Register an Animal

 

Animal Registration Information

Do I need to and why should I register my Dog?

Yes, in accordance with Section 44 of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008, you need to register your dog within 14 days of owning the dog or moving into the Balonne Shire, please note working stock dogs are exempt from needing to be registered. Once the dog is registered, you will receive a registration number and tag. These tags are lifetime tags and are not replaced each year, they are assigned one dog for the lifetime of the dog. If however you require a replacement tag they can be purchased from Council's Administration Office. Registration tags must be worn by the dog at all times. This tag will assist in the return of your dog in the event that it becomes lost.

If your pet should stray or become lost, our office can check the registration number, find your address and advise you that your pet has been found. Impoundment fees are expensive and continue to increase the longer your animal is in the pound.

In addition, your registration fees help provide important services within the area such as animal control and community education about responsible pet ownership. Registration can also help control the population of dogs and cats in the shire, as a reduced registration fee is offered for desexed pets.

Do I need to microchip my animal?

Yes, Section 14 of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 requires microchipping of cats and dogs prior to reaching 12 weeks of age unless there is a reasonable excuse. Collars and tags can become lost, damaged or can be removed. A microchip is a permanent implant that will remain in the animal its entire life. By simply scanning your pet, obtaining the microchip number and searching it on a national database, your details will be displayed and you can be quickly contacted to recover your valuable pet. You are able to microchip your pet at your local vet surgery.

Stock Dog Registration

At Balonne Shire Council when we refer to a ‘stock dog’ we are referring to a working stock dog. A stock dog is defined in The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 is a dog which is kept:

  • On rural land; and
  • By an owner who is a primary producer, or a person engaged or employed by a primary producer; and
  • Primarily for the purpose of droving, protecting or working stock

While you are not legally obligated to register your stock dog Council does allow you to register for free. Registration is a great way to ensure your dog can be quickly and easily identified should it become lost.
Even though stock dogs do not have to be registered in Queensland there are laws that you may need to adhere to. Click on the Stock Dog Fact Sheet to learn more.

Stock Dog Fact Sheet

Stock Dog Registration Exemption Application

When Should I Register My Dog?

Dogs must be registered within 14 days of…

  • The dog becoming 12 weeks of age.
  • Obtaining your dog (if the dog is older than three months of age).
  • Of moving into the Balonne Shire
  • Of the date of expiry of the previous registration.

Registration can be arranged from Council's Administration Office in St George or by calling Council on 4620 8888.

Dog Registration Form

Keeping of Animals Other Than Dogs

Some animals other than dogs require a permit to be kept in some parts of the Balonne Shire. Please click on the below link to learn more, or call Council on 4620 8888 to speak with one of our Compliance Officers about keeping animals other than dogs.

Keeping of Animals Other Than Dogs

Dog Breeding Laws

The Queensland Government has introduced laws to promote responsible dog breeding. The legislation came into effect on 26 May 2017 and applies only to dogs born on or after this date. The laws require all persons giving away, supplying, selling or advertising dogs or puppies to have a Supply Number that identifies the registered Breeder of that dog. Supply Numbers can be obtained by registering on the new Queensland Dog Breeder Register. Alternatively, a Supply Number may also be a membership or permit number from an organisation or local government that accredits dog breeders – and that has been approved by the Minister as an “approved entity”.

Register as a breeder here

How it will help

The legislation has been developed because many Queenslanders are concerned about the welfare of dogs and puppies sold and supplied in Queensland. Registered dog breeders will receive a Supply Number, which must be included with the dog’s microchip details and displayed when the dog is advertised, sold or given away. This will allow puppies to be traced back to their breeder.

Exceptions

Primary producers that breed working dogs do not have to register as breeders, as long as they supply all of the dogs they breed to other primary producers as working dogs. However, primary producers must register as a breeder if they supply any dogs for purposes other than as working dogs. 

Interstate and overseas breeders only need a Supply Number when the transaction occurs in Queensland. If the transaction occurs outside our borders and the dog is transported to Queensland afterwards, the Queensland legislation does not apply.

Stock Dog Fact Sheet