Dogs make wonderful companions, but they also come with legal responsibilities. All dogs over 6 months old must be registered with Council and microchipped under the Dog Control Act 2000.

Registration Requirements

Who needs to register:

  • All dogs over 6 months of age
  • Registration must be in the name of a parent or guardian if the dog belongs to a child
  • New residents must register within 14 days of moving to the Huon Valley

What’s required:

  • Council registration with annual renewal
  • Microchipping (some exemptions apply)
  • Registration tag on collar when in public places
  • Licence to Keep Dogs if you have more than 2 dogs (or 4 working dogs) over 6 months

Annual renewal:

  • Registrations expire 30 June each year
  • Council sends renewal notices as a courtesy
  • It’s your responsibility to renew by the due date

Microchipping Explained

Every dog needs a microchip – a tiny device with a unique 15-digit number that lasts your dog’s lifetime. This number is stored in an animal registry so you can be contacted if your dog is lost.

Cost: $20-$100 (cheaper when done with other treatments like vaccinations)

Where to get it done: Local vets, some pet shops, Dogs Home of Tasmania, RSPCA

Check if your dog has one: Council offices, vets, some pet shops can scan for chips

Tasmanian Animal Registries

Your dog is likely registered with one of these:

  • Central Animal Records
  • Australasian Animal Registry
  • Petsafe Registry
  • HomeSafeID
  • Office of Racing Integrity (racing greyhounds only)

Check your details: Visit Pet Address website and enter your dog’s microchip number to verify your contact information is current.

Council vs Microchip Registration

You need both – they serve different purposes:

Council registration:

  • Legal requirement under Dog Control Act 2000
  • Provides the tag your dog wears on its collar
  • Helps Council return lost dogs quickly

Microchip registry:

  • Permanent identification that can’t be lost
  • Proves legal ownership if your dog is stolen
  • Backup identification system

Pro tip: Add a second tag with your contact details to your dog’s collar so people can contact you directly if they find your dog.

Keeping Your Details Current

Council keeps records of your dog’s details (name, age, sex, breed, colour, registration class, microchip number) and your contact information (name, date of birth, addresses, phone, email).

You must update Council within 14 days if:

  • You move house (permanently or temporarily for more than 60 days)
  • Your contact details change
  • You move out of the Huon Valley
  • You’re no longer the dog’s owner
  • Your dog passes away
  • Your dog is lost, stolen, or permanently removed
  • Your dog is desexed

Quick Links

Need help? Contact Council’s Customer Service Centre for replacement tags or registration assistance.

Also in Dog Management