We appreciate that animals are an important part of a family. Registering dogs and cats is the best way to keep them safe and helps us to reunite you with your lost pet. The first year of registration is free or reduced for new animals.
Council runs a program offering a ‘free ride home’ if your registered pet is found wandering.
Each registration comes with a lifetime registration tag, which is best attached to your pet’s collar for easy identification by Council staff. If your registration tag is lost, a replacement can be provided for a small fee.
If your pet is already registered, a renewal form will be posted to you before your next registration payment in April each year.
Follow the steps below to submit your pet registration using our online form.
If unable to complete online forms, you are welcome to complete a printed application form at any of our Council Offices.
For further information, contact the Community Safety team on (03) 5348 2306.
Have digital copies of evidence of desexing and microchipping with you. If you are entitled to a concession, have your pensioner number with you.
Register your pet
After you submit your registration and have paid any required fees, a lifetime animal identification tag will be provided to you.
Microchipping your dog or cat is an excellent way to ensure that your pet can be easily identified if it strays or becomes lost. Staff, vets and animal shelters can scan the microchip and reunite you with your pet.
Desexing your dog or cat has health benefits and will save you money on your animal registration. It also reduces wandering or straying.
If you are financially unable to desex your cat or dog, please contact Council on (03) 5348 2306 and we will be happy to discuss free or low-cost desexing options.
DOGS
FEE
Dog - first year registration. Desexed and microchipped
FREE
Dog - first year registration. Not desexed
$50
Desexed dog
$34
Dog over ten years
Dog kept for breeding at a registered domestic animal business
Dog registered with approved association of which the owner is also a member
Dog that has undergone approved training as per regulations
Dog kept as working stock (primary production)
Menacing dog
$220
Dog not included above
$99
Dangerous/restricted dog breed
$382
CATS
Cat - first year registration. Desexed and microchipped
Cat- first year registration. Not desexed
$42
Desexed cat
$30
Cat over ten years old
Cat kept for breeding at a registered domestic animal business
Cat registered with approved association of which the owner is also a member
Cat not included above
$84
Permits are required for keeping some animals such as sheep and goats on properties smaller than 2500square metres. Permits are required for keeping horses, donkeys and other agricultural animals on properties between 2500-4000 square metres. There are also limits on the number of dogs and cats at each household. See details on this and required permits on our Excess animal page.
Are you looking for a new pet? Have you considered adopting or fostering from a rescue group or shelter? There are many animals in need of a loving home.
If you’re not able to take on a permanent pet right now, why not foster an animal to help it find a new home?
Visit - Ballarat Animal Shelter
Please let us know if you move within Hepburn Shire, so we can keep your registered pet’s address up to date. If you move away, let us know so we can update your registration. Call us on (03) 5348 2306. Don’t forget to register your pet once you move.
We know it can be an emotional time if your cat or dog has died. Please let us know so we can update our records. Our condolences for your loss and our thanks for letting us know. See our contact us page for how to get in touch by phone or email.