How to register your pet
Dogs and Cats Online (DACO) is the statewide database for all dog and cat registrations in South Australia.
Dog registrations are required to be renewed annually between 1 July and 31 August. Any payment after 31 August may incur late fees. The annual registration is valid to 30 June.
To register a new dog or cat you can log into DACO and provide the details. If you have never owned a dog before you will need to create an account. Please see www.dogsandcatsonline.com.au and follow the prompts.
Registration Fees
The Dog and Cat Management Act defines two categories of dogs, standard and non-Standard dogs:
| Standard Dog | Both microchipped and desexed meaning you receive a discounted registration fee. |
| Non-standard Dog | Not microchipped and/or desexed attracting a full registration fee. |
Alexandrina Council do not charge a registration fee for cats.
To view the current financial year's registration fees, refer to the Fees and Charges page.
Approval is required to house more than two dogs per household. Please complete and submit the permit application form.
Renewal Notices
Registration renewals are sent to all registered owners in July annually. If you already have a DACO account, you can choose to have your registration renewal sent by post, email or SMS. The renewal notice provides instructions for registration on DACO. Council libraries have computers available if needed.
Penalties
It is a requirement for every dog over the age of 3 months to be registered. The penalty for keeping an unregistered dog is a $170.00 expiation fee. For a full list of expiations relating to dogs and cat, refer to the Expiations page.
Registration Discs
DACO gives animals a permanent registration number and lifetime tag which means that you will not get a new registration disc each year. This number is carried with the animal for life regardless of a change of ownership or council area.
If your registration disc has been damaged or lost, you are able to purchase a new disc from the DACO website under your pet's registration for a fee of $10. Alternatively, if you do not wish to use the supplied disc you may purchase a metal disc from elsewhere and have it engraved with the dog's registration number. Alexandrina Council also encourages you to include your name and phone number to the tag as this helps assist prompt return should your pet stray.
Key Reminders
Keep your dog and cat registration details up to date such as your address and contact details.
Ensure notification is given to Council or details updated on the DACO website if;
- Your dog dies
- Is missing for more than 72 hours
- Is given to a new owner
- Is surrendered to Rescue Organisation
Mandatory Requirements
From 1 July 2018 it is a mandatory requirement for all dogs and cats to be microchipped by 12 weeks of age; this applies to new and existing pets – unless exempted by a vet.
Microchipping can be carried out by Chipblitz, visit www.chipblitz.com to view venues and book. Alternatively, book with your local vet to get your beloved pet microchipped.
For microchip certificates, please visit www.petaddress.com.au and enter your microchip number to find the contact for issuing you a new certificate. Your microchip number may be located on any veterinary documents or invoices. If you are unsure of your animal's microchip number, you may wish to contact your local vet or contact Council to inquire about scanning services that are available.
Every dog and cat born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed by 6 months of age unless exempt by a vet.
Any existing animal not desexed that changes ownership after this date must be sterilised within 28 days of the ownership transfer.