Dogs and Cats
Dogs and Cats Online
Dog and Cats Online is a platform where dog and cat owners have 24/7 access to:
- Register their dogs and cats
- Pay registration fees
- Keep their details up-to-date
- Transfer ownership to new owner
Dog and cat owners can access the platform by clicking here and signing in to their account, or by creating an account to get started.
Attention Dog and Cat Breeders
The Safest Place for your Cat is Home
10 Tips on How to Enjoy Dog Parks
Important De-Sexing Message
All dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018 must be de-sexed by six months of age, unless exempt.
Exceptions for De-Sexing
- The breeding animal’s owner is registered as a breeder on Dogs and Cats Online.
- The animal’s owner is a member of Dogs SA, FASA, Cat Fancy SA.
- The animal is a registered racing greyhound with Greyhound Racing SA.
- The animal is a working dog.
- The vet has exempted the animal for health reasons.
Once paid, breeder registration remains valid until 30 June each year. When breeder registrations expire, mandatory desexing laws may apply.
Visit: dogandcatboard.com.au/new-laws-desexing
Important Breeder Registration Message
Anyone breeding dogs or cats for sale, must register as a breeder on Dogs and Cats Online (DACO) to obtain a unique DACO breeder registration number.
Dogs SA, FASA and Cat Fancy SA membership numbers will not be valid as breeder registration numbers—taking effect on 1 July 2020.
Once paid, breeder registration remains valid until 30 June each year. When breeder registrations expire, mandatory desexing laws may apply.
Dogs On Leash
In South Australia, your dog must be on a leash (no longer than 2 metres) in most public places.
Most dog attacks reported to councils happen when dogs are off-leash. Leashing your dog can save you, your dog and others a lot of pain and anguish. Any dog can bite if it’s frightened, feels anxious or threatened. An approaching stranger or another dog can unsettle a normally passive dog. When your dog is on a leash, you have a far better chance of controlling it and avoiding what could become a distressing or tragic situation.
The numbers of dog harassment/attacks and people hospitalized for dog bite trauma in South Australia are steadily increasing each year. When a dog attacks or harasses a person, another dog, animal or bird, this is a breach of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 which can attract a ‘control order’ for the dog and fines for the owner. In severe cases, dogs can be seized and destroyed.
Don’t let your dog be or create another statistic. Keeping your dog on a leash when off your property protects you, your dog and the community from any physical, emotional, physiological or financial harm a dog bite can cause.
What about ‘off-leash’ areas?
Local councils often have their own designated off-leash areas for dogs, like dog parks and some coastal councils allow dogs on beaches off-leash during certain times. These areas are always marked by signage. Only in these situations can you take your dog off-leash. BUT your dog must be under ‘effective control’ which means your dog must remain close to you, within your sight at all times and will return to you when you call it with one call. Dogs that aren’t under effective control in these situations can attract fines for their handlers/owners.
Please contact Council for further information regarding ‘off-leash’ areas near you.
New Laws for Dog and Cat Owners
Dog and Cat Management Board - News Release - Grey Registration Disks
New laws for cat and dog owners will come into effect on 1 July 2018. The laws and rules include:
- Mandatory microchipping of cats and dogs
- Desexing of dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018
- New rules for breeders who sell dogs and cats
- Introduction of a State-wide database, called Dogs and Cats Online
These new laws and rules will simplify the dog registration process, make it easier to reunite lost dogs and cats with their owners, help identify and put a stop to puppy farms and reduce euthanasia rates.
Microchipping
From 1 July 2018, owners must microchip their dogs and cats by 12 weeks of age or at the point of sale. Veterinarians may exempt an animal for medical reasons. Owners are encouraged to take advantage of the numerous discount microchipping days throughout the state. Visit chipblitz.com for upcoming dates, locations and to make a booking. Alternatively, contact your local vet.
Desexing
Dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed by 6 months of age or 28 days after purchase by the owner. Working livestock dogs as well as dogs and cats owned by registered breeders will be exempt from the requirement to desex, however will still need to be microchipped.
Breeders
People who breed dogs and cats for sale after 1 July 2018 must register with the Dog and Cat Management Board as a breeder. Your breeder registration number must be included in all advertisements for dogs and cats. There are also new requirements to disclose the breeder registration number and other information to the buyer at the point of sale. All breeders are required to follow the new industry standards and guidelines.
Dogs and Cats Online
From 1 July 2018, Dogs and Cats Online will be the central database for microchipped and registered dogs and cats and registration payments. Dogs and Cats Online will also be the register of breeders.
Existing dog owners should receive a renewal notice in the mail during July 2018 with their dog’s new lifetime registration disc (replacing the annual disc) and instructions on how to complete their annual dog registration on Dogs and Cats Online. If you do not receive a renewal notice for your dog, please contact Council.
Cats
I have found a cat
Visit the Animal Welfare League to find out what to do if you have found a lost cat.
Is the cat young or vulnerable?
Vulnerable cats include orphaned kittens, late term pregnant, geriatric or injured cats. If the cat has any visible forms of ID try contacting the owner first. Otherwise, call the Animal Welfare League on (08) 8348 1300.
Is the cat injured?
If the cat is injured and unable to be safely transported, please call RSPCA’s Animal Ambulance on 1300 477 722.
Stray cats
The Animal Welfare League only accepts stray cats that have been delivered as part of their AWL Retrieval Crate program. Call the Animal Welfare League on (08) 8348 1300 to find out more.
Surrendering your cat
If you need to rehome your pet, you can speak to the Animal Welfare League to discuss the options available. Call the Animal Welfare League on (08) 8348 1300.
Dog Registration Fees
| Fees & Charges | Unit | GST Applies | |
| Animal Related | |||
| Dog Registration Fees | |||
| Standard Dog - Desexed & Microchipped | $40.00 | Each | No |
| Non-Standard Dog | $80.00 | Each | No |
| Concession - Standard Dog, Desexed & Microchipped - Note 2 | $20.00 | Each | No |
| Concession - Non-Standard Dog (Not Desexed & Microchipped) - Note 2 | $40.00 | Each | No |
| Assistance Dog - Accredited | No Charge | Each | No |
| Working Livestock Dog | $35.00 | Each | No |
| Racing Greyhound | $35.00 | Each | No |
| Waste Disposal | $417.00 | Each | No |
| Business Registrations 20+ Dogs | $539.00 | Each | No |
| Other Dog Management Fees | |||
| Late Business Registration | $25.00 | Each | No |
| Late Individual Registration | $25.00 | Each | No |
| Seizure Impound Fee | $70.00 | Each | No |
| Daily Pound Holding - Weekdays | $27.00 | Each | No |
| Daily Pound Holding - Weekends | $43.00 | Each | No |
| Surrender | $282.44 | Each | No |
Note 2: Dog Registration Concession Card Accepted - DVA Gold, All Pensioner, Seniors Health Cards, Health Care Card.
Discretionary Rebates
- Concession Card (50%)
- DVA Gold Card
- Pensioner Card - All
- Seniors Health Card
For lots of helpful information on dog ownership and helpful advice on concerns and issues, please look at the links below:
Dog and Cat Management Plan 2022 - 2027
Application for Registration of a Business Involving Dogs
Application for Registration of a Dog
Dog Barking Complaints
Dog Registration Fees 2020 - 2021
What Every Dog Should Know
Impounded Dogs
