Registering your pet for the first time
On this page:
Register your cat for the first time
Register your dog for the first time
What your pet registration includes
All cats and dogs over the age of 3 months must be microchipped and registered with Council.
Register your pet for the first time online by using the link/s below that apply to you and your pet.
You will be asked to upload digital copies of documents, such as a microchipping certificate. Note that a letter or statutory declaration is not acceptable proof of microchipping or desexing.
Pets can only be registered in one person’s name, not in a company name.
When you register your cat or dog, you receive a lifetime tag with a unique number that must be fastened to your pet's collar.
The following cat registration fees are valid until 10 April 2027. A once-only $6.50 administration fee is included in each new cat registration.
Non-desexed cat
You must provide proof that your cat has been microchipped.
Fees:
- Standard fee $132.00
- Pensioner's fee $66.00
Register a non-desexed cat Register a non-desexed cat as a pensioner
Desexed cat
You must provide proof that your cat has been microchipped and desexed.
Fees:
- Reduced fee $44.00
- Pensioner's fee $22.00
Register a desexed cat Register a desexed cat as a pensioner
Cat over 10 years old
You must provide proof that your cat has been microchipped.
Fees:
- Reduced fee $44.00
- Pensioner's fee $22.00
Register a cat over 10 years Register a cat over 10 years as a pensioner
Cat registered with an organisation
This registration is for cats that are registered with one of the following organisations. You'll need a current paid certificate of membership to complete your application.
Fees:
- Reduced fee $44.00
- Pensioner's fee $22.00
Register a cat registered with an organisation Register a cat registered with an organisation as a pensioner
I'm not sure what to register my cat as
If you're unsure what category to register you cat, please call our customer service team for help on 03 8470 8888. Alternatively, you can complete a written application for pet registration. We will assess your application and invoice you accordingly.
Download the pet registration form(PDF, 275KB)
The following dog registration fees above are valid until 10 April 2027. A once-only $6.50 administration fee has been included in each new dog registration.
Non-desexed dog
You must provide proof that your dog has been microchipped.
Fees:
- Standard fee $186.00
- Pensioner fee $93.00
Register a non-desexed dog Register a non-desexed dog as a pensioner
Desexed dog
You must provide proof that your dog has been microchipped and desexed.
Fees:
- Reduced fee $62.00
- Pensioner fee $31.00
Register a desexed dog Register a desexed dog as a pensioner
Dog over 10 years old
You must provide proof that your dog has been microchipped.
Fees:
- Reduced fee $62.00
- Pensioner fee $31.00
Register a dog over 10 years Register a dog over 10 years as a pensioner
Dog registered with an organisation
This registration is for dogs that are registered with one of the following organisations. You'll need a current paid certificate of membership to complete your application.
- Dogs Victoria (Victorian Canine Association)
- Master Breeders and Associates
Fees:
- Reduced fee $62.00
- Pensioner fee $31.00
Register a dog registered with an organisation Register a dog registered with an organisation as a pensioner
Dog with approved obedience training
This registration is for dogs that have achieved a certificate recognised by the Dogs Victoria (Victorian Canine Association) from these approved obedience training associations. You'll need a copy of your certificate to complete the application.
Fees:
- Reduced fee $62.00
- Pensioner fee $31.00
Register a dog with approved obedience training Register a dog with approved obedience training as a pensioner
Dangerous, menacing or restricted breed dogs
These dogs cannot be registered online. Please call our Customer Service team for further information on 03 8470 8888.
Fee: $350.00
One free registration for pensioners
Pensioners get one free animal registration yearly for each household. This applies to the lowest-cost animal registered at the property. This offer does not apply to declared dangerous, menacing dogs or restricted breed dogs.
To be eligible for a discount, you must be the holder of a current Pensioner Concession Card (Centrelink, or Veterans’ Affairs) or Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Card, which specifies TPI or War Widow. Discounts do not apply for Health Care Card holders.
For applicants that are not eligible for a pensioner free registration, we will provide you an invoice at the pensioner reduced rate.
Download pet registration form(PDF, 275KB)
I'm not sure what to register my dog as
Please call our customer service team for help on 03 8470 8888. Alternatively, you can complete a written application for pet registration. We will assess your application and invoice you accordingly.
Download pet registration form(PDF, 275KB)
You pet registration includes:
- a "Return Home" service - if your registered pet is collected by a Darebin ranger, every attempt will be made to contact you with the aim of returning you pet to you as quickly as possible
- a 24/7 emergency collection service
- a pound service, the Wat Djerring Animal Facility, that is currently run by the Cities of Whittlesea, Merri-bek and Darebin. If your animal is currently registered and wearing its Darebin registration tag, you will be contacted as soon as possible to collect your pet
- part of the registration fee includes the state government levy which is used to help provide education programs for schools and preschools as well as adults. The levy is also used to fund state government research into dog and cat welfare and control issues
- one free pet registration per household for pensioners (the cheaper pet will receive the free registration where there are multiple pets per household).
If you move house, update your contact details with us to allow us to quickly reunite you with your pet.