Register your pet

Pet registrations must be renewed by 10 April every year

Every cat and dog living in Whitehorse must be registered with Council. It is a legal requirement and helps us keep track of pets in the community. Registration needs to be renewed each year to keep our records accurate. 

If you have a new pet cat or dog, or you have moved to Whitehorse with your pet, complete a new registration.

 
Why is pet registration important? 

Pet registration is more than a fee and a tag. It’s peace of mind for you, and your pet. Registering dogs and cats is also a legal requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994. 

Registration makes it easier to:

• Be reunited with your lost or injured pet
• Access subsidised desexing and pet programs
• Stay informed about local pet events and facilities
• Prove ownership and compliance if needed
• Show your pet is legally registered in case of an incident

More detailed information about pet registration and the benefits is listed on the Agriculture Victoria website.

What pet registration fees go towards

Your pet’s registration fee helps fund important animal management services in our community. It also includes a State Government Levy of $4.51 (2025–26).

Your fee helps support services such as:

• Council rangers, including vehicles, equipment, and after-hours services
• Local pound and shelter operations
• Management of dog attacks, including investigations and legal action
• Pet owner education and community events
• Dog parks, dog poo bins, and public facilities
• Dangerous and restricted breed management
• Audits of domestic animal businesses, such as pet shops and boarding kennels
• Emergency animal welfare
• Pet-carried exotic disease management 
   

How Council manages pet registration information

The personal information collected in the process of pet registration by Council will be used for accessing your Animal Registration or any other directly related purpose.

This information is being collected in accordance with the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and Council’s Privacy Policy.

If all of the requested information is not provided, Council may be unable to register your animal or provide you with any reduced registration fees.

Council keeps a record of the following pet details:

• Animal type
• Animal breed
• Name
• Gender
• Whether it is de-sexed or not
• Breed
• Colour and markings
• Microchip number
• Age/date of birth
• Tag number
• Registration documentation.

Council will also keep details about you and any second contacts including:

• Name
• Address
• Pension number (if relevant)
• Email
• Mobile number
• Address where your pet is kept (if different to your address)

All private information collected is kept in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act (2014).

Information about Lifetime Whitehorse Pet Registration Tags

All registered pets in the City of Whitehorse receive a lifetime registration tag. This tag must be worn whenever your pet is outside your property. Wearing the tag helps make sure your pet can be quickly identified and returned home if needed.

If the tag is lost or damaged, you can request a free replacement by completing the Change your Pet's Whitehorse Registration Details form through Whitehorse Online Services. This process will first ask you to find and select your address. 

 
Pet registration fee refunds 

You may be eligible for a pet registration refund if:

• Your pet has passed away
• You have moved out of the City of Whitehorse with your pet
• You accidentally paid the wrong registration fee

To request a refund, contact Council in writing before 30 June of the same registration year.

Make sure to include your animal registration number in your email or letter.