All dogs in Cairns must be registered and microchipped from the age of 12 weeks (under Queensland Government regulations) or within 14 days of moving to the region.
Registration is due annually (31 July). We will send you a reminder notice when your registration is about to expire.
Council issues a 'life-time' tag for your pooch, so there's no need to get a new tag each year. If it becomes lost or damaged we will replace it for you at no cost.
Your registration fees help cover the cost of pet-related services such as picking up lost pets; caring for lost pets at our pound; providing dog off-leash parks and poo bags; events and workshops on being a great dog owner; and investigating barking complaints and dog attacks.
But, the most important reason to register your dog is so we can return them to you if they become lost.
Register, renew or update your details
You can register or renewal your dog registration quickly on line, or in person at one of our Customer Service Centres.
It's important to keep your registration details up to date, including letting us know if you've moved address, left the region, or your pooch has passed away.
Register my dog
- Register online * not applicable for Lifetime Aged Pensioner, farm dog or registered security dog registrations. See note below.
- In person - download the dog registration form ( PDF, 0.72 MB ) and take the completed form to any of Council's Customer Service Centres
* NOTE: This online registration form cannot be used for Lifetime Aged Pensioner, farm dog or registered security dog as conditions apply. For these registration types, download the dog registration form ( PDF, 0.72 MB ) and lodge the completed form in person at any of Council's Customer Service Centres together with the required documentation.
Renew my dog registration
- Renew online
- In person - visit any of Council's Customer Service Centres
- Register to receive my dog registration renewal notices by email
Update my animal registration details (including change of address, deceased pet)
- Update my details online
- In person - contact Council on 1300 69 22 47 or visit any of Council's Customer Service Centres
Read the Frequently Asked Questions
New animal registrations
| Type of dog | Criteria / Proof required | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory fee - entire | Not previously registered with Council - first year only | $42.00 |
| Introductory fee - pensioner discount |
Not previously registered with Council - first year only. Eligible pensioner concession card. | $21.00 |
Existing animal renewals
| Type of dog | Criteria / Proof required | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Entire dog | Not desexed | $130.00 |
| Entire dog - Pensioner* discount | Eligible pensioner concession card | $65.00 |
| Entire dog - Level 3 Obedience | Level 3 Obedience certificate | $69.00 |
| Desexed dog | Sterilisation certificate / letter from vet or Prior registration indicating dog is desexed | $42.00 |
| Desexed dog - Pensioner* discount |
Sterilisation certificate / letter from vet or Prior registration indicating dog is desexed AND Eligible pensioner concession card | $21.00 |
| Desexed dog - Level 3 Obedience | Sterilisation certificate / letter from vet or Prior registration indicating dog is desexed AND Level 3 Obedience certificate | $35.00 |
| Registered security guard dog | Documentation indicating Registration of Security Guard Dog with security firm | $60.00 |
| Aged pensioner** or guide/assistance/hearing dog Lifetime (3 year) registration | Eligible pensioner concession card (aged over 65) or | No fee |
| Regulated dog - Restricted | Under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008, if you own an American Pit Bull Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasilerio (known as Brazilian Mastiff), Japanese Tosa or Perro de Presa Canario (or Presa Canario) you must apply to Council for a permit to keep a Restricted Dog. | $468.00 |
| Regulated dog - Declared Dangerous | As declared by Council | $468.00 |
| Regulated dog - Declared Menacing | As declared by Council | $468.00 |
| Farm dog |
Maximum of 4 dogs. Dog kept as Farm dog. **Farm must be rated as Rural Productive** | $9.00 |
| Cat - entire / desexed | Must be microchipped | No fee |
*Pensioner means that you hold a Centrelink Concession Card or a Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Card but you are not 65 years or older.
**Aged pensioner means that you are 65 or older and hold a Centrelink Concession Card or a Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Card. Your dogs must also be microchipped and desexed to be eligible for your Free Dog Registration. Aged pensioners must renew their dog registration every three (3) years.
Number of dogs
Under Council's Local Laws, the number of dogs you are allowed to keep is based on the size of your property. If you wish to keep more dogs than automatically allowed you need to apply to Council for an "excess permit" ( PDF, 0.24 MB ).
We considered excess permits on a case-by-case basis. A Council officer will discuss your application with you and will inspect your property to establish suitability.
| Size of property | Number of dogs allowed |
|---|---|
| Multi-unit dwellings | 1 dog |
| Allotment less than 450m2 | 1 dog |
| Allotment above 450m2 | 2 dogs |
