Register My Animals

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Owning a pet is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with important responsibilities - one of which is ensuring your dog or cat is properly registered with the Hindmarsh Shire Council. Registration not only helps reunite lost pets with their owners but also supports community safety and animal welfare.

Why Registration Matters

All dogs and cats over the age of three months must be:

  • Microchipped
  • Registered annually with the Council

Animals with microchips are easier to identify and return to their owners when found wandering at large. 

Benefits of Desexing Your Pet

Desexing your pet is a responsible choice that contributes to reducing unwanted litters and improving animal health. In Hindmarsh Shire, it also comes with a financial incentive:

Desexed animals are eligible for reduced registration fees 
To qualify for the reduced fee:

  • Your pet must be desexed
  • You must provide veterinary proof at the time of registration

This reduction makes it more affordable to comply with local laws while promoting responsible pet ownership.

Additional Concessions

If you're a pension card holder, you may also be eligible for a 50% reduction in registration fees.

Key Dates and Reminders
  • Registration is due annually by 10 April
  • Replacement tags (if lost or damaged) can be purchased for $11 at any Shire office

If dog or cat owners fail to register their furry friend, they may be liable for fine of $370.00.

Registering your Animal

You can print and prefill a 'New Animal Registration Form' by printing the form linked below. If you do not have access to a printer, you can collect a copy of the form from any of our Customer Service Centres and Libraries.

New Animal Registration Form(PDF, 162KB)

Animal Registration Fees

Animal Registration Fees 2025/26

All fees include GST.

Dogs

Microchipped (not desexed) $145.00
Microchipped and desexed $50.00
Dogs kept for working (must be approved by Local Laws) $56.00
Dogs kept for breeding under the Domestic Animal Act $56.00
Dogs registered with an Association approved by Council $56.00
Dangerous / Restricted Breed $783.00

Cats

Microchipped (not desexed) $117.00
Microchipped and desexed $41.00
Cats kept for breeding under the Domestic Animal Act $44.00
Cats registered with an Association approved by Council $44.00

Pension Concession card holders are eligible for a 50% reduction on the applicable fee; the registration must be in the name of the card holder and a copy of the concession card must be provided when registering the animal.

Keeping Excess Animals

To promote responsible pet ownership and safeguard the wellbeing of the community, Hindmarsh Shire Council regulates the number and types of animals that may be kept on residential properties. Residents who wish to exceed the permitted limits must apply for an Excess Animal Permit. This permit ensures that animals are housed in a safe, clean, and neighbour-considerate environment, in compliance with local laws and community standards.

When is an Excess Animal Permit required?

An Excess Animal Permit is required if you intend to keep more than the allowed number or type of animals on a residential or township-zoned property. The limits include:

  • More than 2 dogs or 2 cats (over 3 months old)
  • More than 50 small or 10 large domestic birds
  • More than 12 poultry or 1 rooster
  • More than 6 rodents or 6 reptiles
  • More than 5 different types of animals
  • Any horse, cattle, sheep, goat, pig, or other unspecified animal types

How to apply for an Excess Animal Permit

To apply, you must submit:

  • A completed application form
  • A detailed site plan
  • An animal management plan
  • Payment of a $235.00 lodgement fee (invoiced upon registration)


Click below to download a copy of the application form:
Application for Keeping More than the Prescribed Number of Animals(PDF, 195KB)

If you are not the property owner, written consent from the owner is required. Permits are valid for three years, and it is the applicant’s responsibility to renew the permit before it expires. Failure to do so may result in a breach of Council's Municipal Local Law.

Owner Responsibilities under Municipal Local Laws

For more information about responsible pet ownership, click here.

Find a Lost Animal

If you have lost an escaped animal, it may have been collected by Local Laws Officers.

To advise Council of a lost or missing animal, please contact one of our Customer Service Centres.

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