Pet owners in the Melton are being urged to renew cat and dog registrations for the next 12 months so they can be reunited with furry friends if they’re impounded.
All registrations must be renewed before they expire on April 10 each year or penalties could apply.
When Council locates or impounds an animal, it scans the microchip to identify the owner.
More than 20,000 cats and dogs in the municipality are microchipped but not registered, according to 2023 data.
Up-to-date registration provides Council with a record of a pet’s name, alongside the owner’s contact details to help return them to their family and maintain community safety.
Under Victorian law, all dogs and cats over three months of age must be microchipped and registered with council.
Animal registration renewals can be processed easily through the council’s online portal.
To register a pet for the first time, owners must provide a copy of microchip, sterilisation certificate and a pension concession card if applicable.
Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said lost pets often end up in animal shelters because they aren’t microchipped, or their
owner’s details are out-of-date.
“Pets are an important part of many local families, but owning a pet also comes with responsibilities including microchipping and registering them with council,” she said.
Details: melton.vic.gov.au/regulations/animals
