During the excitement of planning for a new pet there are many things to think about such as which pet to choose, your pet’s new name, bedding, toilet training, diet, toys, vaccinations, behavioural training, collars and leads… it can be quite a complicated and overwhelming task!
Unfortunately one thing which is sometimes overlooked is also one of the most important tasks. That is registering your pet with the council. It is a legal requirement in Queensland that all dogs and cats are registered with their City Council.
What is the purpose?
Pet registration helps to monitor domestic animal numbers and to reduce the number of stray dogs and cats.
In addition, registering your pet is a good way of helping the council to identify your pet if they go missing. Having your pet’s details on file will increase the chance of you and your pet being reunited quickly. Placing a registration tag on your pet’s collar will also encourage anyone who finds your pet to take them to the council.
What are the fees and how do I register?
The process of registering your dog is very straightforward! You can either complete the registration online at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or download a paper application and send it with payment to: Brisbane City Council, GPO Box 1434, Brisbane, Qld 4001
Further incentive has been given to register your dog if your dog is desexed or if you plan on desexing your dog in the near future. In a bid to reduce the number of homeless pooches, some city councils are offering a reduction in registration fees to owners who have desexed there dog, or who are planning to desex their dog.
The fees for dog registrations in the City of Brisbane are listed below. These fees are valid from 1st July 2009 and may be subject to change. Renewal fees and renewal application forms can also be located on the Brisbane City Council website.
Yearly registration Fees For Dogs – valid from 1 July 2009. 
Source: Brisbane City Council www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
|
Registration type |
Full fee |
Pensioner fees |
| Entire dog | $87.50 (GST exempt) | $43.75 (GST exempt) |
| Desexed dog | $37 (GST exempt) | $14 (GST exempt) |
| Guide, hearing and assistance dogs | No fee | No fee |
What are the consequences of not registering my pet?
If you do not register your pet with your local council, you face the risk of suffering fines of up to $200.00 per offence.
By Sophie Pimblett
Great advice, will take on board!