Dog registration, renewal & change of details
All dogs in Cairns must be registered from the age of 12 weeks or within 14 days of moving to the region. Registration is renewed each year on 31 July, and we will send you a renewal notice in June.
Your dog rego fees help pay for pet-related Council services such as:
- Dog off-leash parks
- Investigating dog attacks and barking complaints
- Collecting wandering pets
- Running the pound
But the most important reason to register and microchip your pooch is so we can return them to you quickly if they get lost.
It's important to keep your registration details up to date. This makes sure you are paying the right rego fee, and that if your pet is lost, we can quickly return them to you. If you have left the Cairns Regional Council area or your pooch has passed away, let us know.
It's equally important to keep your microchip details up to date. Council can not update your microchip details for you, so if your circumstances change, please contact the relevant microchip register.
Under Council's Local Laws, the number of dogs you are allowed to keep is based on the size of your property.
If you are renting, you may need your landlord's permission to have pets, while those living in units or apartments may need Body Corporate approval.
| Size of property | Number of dogs allowed |
|---|---|
| Multi-unit dwellings (units, apartments, duplexes) | 1 dog |
| Small house block (allotment less than 450m2) | 1 dog |
| Average house block (allotment 450m2 and above) | 2 dogs |
More pets
If you wish to keep more dogs than automatically allowed you need to apply to Council for an "excess permit ( PDF, 0.35 MB )".
We consider 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.There are costs associated with keeping 'excess' pets.
- Application fee: $304
- Annual registration fee (see below)
- Annual excess permit renewal fee: $269.50
All dogs in Cairns must be registered from the age of 12 weeks or within 14 days of moving to the region. Only 1 person aged 18+ can be recognised as a registered owner. You are also required to microchip your pet.
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. You can request a replacement registration tag online.
New registration
You can register your pet online, or in person.
- Register online
- Print out a dog registration form ( PDF, 0.3 MB ) and take it to one of one of our Customer Service Centres
Please note, you must use a printed form for aged pensioner, farm dog or registered security dog registrations.
Renew registration
Registration is due annually on 31 July. We will send you a renewal notice in July, or you can sign up to receive your dog rego renewal notice by email.
You can:
- Renew your rego online
- Take your rego renewal notice to a Customer Service Centre
Transfer ownership for animal registration
To submit a change of ownership for your pet, please complete the Transfer of ownership for animal registration form ( PDF, 0.17 MB ).
Rego fees
Fees and charges for the 2025/26 financial year.
| Type of dog | Criteria / proof required | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory fee* | Not previously registered with Council Fee applies first year only | $12.50 |
| Introductory fee* Pensioner** discount | Not previously registered with Council and Eligible pensioner concession card Fee applies first year only | $6.25 |
| Entire dog | Not desexed | $153.00 |
| Entire dog - Pensioner** discount | Eligible pensioner / concession card | $76.50 |
| Entire dog - Level 3 Obedience | Level 3 Obedience certificate | $82.00 |
| Desexed dog | Sterlisation certificate / letter from vet or Prior registration indicating dog is desexed | $49.00 |
| Desexed dog - Pensioner** discount | Sterlisation certificate / letter from vet or Prior registration indicating dog is desexed and Eligible pensioner / concession card | $24.50 |
| Desexed dog - Level 3 Obedience | Sterlisation certificate / letter from vet or Prior registration indicating dog is desexed and Level 3 Obedience certificate | $41.00 |
| Registered security guard dog | Documentation indicating Registration of Security Guard Dog with security firm | $69.50 |
| Aged pensioner*** or guide/assistance/hearing dog Three-year registration | Eligible pension / concession card (Aged over 65) or | No fee |
| Regulated dog - Restricted | Under the Animal Management (Cats & Dogs) Act 2008, if you own an American Pit Bull Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentina, Fila Brasilerio (known as Brazilian Mastiff), Japanese Tosa or Perro de Presa Canario (or Presa Canorio) you must apply to Council for a permit to keep a Restricted Dog. | $606.00 |
| Regulated dog - Declared Dangerous | As declared by Council | $606.00 |
| Regulated dog - Declared Menacing | As declared by Council | $606.00 |
| Farm dog | Maximum of 4 dogs. Dog kept as Farm dog. Farm must be rated as Rural Productive. | $11.00 |
*Introductory fee is for 1 year only
**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.
It's important to keep your registration details up to date. This makes sure you are paying the right rego fee, and that if your pet is lost, we can quickly return them to you.
It's equally important to keep your microchip details up to date. Council can not update your microchip details for you, so if your circumstances change, please contact the relevant microchip register.
Change of details
We need to know if:
- You have changed your name
- You have moved to a new address in the Cairns Regional Council area
- You have a new phone number or email address
- Your dog has been desexed (cheaper rego)
- Your dog has completed Level 3 obedience training (cheaper rego)
- You are eligible for a pensioner or aged pensioner discount
You can update your details online, by emailing regadmin@cairns.qld.gov.au (please provide your rego number) or in person at a Customer Service Centre
Please note, it is not possible to transfer your registration from another Council. A new registration is required if you are moving to the Cairns Regional Council area.
Cancel your dog rego
If you have left the Cairns Regional Council area or your pooch has passed away, let us know online, by emailing regadmin@cairns.qld.gov.au or in person at a Customer Service Centre
Last Updated: 22 May 2026
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