CAT AND DOG INFORMATION

Responsible pet ownership helps keep animals, wildlife and our community safe.

Find information about registering your cat or dog, registration fees, responsible pet ownership, dog exercise areas and what to do if an animal is lost or found.

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Register your pet

Dogs over three months of age and cats over six months of age must be registered with the local government where they are ordinarily kept.

Before you apply

For a dog registration, you will need:

the dog’s microchip number or proof of microchipping
proof of sterilisation, if applicable
concession details, if claiming a concession
your payment details.

For a cat registration, you will need:

the cat’s microchip number or proof of microchipping
proof of sterilisation or an applicable veterinary exemption
concession details, if claiming a concession
your payment details.

If you cannot complete the registration online, you can register your pet in person at the Shire Administration Office, 3 Francis Street, Carnarvon.

Registration fees

Dog Registration Fees

	1 Year	3 Year	Lifetime
Unsterilised Dog	$50	$120	$250
Sterilised Dog	$20	$42.50	$100

Cat Registration Fees

Annual registration	$20
Three-year registration	$42.50
Lifetime registration	$100

Annual registrations purchased after 31 May are charged at the applicable half-year rate and remain valid until 31 October.

Annual application for approval or renewal of approval to breed cats (per cat) $100

View the current Shire Fees and Charges

Keep your details up to date

Pet owners are responsible for ensuring their contact and address details remain current.

Please notify the Shire if:

you move house
your pet is transferred to a new owner
your pet is no longer kept within the Shire
your pet has passed away
your contact details have changed.

Pet registrations can be transferred between local governments within Western Australia.

Responsible dog ownership

Dog owners must ensure their dog:

is registered and microchipped once it reaches three months of age
wears a collar and current registration tag in public
is safely contained on the property where it lives or is temporarily staying
is under the control of a competent person
remains on a leash unless it is in a designated off-leash area
does not wander, attack, behave aggressively or cause a nuisance through persistent barking.

How many dogs can I keep?

A maximum of two dogs may generally be kept at a property.

Approval is required to keep between three and six dogs. The application fee for 2026/27 is $120. Approval is not automatic and will depend on matters such as the property’s size, fencing, location and potential impact on neighbouring properties.

Barking dogs

Persistent barking can significantly affect nearby residents.

If it is safe and appropriate, you may wish to speak respectfully with the dog’s owner first. If the issue continues, contact Rangers.

Dog exercise areas

Dogs must remain on a leash in public areas unless they are within a designated off-leash exercise area. Dogs are not permitted in designated prohibited areas, subject to exemptions provided for assistance dogs under applicable legislation.

Even in an off-leash area, your dog must remain under effective verbal control and you must carry a leash.

Responsible cat ownership

Cats that have reached six months of age must be:

microchipped
sterilised, unless an exemption applies
registered with the Shire
wearing their registration tag when in a public place.

A maximum of three registered cats may generally be kept at a residential property.

Approval is required before breeding cats. Contact the Shire for information about becoming an approved cat breeder.

Cat traps may be available for the capture of nuisance or feral cats. Please contact Rangers to discuss availability and requirements.

Lost or found animals

If your pet is missing, it may have been collected by Rangers and taken to the Shire’s Animal Care Facility.

View animals currently in the Shire's care

Report a missing Animal

To report a missing or found animal, call the Shire on (08) 9941 0000.

Animals can only be reclaimed by appointment. Applicable impound, registration and other fees must be paid before an animal can be released. Owners may also need to provide proof of registration, microchipping and sterilisation.

Rangers do not monitor or respond to animal reports made through social media posts or private messages.

Report an animal issue

Contact Rangers to report:

a wandering dog
persistent barking
a dog attack or aggressive behaviour
a lost or found animal
a nuisance cat
another animal-related concern.

Call (08) 9941 0000 or complete the online Ranger Enquiry Form. Please provide your name, contact details, the location and as much information as possible.

Contact Rangers online