Dog Registration

It is a requirement of the Keeping, Controlling and Impounding of Animals Local Law 2003 that all dogs aged three (3) months and over be registered with Cairns City Council. To view the Local Law, click here.

To register your dog, download the Dog Registration application form.

Discount registration and renewal fees cease on 1 August each year.

Council offers a variety of convenient methods to pay your annual renewal fee:

• Online at our secure site;
• in person at Council's Customer Service Centres at Spence Street, Cairns and Front Street, Mossman or at our libraries in Earlville, Smithfield, Gordonvale, Babinda and Mossman;
• Post a cheque or money order to Cairns Regional Council, PO Box 589 Cairns 4870.

For further information on registration charges, please phone Customer Service on 4044 3044.

In the interest of responsible dog ownership and to limit the number of unwanted animals, and to assist with unregistered back yard breeding laws, the registration fee for a desexed dog is substantially less than that for an entire dog. Proof of desexing is required, either by suppling a copy of the desexing certificate, or a written letter from your vet.

Discounted registration fees are also provided to pensioners, and for dogs which have achieved Level Three obedience training from a recognised school. Proof of eligility is required.

Lifetime Registration for Dogs is available for Aged Pensioner Concession Card or other Pensioner Concession Card holders who would otherwise be eligible for the Aged Pension.** Pensioner concession card holders must be at least 60 years of age** All dogs MUST be desexed and microchipped to be eligible. Copies of relevant documentation must be provided along with the application to qualify. Click here to download the Lifetime Registration application form.

Registering your dog helps Council reunite your pet if it is impounded, or to notify you in case of an accident. 

Registration fees also enable Council to deliver a wide range of Animal Management programs and services, such as the Pound, dog patrols and community information about responsible pet ownership.