Register an animal

As a requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, all dogs and cats over the age of 3 months are required to be registered with Council. 

Registration renewals are due by 10 April each year.

How to register

Online

The easiest way to register your cat or dog is by using our online form:

You will need:

  • Your pets microchip number
  • A copy of documentation where a reduced fee is applicable (eg. de-sexing certificate, proof of age (if under 6 months or over 10 years), concession card entitlement.
  • A credit or debit card for payment of the registration fee.

Register an animal for the first time

Email

Step 1.Complete an animal registration form 

Download a registration form and complete all sections. You will need the following details:

  • Your pets microchip number
  • A copy of documentation where a reduced fee is applicable (eg. de-sexing certificate, proof of age (if under 6 months or over 10 years), concession card entitlement.

Step 2.Submit your application

Email your completed animal registration application form and any supporting documents to info@moorabool.vic.gov.au

Step 3.Payment

Following receipt of your application you will receive and email with instructions for payment.

In person

Step 1.Complete an animal registration form 

Download a registration form and complete all sections. You will need the following details:

  • Your pets microchip number
  • A copy of documentation where a reduced fee is applicable (eg. de-sexing certificate, proof of age (if under 6 months or over 10 years), concession card entitlement.

Step 2.Submit your application

Submit your application at any of the following locations:

Ballan Office 
15 Stead Street, Ballan
Open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm

Darley Civic and Community Hub  
182 Halletts Way, Darley
Open: Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm 

Lerderderg Library 
215 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh
Open: Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm
           Saturday 9am-2pm

Step 3.Payment

Once we've received your applications our Customer Service team will call you for payment.

Post

Step 1.Complete an animal registration form 

Download a registration form and complete all sections. You will need the following details:

  • Your pets microchip number
  • A copy of documentation where a reduced fee is applicable (eg. de-sexing certificate, proof of age (if under 6 months or over 10 years), concession card entitlement.

Step 2.Submit your application

Mail your completed animal registration application form and any supporting documents to PO Box 18, Ballan, 3342

Step 3.Payment

One of our friendly Customer Service team will call you for payment once we receive your application.

What are the fees?

We are dedicated to responsible pet ownership and a state government levy is applied to all dog and cat registration to help us fund and run responsible pet ownership education programs, this fee is incorporated within your registration fee.

We also have an initial registration fee for puppies and kittens under 6 months of age to help promote ensuring that your pet is registered with council. 

Registration fees for Dogs (1 March 2024 to 10 April 2025)

Dog fees

Category Fee $ Concession $
Reduced fee (See FAQ below for reduced fees) 69.00 34.50
Initial registration of a dog under 6 months of age (Proof of age required) 8.20 8.20
Formal foster dog - First year or part there of - Fostered through registered pound, shelter or rescue (Copy of foster care agreement must be sighted) No Fee No Fee
Formal foster dog for initial first full registration period - Fostered through registered pound, shelter or rescue (Copy of foster care agreement must be sighted) 8.20 8.20
Formal foster dog post first full registration year standard registration Standard Fees apply Standard Fees apply
Guide dog or government dog No Fee No Fee
Dogs – declared dangerous 420.20 420.20
Dogs - declared menacing and restricted breed 315.20 312.20
Full fee: Dog not included in above 213.20 106.60

Registration fees for Cats (1 March 2024 to 10 April 2025)

Cat fees

Category Fee $ Concession $
Reduced fee (See FAQ below for reduced fees) 62.80 31.40
Initial registration of a cat under 6 months of age (Proof of age required) 8.20 8.20
Formal foster cat - First Year or part there of - Fostered through registered pound, shelter or rescue (Copy of foster care agreement must be sighted) No Fee No Fee
Formal foster cat for Initial first full registration period - Fostered through registered pound, shelter or rescue (Copy of foster care agreement must be sighted) 8.50 8.50
Formal foster cat post first full registration year standard registration Standard Fees apply Standard Fees apply
Full fee: Cat not included in above 213.20 106.60

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need to register my pet?

Owning a cat or dog comes with many benefits, but also comes with some legal responsibilities. Registering your cat or dog with your local council is one or them.

In accordance with the Domestic Animals Act 1994, every cat and dog over the age of 3 months old must be registered with your local Council.

If you live in the Moorabool Shire Council and have a cat or dog, make sure you register them with us. Remember, having your pet microchipped doesn't mean they are registered with us.

The per registration period runs from 10 April to 9 April yearly. You must renew your pet's registration by 10 April each year. We will send you as reminder before your registration is due. 

There are many benefits to pet registration - visit Animal Welfare Victoria to lean more.

Am I entitled to a reduced dog and cat registration fee?

If your dog or cat meets one or more of the following you will be eligible for a reduced fee.

If the dog or cat is:

  • desexed,
  • over 10 years of age, or
  • kept for breeding at a registered domestic animal business, or
  • registered with an applicable organisation and the owner is also a member of that applicable organisation,
  • a dog that has undergone obedience training with an approved organisations, or
  • a dog kept for the purpose of working stock.

Applicable organisations are:

  • Dogs Victoria
  • Master Dog Breeders & Associates
  • Responsible Pet Breeders Australia
  • Australian National Cats Inc.
  • Feline Control Council (Victoria) Inc.
  • The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy Australia and Victoria Inc.

Approved organisations - Obedience Training are:

  • Dogs Victoria - Please note: as of 13th October 2023 Dogs Victoria is no longer an approved organisation.

Any dog that completed the training with Dogs Victoria, or one of their affiliate clubs are not eligible for reduced registration. Dogs Victoria remain an approved Applicable Organisation under the DA Act; this affords its members the reduced council registration fee without the need to undergo any training program.

  • Australian Association of Professional Dog Trainers Inc.
  • The Kintala Dog Club Association Inc.
  • Four Paws K9 Training

Assistance Animals:

Council now offers a refund for domestic animal registration under Section 15(3) of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 where evidence from an owner’s medical practitioner is provided to Council that the animal is an assistance animal as defined under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. Further evidence is also required to show that the animal is microchipped.

To apply for a refund please submit a refund request form with the required documentation which is outlined under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) (DDA) in Section 9, sets out the legal definition of an assistance animal as a dog or other animal that:

(a) is accredited under a State or Territory law to assist a person with a disability to alleviate the effects of disability; or

(b) is accredited by an animal training organisation prescribed in the regulations; or

(c) is trained to assist a person with a disability to alleviate the effect of the disability and meets standards of hygiene and behaviour that are appropriate for an animal in a public place.

 

*To qualify for a reduced registration fee you must provide documentary proof.

Pensioner discount only applies to current full Pensioner Concession Card, Department Veteran Affairs TPI or War Widow card holders.

 

I have lost my dog or cat registration tag, can I get a replacement?

Yes.

You can request a replacement tag from our customer service team by visiting, calling or emailing us.

A replacement tag will be issued for a fee of $6.00

Contact Customer Service or visit us

My pet has passed away or has been de-sexed since I paid the registration fee. Am I entitled to a refund?

If you have paid your pets registration for the full year and your pet has passed or has been de-sexed before 30 June you will be able to apply for a pro-rata registration refund.

Update your animal details

Can I transfer ownership of my pet?

If you would like to change ownership of your pet/s into another person's name please complete this form(PDF, 157KB) and return to info@moorabool.vic.gov.au. Please note that both the current owner and new owner will need to sign the form.

 

Related Information

Lost and found pets
Pets, livestock and wildlife