On 1 July 2020, the NSW Government introduced annual permits for non-desexed cats and restricted and dangerous dogs as part of its commitment to promoting responsible pet ownership and improving animal welfare standards. There is a 21-day grace period for affected pet owners to comply with the new requirements.
Owners of cats not desexed by four months of age are now required to pay an $80 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee.
Increasing the overall cat desexing rates will improve the health and wellbeing of cats, including reducing the risk of some cancers. It will also ease the burden on pounds and shelters, reduce euthanasia rates, and help to address concerns about feral, stray and roaming cats and their effect on wildlife.
Exemptions are in place for cats that are registered by 1 July 2020, those kept for breeding purposes by members of recognised breeding bodies, and cats which cannot be de-sexed for medical reasons.
Owners of dogs of a restricted breed or formally declared to be dangerous are also now required to pay a $195 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee.
From 22 July 2020, pet owners can pay for annual permits using the NSW Pet Registry website or through their local council.
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 to operate the NSW Pet Registry and carry out responsible pet ownership initiatives.
To find out more about how to register your pet, visit our Registration and Microchipping page.
Annual Permit Costs
These permit costs are in addition to the one-off lifetime pet registration fee.
Find more information on the Office of Local Government's Annual Permits page.
To register your animal, visit the NSW Pet Registry website.
How to Pay for an Annual Permit
You are able to pay for an annual permit for in the following ways:
1. In Person
- Submit a completed Application for Annual Permit(PDF, 85KB) along with payment to the City of Ryde Customer Service Centre, located at 1 Pope Street, Ryde between the hours of 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
2. Online via the NSW Pet Registry
- Logon to the NSW Pet Registry website.
- If you have difficulty completing registration through the website please phone 1300 134 460 between 9.00am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday or email the Office of Local Government at pets@olg.nsw.gov.au for assistance.
Office of Local Government flyers