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Pet registration

You must register a dog or cat 3 months of age and over in Bayside. You will need to renew your registration by April 10 each year. Find out what you need to do and how to register or pay for your renewal online.

 

See also

Learn about microchipping

Registering guide or customs dogs

How do I renew my registration?

You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before April. This notice will have your animal number. This number can be used to pay your renewal online.

Renew my registration

What if I want to update, cancel or transfer my registration?

You can update your or your pet's information. You can also cancel your registration or transfer ownership to an immediate family member in Bayside.

What’s required to change my registration?

To update your registration information you will need your:

  • Animal number found on your renewal letter
  • Tag number which is found on your pet’s collar

You can cancel your registration if you have moved, your pet was sold, passed away or lost.

To get a refund  you will need to provide proof of your changed situation with documents such as a:

  • Bill or rates notice if you've moved
  • Vet certificate if your pet has passed away
  • Statutory declaration
     

You can transfer ownership to an immediate family member living in Bayside. You can apply for this online with signed written permission from the current owner or a statutory declaration from the new owner.

Accurate and up to date registration information allows us to: 

  • Identify and return your pet if they are lost.
  • Send important mail like renewal letters to your correct address.

Update your animal registration

I need to register my pet

If you have moved into Bayside, or bought a new dog or cat 3 months of age and over you will need to register them.

The fee is $78 if your dog is either:

  • Desexed
  • Over 10 years old
  • Kept for working stock
  • Kept for breeding at licensed premises
  • Registered with an applicable organisation
  • Undergone obedience training with an approved organisation

All other dogs along with restricted, dangerous or menacing dogs the cost is $246.
 

The fee is $45 if your cat is either:

  • Desexed
  • Over 10 years old
  • Kept for breeding at licensed premises
  • Registered with an approved association

All other cats are $128.
 

Holders of the following cards are eligible for a 50% discount:

  • Pensioner Concession Card issued by Centrelink or the Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Gold Card specifying War Widow issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Gold Card specifying TPI issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs

There are no fee reductions for:

  • holders of Health Care and Seniors Cards
  • restricted, dangerous or menacing dogs
  • the state government levy.
     

All cats must be desexed before registration.

Talk to your vet about desexing your dog at 3 months or younger. If your dog is unable to be desexed at 3 months of age, you can register at full fee then apply for a rebate. To apply, update your animal registration with proof of desexing within the first 8 months of registration.

You may apply for your pet to be exempt from desexing. Read more about the exemption conditions.

All cats and dogs must be microchipped before being registered for the first time. You can be fined if you do not get your pet microchipped.

The following restricted breeds cannot be registered online: 

  • Dogo Argentino
  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Presa Canario

To register a restricted breed please email us at animals [at] bayside.vic.gov.au (subject: Restricted%20breed%20enquiry) or phone (03) 9599 4626.

A council can declare your dog dangerous if:

  • the dog has caused serious injury or death to a person or animal
  • the dog is a menacing dog and its owner has received at least 2 infringement notices for failing to comply with restraint requirements
  • the dog has been declared dangerous under corresponding legislation in another State/Territory
  • there is any other warranted reason or situation.

A dangerous dog declaration has effect throughout Victoria and it cannot be revoked, amended or otherwise altered.

To register a dangerous or menacing dog please email us at animals [at] bayside.vic.gov.au (subject: Restricted%20breed%20enquiry) or phone (03) 9599 4626.

We do not accept registration transfers from other councils. If you have moved into Bayside, you will need to complete a new registration.

Your registration helps us:

  • find your pet if it's lost
  • fund pet-related education and programs like Pet Expo
  • maintain and fund pet-friendly parks and facilities.

To register and pay online you will need

  • Your dog or cat microchipped
  • A certificate of microchipping
  • The microchip ID number

For a reduced fee, you will need documents proving

  • Desexing
  • Registration with an applicable organisation and the owner's membership
  • Pensioner concession

Register your dog

Register your cat

What happens after I pay online?

We will:

  • Check your information. If there are any issues, we will clarify with you.
  • Process your registration within 5-10 working days.
  • Send you a confirmation letter to your postal address with your registration tags.

Your pet must wear its registration tag at all times.

You will need to renew your registration by April 10 each year. We will send you a reminder to your postal address closer to the date.