New laws for cat and dog owners and breeders have been introduced in South Australia including:
The City of Unley has also developed the Animal Management Plan 2021-26.(PDF, 2MB) This plan is a requirement of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 and its purpose is to guide the City of Unley's management of dogs and cats from 2021-2026.
If your dog or cat will be kept at different premises, you are required to update Dogs and Cats Online as soon as practicable.
Please contact council on 8372 5111 or email pobox1@unley.sa.gov.au if:
- Your dog or cat dies,
- Your dog or cat has been missing for more than 72 hours
- The ownership of the dog or cat is transferred to another person. New owners must be provided with the transfer code and dog’s registration number. Dogs must wear their registration numbers (registration disc) when away from their premises.
Dog registration
Dog registration is mandatory in South Australia. All dogs must be registered at 12 weeks of age or within 14 days of ownership on Dogs and Cats Online.
View Council's Fees & Charges for a list of dog registration fees.
Register a new dog
Cat registration
In South Australia all cats must be registered on Dogs and Cats Online (DACO), the state-wide database for all cats microchip, de-sexing and breeder registration. You can access Dogs and Cats Online anytime to register a new cat’s microchip number, change your contact information or list your cat as lost.
The City of Unley does not apply a fee for registering a pet cat in the Unley Council area.
Keeping your information up to date is especially important and each July you will receive a reminder notice to register your cat and more importantly ensure that your details are up to date.
Register your new cat or update details
Dog renewals
In July each year you will receive your pet registration renewal by your preferred method of delivery, either email, SMS or post, with your renewal code. The renewal code needs to be entered into Dogs and Cats Online.
Once you check your details are correct and enter in any concession, information for the dog registration and the fee will be automatically calculated. You may then proceed to pay your dog registration. Please renew your dogs registration by 31 August each year.
If you have not received your registration renewal notice please contact Council on 8372 5111 or log into Dogs and Cats Online to download your current renewal notice.
Renew your dog's registration
Cat renewals
In July each year you will receive your cat registration renewal by your preferred method of delivery, either email, SMS or post, with your renewal code. The renewal code needs to be entered into Dogs and Cats Online. Please renew your cats registration details by 31 August each year.
Renew your cat's registration
If you obtain a dog older than three months of age, then you have 14 days in which to register the dog. It doesn’t matter at what time of year your first registration is done.
To register your new dog please log onto Dogs and Cats Online. When registering your new dog, please ensure that you have with you:
- An email address (for online access)
- Any concession cards (your card number will be automatically validated upon entry)
- Microchip number (15 digits)
- Desexing Certificate
Register your new dog
Cats are beloved members of the family that provide endless love and affection for their owners.
As a responsible cat owner there are several things you can do for the benefit of your cat, the community and the environment.
Compulsory microchipping
The introduction of new laws from 1 July 2018 includes the compulsory microchipping of all dogs and cats, irrespective of their date of birth. Cats in the City of Unley do not need to be registered and as such no fee is charged, however new state laws require microchipping details to be recorded in the state-wide register Dogs and Cats Online.
Please note, the steps to record microchipping details in Dogs and Cats Online are similar to registering a dog.
Discount microchipping
In addition to visiting your vet, Chip Blitz offers $10 microchipping events at locations around South Australia. Visit the Chip Blitz website to find a location near you.
For more information on microchipping, visit the Dog and Cat Board, or contact your vet If you have any concerns in relation to your pet.
Compulsory desexing
The introduction of new laws from 1 July 2018 includes the compulsory desexing of all dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018, by a registered veterinary surgeon. This must take place:
- before the pet is 6 months of age; or
- within 28 days after the owner takes possession; or
- if the owner is granted an extension of time, before the day specified.
Exemptions
- Dogs and cats born before the 1 July 2018
- Dogs defined as a “Working Livestock Dog”
- Dogs belonging to Dogs SA members
- Cats belonging to FASA or Cat Fancy of SA members
- Greyhounds currently registered to Greyhound Racing SA (retired greyhounds are not exempt)
- Board exemption.
Vets may also grant you a desexing exemption based on it posing an undue risk to the health of the dog or cat, or adversely affecting its growth, development or wellbeing.
For more information on desexing, visit the Dog and Cat Board.
Indoor cats are happy cats
Cats can live happily indoors if they have a climbing and scratching pole, food and water, a litter tray, toys and of course your love and attention.
The benefits of keeping your cat indoors include:
- peace-of-mind for your pet’s safety
- consideration for the wider community and
- protection for our native wildlife.
Here are 3 tips to keep your cat happy and entertained indoors:
- Play time. Daily play sessions can fulfil your cat’s strong hunting and chasing instincts.
Try toys that encourage your cat to stalk, chase and pounce.
- Explore time. Cats love looking at the world from different angles. Ensure your cat has places to perch up high or hide away.
- Forage time. Replicate the hunting experience by hiding biscuits or providing interactive toys.
For more tips visit the RSPCA Safe and Happy Cats website.