Don't forget to register your pet.

Published on 14 March 2025

It’s the time of the year to renew your pet’s registration.

Owners of registered cats and dogs will soon receive renewal notices for 2025-26, with payment due by 10 April 2025.

Melissa Crane, General Manager Investment and Planning at Mansfield Shire Council, encouraged pet owners to make sure their registrations are up to date.

“All cats and dogs, including farm working dogs, should be registered,” she said.

“Registration is a legal requirement. It also means we can reunite you with your pet if it gets lost. We have good animal management practices in our Shire, and registration fees are an important part of how we pay for them.

“We’re trying to make it as easy as possible to register your animal. Forms are available in person at Council’s offices or on Council’s website,” Ms Crane said.

Discounts are available for desexed animals, dogs that have undergone obedience training with an approved organisation, animals over 10 years of age, working stock dogs, dogs registered with approved associations such as Dogs Victoria and hounds registered with the Game Management Authority. Approved Assistance Dogs need to be registered, but no fee is payable.

All dogs and cats over three months of age must be registered with Council. This is a requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and owners can be fined $395 if not paid by the due date.

Pet owners who have dogs and cats being registered for the first time must arrange for their pets to be microchipped. This statewide regulation also applies to previously registered dogs and cats that move into Mansfield Shire from another municipality.

This year Council officers will be calling pet owners directly to follow up on overdue registrations.

If you have questions or concerns regarding pet registration, please contact Council on (03) 5775 8555.