Microchipping and lifetime registration
The microchipping and lifetime registration of cats and dogs is a mandatory part of companion animal ownership in NSW.
These measures are in place to help lost animals to be returned to their owners and support relevant authorities, such as the City of Parramatta, enforce companion animal regulations.
Know the Rules
Cats and dogs must be microchipped and lifetime registered when sold, or at 12 weeks of age, whichever comes first.
A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and contains a unique 15-digit identification number that is quickly implanted under your pet's skin, between the shoulders. In the event a pet is lost or stolen, the microchip can be scanned when they are found.
A lifetime registration involves registering the companion animal on the NSW Pet Registry.
In addition, if you change your address or contact details, or if the pet changes owner, microchip and registration details must be updated.
Microchip your Pet for Free
Council will microchip your pet for free in the convenience of your home, if you live within the City of Parramatta.
The information on the microchip will then be added to the online NSW Pet Registry. This information is important, as it can be used to help pet owners be reunited with their lost or stolen pets.
See the conditions for Council’s free microchipping service
This service is limited to two dogs and two cats per household.
If you have had a litter of either dogs or cats, you will need to arrange for microchipping with your local vet in conjunction with obtaining their vaccinations and other associated health checks (in other words Council will not be able to assist).
Microchipping is only available for companion animals as defined under the Companion Animals Act 1998 as dogs or cats ONLY.
This service is not available to breeders, rescues, retail stores, corporations or other business entities.
Council reserves the right to refuse this service at any time.
To access this service, either email council@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 617 058.
In some circumstances, such as for large litters, community members will need to pay for microchipping at a vet.
Know the costs - lifetime registration
Information about cat and dog registration costs is available at this NSW Government page.
Please note that:
- Additional registration fees may apply for non-desexed dogs over six months of age, and cats over four months of age. Exemptions may be granted if a vet determines the dog or cat should not be desexed.
- Pensioners are eligible for a reduced registration fee
Register your pet
You can either register your pet via the NSW Pet Registry website or through Council. See more information below.
To register your pet, it will first need to be microchipped, which means you will have a certificate of identification.
Register your pet through Council
To register your pet through Council you will need to present:
- The certificate of identification you obtained when your pet was microchipped
- A completed Lifetime Registration (R2) Form
- Proof your pet has been desexed, if applicable (e.g. Certificate of Sterilisation or receipt containing microchip number from a vet or a statutory declaration from a previous owner stating that the cat or dog has been desexed)
- Any document entitling you to a discount (pensioner concession card, veterans card, registered breeder membership card etc)
- If claiming the pound or shelter rate, proof of purchase after 29 October 2015 and from an approved rehoming organisation
You can then present this information In person to our Customer Service Team located at PHIVE - 5 Parramatta Square Parramatta.
Please refer to our contact us page for our opening hours.
You can alternatively send the completed documentation accompanied with a cheque, money order or credit card details (with a completed credit card authorisation form) to:
- council@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
- City of Parramatta Council, PO Box 32, Parramatta, NSW 2124
Council will then complete the necessary paperwork on behalf of the NSW Government and forward you a certificate of registration.
Complete the credit card authorisation form(PDF, 63KB)
Keep your contact information up-to-date
It’s an important part of companion animal ownership to ensure the contact details attached to your pet’s microchip, such as owner, address, email and phone number, are kept up-to-date, so you can be more easily re-united with your pet when it becomes lost.
Update your pet's microchip information
It is also important to update your pet’s registration when the pet is sold, given away or deceased.