Animal management
Dog Registration
Laws applicable to South Australian dog and cat owners:
- Your dog or cat must be microchipped and recorded in Dogs and Cats Online, the state-wide register for microchip, desexing and breeder registrations. Owners can access this database online 24/7
- Any dog or cat born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed (for special exemptions see www.dogandcatboard.com.au/new-laws-desexing/)
- There are rules for breeders and sellers of dogs and cats (refer http://www.dogandcatboard.com.au/Breeding-Selling-and-Buying)
All dogs that are aged three months or over must be registered. To aid residents residing in the unincorporated areas of South Australia, the Outback Communities Authority has established a network of ‘Dog Registration Agencies’ who can assist with dog registrations.
Dog Registrations 2024-25
The Dog and Cat Management Board have developed the ‘Dog and Cats Online’ (DACO) program which became operational from 1 July 2018. Pet owners now have 24/7 access to DACO and can easily update their details, including phone contact and change of address. There is no cost to access DACO.
Although the Outback Communities Authority has agencies across the unincorporated areas of SA who collect dog registrations, with the introduction of DACO, pet owners living in the remote areas of SA now also have the option to register their pet online via DACO and pay electronically.
Dog owners who registered their pet in 2017 or 2018 would have received a grey disc in 2018 with a permanent identification number on it. The registration number will only be valid once full payment of fees has been received each year. Renewal notices will be sent out in early July of each year to all registered dog owners. New registrations, along with registration renewals, are able to be done through DACO, an outback agency or the Office for the Outback Communities Authority.
If pet owners are unable to access DACO, outback agencies are still able to collect dog registrations. The information from the registration application will be entered into DACO by Outback Communities Authority staff.
Click here to see the dog registration fees for 2024-25.
Click here to see more information on breeder registrations.
Click here to see more information on cat registrations.
Enquiries and for more information relating to pet reforms and Dogs and Cats Online, visit www.dogandcatboard.com.au
Cat Microchip Numbers
All cats must be microchipped as of 1 July 2018. Kittens need to be microchipped before 12 weeks of age or prior to sale. The microchip number will need to be entered into DACO even though cats do not currently need to be registered. There is no fee charged for this to be done. The Dog and Cat Management Board has produced a short video providing information on microchipping cats. Click on this link to have a look https://www.facebook.com/GoodCatSA/.
Further Information
Please click on the below links for further information:
Dog and Cat Management Plan 2024-2029
Dog and Cat Management Board Media Release August 2018
Location of Dog Registration Agencies in the Unincorporated Areas
Be Your Dog's Best Friend
Visit the RSPCA to learn more...