Agnes & Milo

Registering Your Pets

New laws were introduced on 1 July 1999, as part of the Companion Animal Act. Under these laws, the owners of all newly acquired pets (cats and dogs) must have them microchipped and lifetime-registered. This applies to all puppies and kittens, and to any dog or cat that changes owners (regardless of whether they are sold or given away).

In addition, all other dogs (that is, those who have lived with the same owners since before the new laws were introduced) must be microchipped and lifetime registered by June, 2002. All other cats must be microchipped or wear collars and ID tags. These cats do not have to be registered.

Registration Checklist: Dogs

• All puppies born after 1 July, 1999 must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age and lifetime-registered before they are 6 months old.
• Dogs who changed owners anytime after July 1, 1999 must be microchipped and registered for life.
• Dogs who have a lapsed registration, or have never been registered, must be microchipped and registered for life.

Registration Checklist: Cats

• Kittens born anytime after 1 July, 1999 must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age and lifetime-registered before they are 6 months old.
• Cats who change owners after 1 July, 1999 must be microchipped and lifetime-registered.
• Cats that have been living with their owners since before 1 July, 1999 do not have to be registered, but must be identified, either by a microchip or a collar and ID tag (with their name and your address and/or phone number on it).

Read the Two Step Guide to registering your pet.