Cat registration and microchipping

Registration

All cats over three (3) months of age which have been in Darwin for one month
must be registered.

There are many benefits of cat registration.

• It is your proof of ownership.
• Council can return lost pets to their owners quickly.
• You can be contacted easily if your pet is involved in an accident/
  incident and requires veterinary treatment.
• You have access to useful information, as owners receive an information
  package outlining their responsibilities when they register their pet.
• Fees provide a source of funds for Council’s education and
  enforcement programs.

Payment options

1. At the Civic Centre, Harry Chan Avenue, Darwin City, where Eftpos facilities are available.
2. By post with the completed Application For Registration form enclosed and cheque or credit card details to Darwin City Council, GPO Box 84 Darwin NT 0801.

Click here for Council's Cat and Dog registration forms

Conditions of registration

When you register your cat for the first time, you will receive an information
package that outlines registration conditions and your responsibilities as a
cat owner in Darwin.

• To register your cat you must agree:
  • to have your cat microchipped
  • to adequately contain your cat at all times, and
  • to apply for a licence if you intend to keep more than two cats
    (this will not apply for the first year that the By-Laws are in operation).

Microchipping

Microchips allow Regulatory Officers, vets and RSPCA staff to quickly identify your
cat by scanning them with a microchip reader. The microchip gives your cat a unique number, which can be matched on databases that store information about your cat and your contact details. This helps with the speedy return of cats that are lost, at large or injured.

Mircrochipping Day

Darwin City Council introduced new by-laws for cat owners that came into affect on 1st July 2008, making it compulsory for all cats to be microchipped to be eligible for registration.

To assist with this transition in legislation, Darwin City Council with Animal Ark and The Cat Association of the Northern Territory will be holding a CATS ONLY microchipping day.

For more information please click here for further details.

Licence requirements

Under the By-Laws, owners can keep two registered cats on one property.
If you want to keep more than two cats on your property, you will need to apply for a licence from Council. Each application attracts a fee. When Council assesses the application, they will search for any previous complaints against you (the owner), consult with neighbours and check that the premises are suitable and have a suitably contained area. When licences are granted, they may be approved with specific conditions.

Arrangements for implementing the new By-Laws

As this is the first time Council’s By-Laws address cat registration, microchipping and licensing the following arrangements have been put in place to ensure a fair and smooth process for cat owners. All cats will need to be registered during July 2008 when the By-Laws take effect.

If, on 1 July 2008, you have more than two cats residing on your property, Council will accept registrations for all of them. However, in the long term, you will not be able to keep more than three cats on your property without having to apply for a licence.

Enforcement

Council employs a Regulatory Officer whose job is to enforce registration requirements. If your cat is not registered and/or microchipped or you do not have a licence if required, you will be fined up to $110 in accordance with the By-Laws. (63A Failure to comply with condition of registration).