- In person with an appointment at Sutherland Shire Council Animal Shelter
If you sell or give away a dog or cat
All dogs and cats advertised for sale (or given away) must have an identification number. This includes all advertisements - newspapers, posters, community notice boards and social media.
Under NSW Government regulations the identification number can be:
- a microchip number
- a breeder identification number
- re-homing organisation number.
Any transfer ownership must be noted on the NSW Pet Registry within 14 days. The new owner must create a profile and ‘link’ their new pet at the time of collection.
You can also notify us and submit:
- Change of owner/details (C3A) - PDF - 57 KB form signed by you and the new owner
- Permanent Identification (P1A) form - PDF - 66 KB or Certificate of Identification or Registration.
Restricted or declared dangerous dogs
You cannot advertise for sale, sell or give away a restricted dog or a declared dangerous dog. For more information, refer to the Companion Animals Act 1998.