Dog registration

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Dog and cat new laws fact sheet 86.45 KB

Important information

Annual registration discs are no longer issued and have been replaced by a once-off, permanent grey disc. Keep your original grey disc or engrave the registration number on a metal disc of your choice.

Register your dog

You must register your dog by three months of age.

To register a dog you must be over 16 years of age.

Dogs and Cats Online (DACO)

Dog registration payments are now managed by the Dog and Cat Management Board via an online portal called Dogs and Cats Online (DACO). This helps dog owners in South Australia to better manager their pets.

This system, implemented in July 2018, replaces the individual registers previously maintained by 68 different councils in South Australia. DACO provides a one-stop online service for all registration payments, microchipping and breeder information, change of address details and change of contact details. It is accessible 24/7, including on mobile devices.

Dogs and Cats Online also helps councils, shelters and the general public in reuniting lost pets with their owners.

To register a new dog

You will require the following information:

email address
driver's licence (if applicable)
any concession cards
microchip/desexing certificates
(note: From 1 July 2018 it is mandatory for all dogs to be microchipped by three months of age or at the point of sale).

Before you leave our site, you can refer to the Dog registration fees and charge.

To renew your dog registration

Dog owners of registered dogs will receive a renewal notice (by their preferred contact method) containing step-by-step instructions to assist you use the new online system.

You will require the following information:

renewal notice with your unique code (you will receive this in July)
email address
driver's licence (if applicable)
any concession cards
microchip/desexing certificates
(note: From 1 July 2018 it is mandatory for all dogs to be microchipped)

General information

Should you experience difficulties using the Dogs and Cats Online system, you can contact our staff for assistance.

Dog registrations expire 30 June each year. Registration renewals can be made from 1 July and must be paid by no later than 31 August.

If payments are not made within the required time-frame, a late fee will apply.

If you have recently moved to West Torrens with a registered dog, you must transfer your dog's registration details to City of West Torrens within 14 days via dogsandcatsonline.com.au.

Keeping an unregistered dog is an offence under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995. Fines may apply to an owner responsible for a dog which is not registered.

Registration disc

Beginning 1 July 2018, dogs are now issued with a permanent registration disc which the Dog and Cat Management Board distributes when registering a new dog. This permanent registration number will remain with your dog regardless of a change of council area or a transfer of ownership.

Lost disc

In the event that the disc is lost, you can:

Purchase a metal disc of your choice and engrave your dogs' permanent registration number on it. This is the preferred option as it will assist in reducing the environmental impact of discs in landfill and you will be able to add additional information such as 'Name' and 'Contact' details.
Alternatively, a new disc can be ordered via Dogs and Cats Online.

Concession cards

Rebates are available for the following cardholders of permanent concession cards:

Aged Pension
Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) Gold
Senior Health Card.

Cardholders of the following periodic concession cards are also eligible for discount, however will need to validate their concession card each time they claim discount on registration payment:

Pension - all types other than AGE.
Health card.

Fees, concessions and rebates

Dog registration fees are set by the City of West Torrens and approved by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation.

Microchipped and desexed dogs

Discount registration fees apply to 'standard' dogs - a dog that is both microchipped and desexed.

Trained dogs

Discount registration applies to trained dogs.

Assistance dogs

Owners of accredited assistance dogs are not required to pay registration fees.

Useful links

Accreditation of assistance dogs

Registration information for breeders, sellers and petshops

Legal responsibilities of dog owners

Legal responsibilities for cat owners

Dog registration fees, concessions and rebates

Further information

If you have any questions or require further information about dog registration, please contact our staff on 8416 6333, email info@wtcc.sa.gov.au, accessing the live chat button on this site (when the button is green) or texting us (SMS) on 0429 205 943.