Responsible Paws Project

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The Responsible Paws Project is a new initiative from the Mornington Peninsula Shire in 2026 to provide support to the dog and cat owners in our community who are on a pension. The Project is running two programs for free microchipping and registration, and low-cost desexing.

The project aims to support our residents in reducing unwanted litters and extending the life and health of their pets.

To find out more about the programs on offer, read on!

Microchipping and registration program

What is the program?

The Responsible Paws microchipping and registration program provides free microchipping and free first year animal registration. Microchipping your dog or cat provides permanent identification and helps pave a safe way home if they wander off, even if their collar is lost. Registering your dog or cat helps Council return them home quickly if they are lost and helps fund animal management services that keeps them and the community safe.

Our first microchipping and registration program will be held on Sunday 27 September 2026 at the Community Animal Shelter, 130 Watt Road, Mornington.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the project, dog and cat owners must:

  • Be a resident of the Shire
  • Hold a current pension card
  • Cats must be desexed prior to application

Applications

To apply for our free microchipping and registration program, please click below

Apply here

Exclusions and limitations

To ensure this program can reach as many residents as possible, a limit of two animals per household applies. The program is not open to welfare/rescue groups, breeders or people and animals residing outside the Shire.

Discounted desexing program

What is the program?

The Responsible Paws desexing program will provide funding for eligible residents to access low-cost desexing for their dogs and cats. The program aims to support our residents in reducing unwanted litters and extending the life and health of their pets.

When will the program be available?

Our Responsible Paw Project Team is currently working to finalise the desexing program and further details will be published shortly, so check back here soon!

Questions?

Where and when will the microchipping program day be held?

The microchipping program day will be held on Sunday 27 September 2026 at the Community Animal Shelter, 130 Watt Road Mornington.

How often will microchipping program days be held?

This will depend on the number of applications received. At this stage, we are hoping to hold a microchipping day every three months, but this may be subject to change.

How will I know if my application has been accepted?

A member of our Responsible Paws Project Team will be in contact with you to confirm your details and provide you with an appointment time.

What happens if I miss out on a place or can't make the scheduled date?

If you miss out or are unavailable on Sunday 27 September 2026, our team may place you on a waiting list for the next available date.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Project Team at responsiblepawsproject@mornpen.vic.gov.au

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