And, due to an amendment to the Companion Animal Act, as of August 31 this year, de-sexed animals purchased from approved rehoming organisations are also eligible for similar discounts.

Council currently collects $57 for the lifetime registration of a de-sexed cat or dog. 

If the animal is purchased from an animal care facility, council charges a discounted rate of $28.50.  

After amendments made to the Companion Animals legislation by the Office of Local Government the discounted rate will extended to animals purchased from a rehoming organisation.

The Office of Local Government has now advised all approved rehoming organisations of the obligation to ensure people who purchase an animal from them receive the necessary paperwork to allow them to obtain the reduced registration fee.

Animals transferred to an approved rehoming organisation will be flagged by council staff when the ownership of the animal is transferred. 

When an animal is rehomed, the organisation will give a sales receipt or letter on the organisation’s letterhead containing the animal’s microchip number to the new owner.

When the owner pays the lifetime registration fee for the animal, they will present the letter or sales receipt to council to ensure they receive the reduced rate.

The amendments are designed to encourage the adoption of animals from council’s animal care facility or approved rehoming organisations rather than purchasing privately and to encourage the de-sexing of animals.