Did you get a kitten or puppy for Christmas or during the Covid lock-down period? If so, your new family member needs to be made official by registering them with Council.

Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 all cats and dogs in Victoria aged three months or older must be registered. Failure to do so means risking a fine.

Registration of our furry friends with Wellington Shire Council goes towards paying for doggy doo bags; the pound and shelter facility; auditing of pet shops and breeding facilities; animal evacuation centres; feral cat management; dog ownership programs; Council efforts to collect and return stray animals, and more.

Annual pet registrations are due to expire on Saturday 10 April. Registered pet owners will receive their 2021/22 registration form in the mail or via email.

Pet owners are eligible for a reduced registration fee if their pet is desexed, has an obedience certificate issued by a government-approved organisation, is over 10 years old, is kept for working stock or breeding by a registered proprietor, or if the owner is a member of an approved pet organisation.

Pensioners with a concession card are also entitled to a fee reduction.

For more information, visit www.wellington.vic.gov.au/category/animals-and-pets.

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