Companion Animal Information (Cats and Dogs)

Microchipping

What is a Microchip?

A microchip is a small two millimetre implant containing a "barcode" that can be inserted under the skin. The microchipping procedure involves placing the microchip under the skin between the shoulder blades with a needle.

This can be done by Council’s Rangers, a veterinarian or authorised implanters. Once the microchip is in place, the microchip will enable immediate identification of your animal whenever it is scanned.

It is vitally important that you keep your dog/cat's microchip details up to date. Please notify Council within 14 days when you move address, change phone details and/or sell or giveaway the animal. This will ensure that your pet will always be returned to you.

Cost of a Microchip?

Council’s Rangers can microchip your companion animal for the small fee of $32.00. To arrange an appointment to have your pet microchipped please phone 4993 4300. It is important that you notify Council of any change of address.

Dog/Cat Registration

Do I have to register my dog/cat?

All dogs and cats over the age of six months are required by law to be registered. Dog/cat registrations are transferable from one council area to another within the state of New South Wales.

How much does it cost to register my dog/cat?

• Undesexed animal $150.00
• Desexed Animal $40.00
• Certified Breeder $40.00
• Pensioner (Desexed animals only) $15.00

Dogs can be registered at Cessnock City Council's Administration Centre, Vincent Street Cessnock.

Registration of your dog/cat is for its lifetime and the dog/cat must be microchipped before it can be registered.

• Change of Address Form
• Change of Owner Form
  

Walking your dog

Can I exercise my dog off its lead?

Dogs are required to be restrained while in a public place with the exception of prescribed dog exercise areas. These areas are:

• The southern portion of Varty Park, Weston
• The eastern portion of Greta Central Park, Greta 
• Standford Merthyr Park at Maitland Street, Standford Merthyr 
• Northern end of Manning Park, Blackwood Avenue, Cessnock 
• Hall Park, West Cessnock 
• The very western end of Miller Park, Branxton

Leash Free Areas

While dogs are allowed on these reserves unleashed, their owner remains liable for prosecution if the animals attack another person or dog or cause a nuisance to people.

Dogs allowed to run loose and unsupervised are major problems for residents and Council. They cause considerable work for Council, and irresponsible dog owners are finding themselves facing substantial fines and/or court action as a result of not controlling their pets properly.

On-the-spot fines are issued for an unregistered dog or unleashed dog, or for a dog found defecating in a public place, and the owner fails to clean up after the animal.

Other Questions

What can I do about a barking dog?

Council often gets complaints about barking dogs. This matter is dealt with under the State Environmental Offences and Penalties Act and can carry an on-the spot fine. Council may also issue a "nuisance order" against your dog under the Companion Animals Act, and if it continues to bark this may attract a fine.

Sometimes all that is required is for the dog owner to be told that their dog is causing a nuisance. Unfortunately this is often not the case and in many cases the dog owner doesn’t believe that there is a problem.

To address the problem we need some information from you including the address of where the dog lives. Should you experience problems with a barking dog in your neighbourhood, please contact Council’s Customer Service on 4993 4300 to lodge a complaint.

• Barking Dog Information Leaflet
• What to do if I have lost my pet

Further information

• Cessnock City Council - Companion Animal Management Plan
• Dogs in Rural Communities
• Dog Ownership Information
• Cat Ownership Information
• Restricted and Dangerous Dogs
• Responsible Pet Ownership