The NSW Government has granted a 12-month grace period for the introduction of annual permits for owners of non-de-sexed cats and dangerous or restricted dogs.

This means that from 1 July 2020 owners of cats not de-sexed by four months of age will be required to pay an $80 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee.

This will create a stronger incentive to de-sex cats, improve health and wellbeing of pets, lower demand on pounds, reduce euthanasia rates, and help to address concerns about feral, stray and roaming cats.

Exemptions will be in place for cats that are registered by 1 July 2020 and for cats kept for breeding purposes by members of recognised breeding bodies.

From 1 July 2020 owners of dogs of a restricted breed or declared to be dangerous will be required to pay a $195 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee.

This will serve as a further disincentive to owning these dogs and encourage owners to better manage the behaviour of their animal. 

The 12-month grace period will allow for education and awareness activities to inform the many pet owners across the state to be affected by annual permits.

In the case of cats, it will also provide time for owners to ensure their pets are de-sexed, not only delivering health and lifestyle benefits to their animal, but enabling them to avoid having to pay the annual permit. This includes the many people who will welcome a new kitten into their homes during the forthcoming spring breeding season.

In relation to dogs, owners can use the time to better manage the behaviour of their animals and, if appropriate, request that their local council review their dangerous dog declaration. Owners must ensure their dog undergoes appropriate behavioural training as part of any review.

The additional time will also allow for development of additional functionality on the NSW Pet Registry to provide a convenient, online method for pet owners to apply and pay for an annual permit to meet the requirement from 1 July 2020.

Owners of restricted or dangerous dogs must apply and pay for a $195 annual permit within 21 days of their introduction on 1 July 2020.

Anyone registering a cat on the NSW Pet Registry will be informed that they must apply and pay for an $80 annual permit if their animal is not de-sexed by four months of age.

Annual permit fees will go directly to the Companion Animals Fund which pays for companion animal management by local councils including pounds/shelters, ranger services, dog recreation areas, and education and awareness programs.

The fund is also used by the NSW Government to operate the NSW Pet Registry and carry out responsible pet ownership initiatives.

If you require any further information or assistance please contact the Office of Local Government’s Program Delivery Team on 4428 4100 or olg@olg.nsw.gov.au.