Register your dog
Find out how to register your dog in Brisbane. Get information on changing registration details, fees and microchipping.
Registration is a legal requirement that gives pet owners peace of mind and helps us return them to you if they ever get lost.
When do I have to register my dog?
All dogs living in Brisbane must be registered before they turn 3 months old or within 14 days of moving to Brisbane.
How long are registrations valid?
Registrations are valid for 12 months.
What if my contact details change?
If you move or your contact details change, remember to update these with us within 14 days.
Do I need to register, or apply for a permit?
All dogs living in Brisbane must be registered. If you plan on keeping 3 dogs or more, you also need to apply for a permit.
Benefits of registering your dog
Registering your dog helps us provide services and facilities that keep you and your dog safe.
These include:
- a 24-hour lost and found service
- a ‘proof of ownership’ identification system
- sponsorship of responsible pet ownership programs and events.
You can register your dog
You’ll need to pay a fee to register your dog based on its desexing status, purchase location and concession eligibility.
You can register your dog:
- online
- at an animal rehoming centre
- at a Customer Centre
- by mailing a copy of the dog registration form to:
Brisbane City Council
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001
Make sure you have your dog's microchip number on hand.
You can optionally download and complete a Dog Registration Application form to register your dog by mail or in person.
You can optionally download and complete a Replacement Tag Application form to request a replacement registration tag in person or by mail to:
Brisbane City Council
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001.
Microchipping your dog
Microchipping is a legal requirement in addition to registration. It’s also used as another means of pet identification that helps us find lost pets.
The microchipping process involves implanting a small microchip into your pet. The procedure is quick and relatively painless and can be done by your local vet.
Dogs must be microchipped:
- before reaching the age of 12 weeks
- when sold (seller’s responsibility)
- if given away (responsibility of the person giving away the animal).
As an owner, remember it is your responsibility to maintain current contact details with the relevant microchip registry. You can use Pet Address to find the database your pet’s microchip is registered with.
Refer to the responsible ownership checklist for more information on owning a dog in Brisbane.
Fees and concessions for dog registration
The cost of your dog registration depends on the desexing status, where you purchased your dog, whether it’s an assistance animal, or if you belong to an association.
If you receive a pension, you're eligible for a 50% discount on listed fees.
No registration fees apply to:
- government entity dogs such as police or customs dogs
- guide, hearing, mobility, support and psychiatric assistance dogs*.
*Only applies to dogs from approved training service providers under the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009.
Registration fees
Desexed dog registration
| Fee type | Fee amount |
|---|---|
| Desexed dogs, first year | $44.50 |
| Desexed dogs adopted through an approved facility, first year | $29.65 |
| Desexed dogs, subsequent years, annual renewal fee | $59.25 |
Non-desexed dog registration
| Fee type | Fee amount |
|---|---|
| Non-desexed dogs, first year | $127.50 |
| Non-desexed dogs, subsequent years, annual renewal fee | $170.10 |
Association concessions for registration fees
The following concessions apply if you’re a current member of one of the associations listed.
These concession rates don’t apply to regulated dogs.
For members of Dogs Queensland or the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission
| Fee type | Fee amount |
|---|---|
| First year fees | $44.40 |
| Subsequent years, annual renewal fee | $59.25 |
Renew, transfer, cancel or update registration
If your circumstances change, there are options to change, transfer or cancel an existing registration.
Dog registrations are valid for 12 months and must be renewed each year.
We’ll send you a renewal notice before your registration expires.
Quote the reference number on the renewal notice when you pay the fee. Previous reference numbers are not accepted.
Regardless of when you pay, registration is valid from the original renewal.
Overdue renewals can be paid by BPAY or phone pay.
If you’re getting ready to sell or give your dog away to a new owner, you can transfer the existing registration.
You need to provide details of the dog and the new owner's name and address.
To transfer, you must provide:
- current registration information
- a declaration of a dangerous or menacing dog (if applicable).
If you’re in a situation where you no longer have your dog, you can cancel their registration. This is common in cases where:
- your dog has been rehomed
- your pet has passed away
- you have moved out of the Brisbane City Council area.
If your dog passes away within the first 6 months of registering, you can request a refund of 50% of the registration fee. You must apply for the refund application within 12 months of the registration renewal date.
You can also request a refund by mail to:
Brisbane City Council
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001.
You can update your contact information online to help keep your dog registration details up to date.
Use the online form to change your:
- residential or postal address
- email address
- phone number.
Have a copy of your most recent dog registration account or the dog tag number on hand.
You can update your dog’s desexing details online, by phone or in person.
Online
Update your pet’s details using the online form.
By phone
Phone Council on 07 3403 8888.
You may need to provide the vet's details and date of the desexing procedure.
In person
Submit a signed letter or completed dog registration form.
Include the vet’s name and the date of the desexing procedure.
You can lodge the form or letter:
- at a Customer Centre
- at an animal rehoming centre
- by mail to:
Brisbane City Council
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001
Download the dog registration application form.
Frequently asked questions
No, you don’t need to register your cat in Brisbane. However, if you intend to keep 4 or more cats, you need to apply for a permit.
Animal-related fines are based on a system of penalty units. A fine is calculated by multiplying the value of one penalty unit by the number of penalty units assigned for the offence. The total amount is rounded down to the nearest dollar.
View and pay animal fines and penalties.