Rockhampton Regional Council introduced new registration and microchipping laws from 12 December 2010 in accordance with the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008:

• All cats and dogs must be registered from 12 weeks of age
• Microchipping will be required from 12 weeks of age or upon transfer of ownership
• Working dogs only will be exempt from mandatory registration and microchipping
• Desexing is recommended at an appropriate age

Frequently asked questions - Changes to Animal Management Act
Being a responsible pet owner - Registration and microchipping obligations
Help me stay with you - Microchip your pet today

The annual registration period is from 1 September to 31 August and renewal notices will be issued to pet owners that have previously had their animals registered with Council.

There are substantial discounts on registration fees for pensioners and desexed animals. Please note if your pet is not desexed at the time of registration you must pay the entire fees, and then apply for a refund when you get it desexed.

Application for Cat and Dog Registration
Application to Amend Cat and Dog Registration

Although working dogs are exempt from mandatory registration and microchipping obligations, there are strict guidelines for the classification of a working dog.

Working Dog Registration Self Assessment Checklist

Under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008, the dogs listed as restricted are required to have a permit in addition to registration. Restricted dogs are those breeds prohibited from importation into Australia under the Customs Act 1901 or dogs that are the subject of a restricted dog declaration.

The following are restricted dog breeds:

• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Pit Bull Terrier
• Perro de Presa Canario
• Presa Canario

Application for Restricted Dog Permit
Application to Amend Restricted Dog Permit 

Systematic inspections will be conducted of properties particularly those that have outstanding registration renewals throughout the year, which will be advertised prior to commencement.

Tag it or wear it - Register your pet today

Local Law No 2 (Animal Management) 2011 and the associated subordinate local law set out the regulations for the keeping of animals in terms of prohibited animals, requirement for approval, how many animals can be kept, fencing, enclosure and minimum standards for keeping animals.

Application to Keep more than permitted number of Animals
Application for Specified Animal Permit

Registration pro rata and refunds

• Council will pro rata first year registrations so new cat and dog registrations received from 1 March to 31 August pay only 50% of the annual fee.

• Council will grant a discount on registration fees for approved government pensioners.

• Council will grant reciprocal registration, if the animal is currently registered in another local government area.

• Council will refund 50% of the registration fees paid for claims received from 1 September to 28 February. All claims must be received in writing along with supporting documentation within the same registration period.

Pension Concession

Council will refund the difference between the full registration and pension concession fees, if the owner becomes an approved government pensioner.

Desexed animals

Council will refund the difference between the entire and desexed fees, if the owner provides a desexing certificate or vet's letter.

Deceased animals

Council will refund for deceased animals, if the owner provides adequate proof such as a euthanasia certificate, vet’s letter or surrenders the registration tag. Alternatively the owner may transfer the remaining registration to a new animal.

Missing/Stolen animals

Council will refund for missing animals; or stolen animals, if the owner provides a police report. Please note the animal will be unregistered if it is returned to the owner.

Relocated animals

Council does not refund for the relocation of animals outside of the Rockhampton Region, but the owner may be eligible for reciprocal registration in their new local government area.

Animal Permits

Council will refund the permit fees within the year of application, where a permit is no longer required due to an animal(s) being deceased or changes to the permit conditions. The owner must provide adequate proof of the deceased animal such as a euthanasia certificate, vet’s letter or surrender the registration tag.

Your Pet - Your Reponsibility

For more information click on the headings under Animal Management or related links and documents or call Council's Customer Service Centre on 1300 22 55 77.