Dog and cat registration

It's easy to register your dogs and record your cat's microchip number, online via Dogs and Cats Online (DACO).  If you need help contact Council during business hours for assistance. 

Dogs

All dogs aged three months or over, living on a property for longer than 14 days must be registered with Council. Once you've registered your dog in DACO you will receive a registration notice and a grey plastic tag with your dog's registration number.  You only receive a tag once, as your dog's registration number stays with it for life. You may choose to engrave the registration number on a metal tag with your name and phone number.

Cats

Record your cat in DACO using its microchip number. This is free - Council does not charge cat registration fees.  Your cat's microchip number should be provided to you by your vet, microchip implanter, shelter or breeder. If you don't have a record of the microchip number, contact who you bought or adopted the cat from. 

Mandatory microchipping and desexing

All dogs and cats must be microchipped by 12 weeks (3 months) of age. This applies to all dogs and cats unless exempted by a vet. All dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed by a registered veterinary surgeon before they are 6 months of age; or within 28 days after an owner takes possession of a puppy or kitten.

Dog registration fees 2021-2022

*Dogs must have completed Level 2 dog obedience training to be eligible for the training concession. A copy of the certificate is required to be provided.

All dog, cat, breeder and business registrations expire on 30 June each year.  Registration renewal notices are sent out in July to be paid by 31 August.  Late fees apply for payments made after 31 August. Registration renewal notices will be sent you via SMS, email or post.  You won't be able to renew the registration until you receive your renewal notice as a unique renewal code is required when registering. You can use a computer at the Council's Library or contact us if you need help. If your renewal notice has not arrived by August contact us on 8397 7313

Cat owners who have recorded their cat's microchip number in Dogs and Cats Online will receive a notice each July to remind them to log in and check their details are up-to-date.

What you need before you start

  • Renewal notice for 2021/22
  • Desexing, microchipping and training certificates (if you have not previously provided them)
  • Debit or credit card. If you are unable to pay electronically, please visit Council's Civic Centre to complete the registration renewal.

View the step-by-step instructions or video to help guide you through the process.

What you need before you start: 

  • Valid concession card (if applicable)
  • Microchip number, Desexing ID or Transfer Code if applicable
  • Desexing, microchipping and training certificates
  • Debit or credit card.  If you are unable to pay electronically, please visit Council's Civic Centre to complete the registration.

 View the step-by-step instructions or video to help guide you through the process. 

  • Pensioner Concession Card
  • Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
  • Health Care Card
  • DVA Health Card (Gold Card)

It is important to keep your details in Dogs and Cats Online up-to-date.

Login to Dogs and Cats Online to:

  • Update your personal details 
  • Change your address
  • Update your animal's microchipping, desexing or training details
  • Update the status of your animal to lost or deceased if your animal has passed away. 

After purchasing a microchipped puppy or kitten from a breeder the new owner must complete the registration in their name.

What you need before you start: 

  • Valid concession card (if applicable)
  • Microchip number, Desexing ID or Transfer Code if applicable
  • Desexing, microchipping and training certificates
  • Debit or credit card. If you are unable to pay electronically, please visit Council's Civic Centre to complete the registration.

 View the step-by-step instructions

Go to Dogs and Cats Online

  1.  Login using your email address (if you can't remember your password, select 'Forgotten your password' to set a new one)
  2. Select Commence ownership transfer
  3. Select animal to transfer
  4. Select "Initiate transfer"
  5. Enter the new owner's details (including email or mobile number)
  6. Select OK to transfer
  7. Provide Transfer code to new owner
    New owners must be provided the certificate of registration (renewal notice), registration disc last issued and transfer code.

Accepting a transfer

Go to Dogs and Cats Online

  1.  Login and select "Complete ownership transfer"
  2. Enter the transfer code provided by the previous owner
  3. Complete the required information

 

All South Australian breeders and sellers of dogs/cats are required to register with the Dog and Cat Management Board. Their membership registration number must be displayed on advertisements for sale of dogs/cats and the membership registration number is to be provided to all buyers.  

Go to Dogs and Cats Online

  1.  Login using your email address and secure password (select 'Forgotten your password' if you need to reset it)
  2. Select "Breeder/Pedigree Membership Registration"
  3. Complete the breeder registration questions
  4. Pay the annual fee of $75 fee using debit or credit card - Mastercard or Visa

If you believe you have been charged an incorrect fee or you have paid twice, please contact Council on 8397 7313.

Refunds on compassionate grounds are offered by Council subject to conditions. The Dog and Cat Management Board retains 24% of dog registration fees and these funds are not available to councils. The maximum amount refundable will be 76% of the fee paid.

  • Where a dog becomes deceased within one month of payment of the registration fee, 76% will be refunded.
  • Where the dog becomes deceased up to 3 months after payment of the registration fee, 57% will be refunded.
  • Where the dog becomes deceased up to 6 months after payment of the registration fee, 38% will be refunded.
  • Where the dog becomes deceased up to 9 months after payment of the registration fee, 19% will be refunded.

To apply for a refund please complete the refund form

A $15 late payment fee will be applied to each dog after 31 August. If you would like to apply for the late payment fee to be waived please complete the form. Late fees will not be refunded if payment of the registration fee and late fee has been made.

Name and address suppression enables at-risk dog owners to have their details suppressed within the Dogs and Cats Online website.

Application for name and address suppression in Dogs and Cats Online website 

Dogs and Cats Online suppressed owner information

Statutory Declaration - Dogs and Cats Online(PDF, 27KB)

Members of the public can apply to the Registrar of Dogs for access to their register.

Application for access to information in Dogs and Cats Online

Council's By Law 4 - Dogs, limits the number of dogs kept on premises and manages and controls dogs in the Council area.

Apply to keep more than two dogs - fees are payable with this application.

By law No 4

Related information

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