You are encouraged to have your cat or dog desexed before registering it. Discounted registration fees apply to desexed cats or dogs. Having your cat or dog desexed prior to registration helps to reduce straying dogs, fighting and aggression and antisocial behaviour, such as spraying to mark territory. It also helps to reduce the number of unwanted/abandoned pets born each year.

While working dogs on farmland are exempt we do encourage all working dog owners to register their dogs as a protection against theft or if your dog ends up in a Council pound, we will be able to return them to you. A working dog is defined under the Companion Animal Act 1998 as an animal that:

• is used primarily for the purpose of droving, tending, working or protecting stock,
• resides on land defined and rated as farmland under the Local Government Act 1993. 
• A hunting dog is not defined as a working dog under this legislation.

Registration for cats and dogs can be completed:

• online; at NSW Pet Registry - petregistry.nsw.gov.au or Service NSW by using your MyServiceNSW Account
• Over the counter; at Yass Valley Council or any NSW Service centre during business hours.

You will need the following:

• A copy of your cat or dog's Permanent Identification (P1A) Form or Verification of Existing Microchip (M1) Form completed by an Authorised Identifier, or Certificate of Identification.
• Proof of desexing, if applicable. This may take the form of a Certificate of Sterilisation or receipt containing microchip number from a Vet or a statutory declaration from a previous owner stating that the cat or dog has been desexed and is permanently incapable of reproduction.
• Any other document entitling you to a discount, for example, a pensioner concession card or recognised breeder identification.

Once you have completed your registration, you will be issued a Certificate of Registration. The Certificate will include the registration information recorded on the NSW Companion Animals Register.

If your contact details change, you must notify Council within 14 days of the change as penalties may apply. Keeping your contact details up to date will assist in the return of your cat or dog should it become lost or stray.

Current lifetime registration fees (valid for the dog or cat's lifetime) can be found on the Office of Local Government website.

Pet microchip records can only be created by a Vet, an authorised microchip implanter or Council. An implanted microchip does not cause any ongoing pain or discomfort to your cat or dog. The microchip does not require a battery or any maintenance and is designed to last the life of your pet.

All cats and dogs must be listed on the NSW Pet Registry. Following the implantation of the microchip, a Permanent Identification Form (P1A form) is completed confirming the identification information that is to be entered on the Register. The Authorised Identifier (Vet or qualified implanter) or Council enters the identification information onto the Register and issues the owner with a Certificate of Identification. Entering identification information on the Register before the cat or dog is lifetime registered helps in reuniting lost or stray animals with their owners.