Pet registration notices arriving soon

Published on 26 March 2026

We’re letting cat and dog owners know that pet registration renewal notices will be delivered next week, later than usual this year.

State law requires us to set the due date as 10 April. However, as notices were sent out later than usual, we've extended the payment period by 30 days, with payment due by 10 May 2026. We apologise for any inconvenience.

The Domestic Animals Act 1994 requires all cats and dogs over the age of three months to be microchipped and registered with the Shire.

The Shire provides different services to support pet owners, funded directly from pet registration fees, such as:

Off-leash dog areas located around the Shire for residents to train, exercise and play with their dogs. To learn where the closest off-leash area is to you visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/leashfree
The Community Animal Shelter and Pound which cares for lost pets and finds new homes for unclaimed cats and dogs. If you are in a situation where your cat or dog is missing, visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/lostpets to see if a Community Safety Officer / Ranger has picked up your pet.
Community Safety Officers / Rangers responding to dog attacks and nuisance complaints, as well as reducing the risk of wandering dogs throughout our townships.
The State Government Levy contributes towards community education on responsible pet ownership.

Dogs and cats that are registered and microchipped also have a far greater chance of being reunited with their families quickly and safely if they get lost or go astray.

It costs $66.00 per year to register a desexed dog and cat. Discounts apply for pension card holders. The current fine for owning an unregistered dog or cat is $407.00 (this amount is subject to an annual increase by State Government and will change accordingly).

If you are registering your pet for the first time, you may be eligible for free registration if:

your pet is microchipped; and
registered within eight weeks of taking ownership or moving into the municipality.

Supporting documentation must be provided with the application.

Animals adopted from the Community Animal Shelter will also be registered for free.

For first time animal registrations, once registration fees have been paid, pet owners are issued with a lifetime identification disc to attach to the pet's collar.

When you receive your notice, it is a great opportunity to tell us if anything has changed, such as your address, contact details, if your pet no longer lives with you or is deceased.

Please advise the Shire by contacting our Customer Service team via:

Pet registration is different to your pet’s microchip. The Shire cannot change microchip details for you. If you need your pet’s microchip details updated head to Central Animal Records: car.com.au.

Please visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/petregistration to learn more about the different ways to pay your registration and to register new pets.