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Free first-year pet registration

Eligible cat and dog owners can register their pet for free in the first year with the City of Greater Geelong.

Learn who qualifies and how to register.

Free first year pet registration

The City of Greater Geelong offers free first year registration for eligible cats and dogs that have never previously been registered with Council. This initiative encourages early registration, supports responsible pet ownership and helps ensure lost pets can be quickly reunited with their owners.

The free registration applies to the first year only. From the second year onward, standard annual registration fees will apply.

Eligibility

Your cat or dog may be eligible if:

  • it has never previously been registered in the City of Greater Geelong
  • there is no history of enforcement or prosecution
  • the animal has not been involved in an attack
  • the animal is not declared dangerous, menacing or a restricted breed
  • animals adopted from Geelong Animal Welfare Society
Important: All cats and dogs must be microchipped at the time of registration as required under the Domestic Animals Act 1994.

Animals not eligible

Pets that have been found at large and impounded are not eligible for free first year registration.

Being found at large is considered a form of enforcement, which makes the animal ineligible for this initiative.

In these circumstances, owners must:

  • pay the pound reclaim fee and any infringements
  • complete paid registration when reclaiming the animal.

Animals subject to enforcement action are also not eligible for future registration discounts.

Pets that have previously been registered with the City (including lapsed or expired registrations) are not eligible for free first year registration.

 

Register your pet

Frequently Asked Questions

The free first year pet registration initiative allows eligible cat and dog owners to register their pet with the City of Greater Geelong at no cost for the first year.

The program aims to encourage early registration, improve animal welfare outcomes and help reunite lost pets with their owners.

The initiative applies to:

  • cats and dogs
  • over three months of age
  • never previously registered in the City of Greater Geelong
  • animals adopted from Geelong Animal Welfare Society

Yes. All cats and dogs must be microchipped at the time of registration as required under the Domestic Animals Act 1994.

The free registration applies to the first year only. From the second year onward, standard annual registration fees apply.

Pets that have been found at large and impounded are not eligible for free first year registration.

Owners must pay the pound reclaim fee and complete paid registration when reclaiming the animal.

Owners may also be liable for infringement penalties under the Domestic Animals Act, including:

  • an at large infringement
  • an unregistered animal infringement (if applicable).

Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, all cats and dogs must be microchipped and registered with their local council once they reach three months of age.

Registering your pet greatly improves the chances of being reunited if they become lost.

Registration fees also help fund important animal management services including:

  • dog parks and dog waste facilities
  • pound and shelter facilities
  • registration tags
  • reuniting lost animals
  • investigation of animal related complaints
  • responsible pet ownership programs
  • monitoring domestic animal businesses such as pet shops, boarding kennels and catteries.
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