Three ways to save money on your dog rego

Dog rego renewals are due by July 31. Keeping your dog's details up to date could significantly reduce your dog rego fee.

Owners who don't register their dogs can receive a fine of $345.

These are three common things that could see you pay less for your dog rego:

1 - If your dog has been desexed

If your dog has been desexed in the last 12 months, the fee for registering your dog could go down by $110 per year!

There is a common misconception that vets automatically pass this information on to Council. This is incorrect, but it is something you can easily fix by calling our customer service helpline or using the update registration form on our website.

2 - You have received a pensioner card

If you have received a pensioner card during the last year, you are eligible for a discount on your dog registration fees. Pensioners can pay as little as $26 for a desexed dog.

If you are over the age 65 and hold a pensioner or concession card, and your dog is microchipped and desexed, your dog registration is free of charge. You also only have to renew it every three years.

3 - Your dog has recently completed obedience training

If your dog has recently completed obedience training, you may also be eligible for a discount.

A desexed dog with Level 3 Obedience costs just $44 to register.

If your dog has died or you leave the region

You should notify Council within 7 days of any changes to your dog registration details, including if you have moved away or your dog has sadly died. Otherwise, you may still receive registration renewal reminders in the future.

For deceased animals, Council will issue pro-rata refunds, if the request is received by Council in writing within 3 months of the registration date.

Dog registration is a Queensland Government requirement

The Queensland Government’s Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 mandates that all dogs must be registered with the relevant local council once they reach 12 weeks of age, or within 14 days of moving to a new council area or acquiring a new dog.

The main reason for registering your dog, though, is so Council has your details and can return your pet if they become lost.

Your dog registration fee goes towards many different amenities and services that are used by the entire community. This can range from maintaining off-leash areas and dog parks, investigating dog attacks or collecting wandering pets through to running the pound. Your registration money supports a healthy and safe community and helps keep your own dog safe.

How to update your dog’s registration details

You should notify Council within 7 days of any changes to your dog registration details. You can do this via:

1. update your animal registration details online
2. download a printable Dog and Cat Registration form ( PDF, 0.22 MB )
3. email regadmin@cairns.qld.gov.au