So you’re planning to move from one state to another in Australia. But you want to know how to move your pet with you.
Remember that if your home address changes, you must re-register your pet before moving into your new home.
However, moving with your pet can be challenging when you don’t have the right paperwork in place. So how do you best organise yourself so that the process goes smoothly? Let’s find out.
Why Should You Register Your Pets?
Registering your pet is the first step in ensuring that they are protected. The aim is to ensure that all pets are protected and safe and that they can continue to live with their owners.
The registration of your pet ensures that, if they go missing, they can be reunited with you. Registration also enables the government to contact you in the event of any emergency at the animal management facility.
Also, the registration fees you pay for your dogs and cats will go towards maintaining dog parks. Some councils have dedicated areas for dogs to run free in an enclosed space and your fees will be used for its upkeep.
Also, it will be used for the services of animal management staff employed to deal with injured animals or strays. They may also provide support in emergencies where someone’s pet has been stolen or hurt.
When Can You Apply for a Reduced Registration Fee?
You are eligible to apply for a discount on the pet registration fee if your pet is over 10 years old, has been desexed or if you’re a registered breeder or pensioner with a concession card.
You can contact your local council to ask for a discount on the pet registration fee if you fulfil any of these criteria.
3 Preparatory Steps to Register Your Dog or Cat in Australia
1. Check the Rules of Your New State
First of all, check the rules of your new state regarding your pet registration. Some states require that dogs be microchipped, while others do not. Also, different states have different rules regarding ownership of animals and keeping them in residential areas or properties. To avoid problems, make sure you know about all these things before registering your pet for the first time in your new state or territory.
2. Check if There Are Local Council Laws
While most states have their own pet registration regulations, some local councils may have additional requirements for registering pets in their area or even within their borders. So make sure to check for any additional requirements before moving with your pet.
3. Have All the Required Documents Ready
Get all the required documents ready before visiting the council office or filling out the online form. You’ll need proof of ownership for each pet (such as copies of vaccination certificates) and proof of residence. You can register your dog or cat in your new local council with this information.
Pet Registration Rules in the Popular States in Australia
1. Victoria
- Cats and dogs over the age of 3 months should be registered when you move to Victoria.
- However, registration of small pets isn’t compulsory. You can check with the local council about the pets that qualify for that.
- Your pets have to be microchipped before the registration process. So if you’re moving from a state where microchipping of pets isn’t compulsory, then make sure to visit the local veterinary doctor to have the microchip implanted before you move to Victoria.
2. Queensland
- If you move to Queensland from another state or country, it’s compulsory to register your cats and dogs with the local council.
- Apart from this, you also need to obtain permits for your cats and dogs under the Animals Local Law.
- If you have more than 3 dogs and 4 cats in your residence, you need to get a separate permit for that.
- Before registering, your pet must be microchipped. And even if you’re getting new pets here, they need to be implanted with a microchip before they are 12 weeks old.
- All pet registrations should be renewed yearly.
3. South Australia
- If you’re moving to South Australia with a dog that is more than three months old, then you’ll need to register your pet with the local council.
- You should renew your dog registration every year.
- Cats and other small animals don’t need to be registered.
- While it’s not necessary to microchip your pets in South Australia, it’s highly appreciated and the pet registration fees are discounted for those who have implanted microchips.
4. New South Wales
- According to the New South Wales regulations, all cats and dogs over 6 months old must be registered before moving.
- While it’s not compulsory to desex your pets, those desexed pets have discounted pet registration fees.
- If you are moving from a state where microchipping isn’t compulsory, then make sure you get your pet microchipped before moving here.
5. Western Australia
- If you move to Victoria with a cat over the age of 6 months or a dog over the age of 3 months, you must register your pet.
- Your pets must be compulsory microchipped before they can be registered.
- Also, all pets have to be sterilized to register under the local councils in Western Australia.
What If I Have Pets Other Than Cats and Dogs?
Every Australian state has stringent regulations when it comes to the pets you’re bringing in. If you have exotic animals, it’s always best to check ahead with the local council about moving your pets there.
Some states prohibit the entry of specific types of pets, so it’s best to enquire before you get into a problem.
If you aren’t sure if your pets will be allowed entry to the new state, you can also get the help of the removalists you have hired. They can enquire on your behalf and advise on the best way to proceed.
Also, if you’re moving your pets with the help of a moving company, it’s necessary to furnish the details of your pets with them.
Planning to move your pets within Australia and need a hand with your complete relocation? Reach out to our Move My Stuff experts today to get started.
