All dogs over 6 months old must be registered with Council and microchipped. This is a legal requirement under the Dog Control Act 2000.

Registration helps us reunite you with your dog if it gets lost, and funds services like pounds, dog parks and compliance officers.

Who needs to register:

  • All dogs over 6 months of age
  • If the dog belongs to a child, registration must be in a parent or guardian’s name
  • New residents have 14 days to register after moving to the Huon Valley

What registration involves:

Annual renewal:

  • Dog registrations expire on 30 June each year.
  • Council sends renewal notices as a courtesy to currently registered owners before the due date.
  • Owners are responsible for ensuring payment is made on time — even if the renewal notice isn’t received.
  • Your renewal notice includes a reference number and payment instructions. You can pay using the methods listed on your notice (for example, online, by phone, or in person at Council’s Customer Service Centre).
  • If you’ve misplaced or haven’t received your renewal notice, contact Council for assistance or to request a replacement notice.

About the Licence to Keep Dogs

If you want to keep more than 2 dogs (or 4 working dogs) on your property, you must apply for a Licence to Keep Dogs before adding additional animals.

This licence is issued under the Dog Control Act 2000 and ensures your property and facilities are suitable for responsible dog ownership. Application forms and full details are in the information pack linked below.

Licence to Keep Dogs Information Pack

Microchipping

A microchip is a small device with a unique 15-digit number that lasts your dog’s lifetime. The number is stored on an animal registry so you can be contacted if your dog is lost.

Cost: $20–$100. It’s usually cheaper to combine microchipping with other treatments such as vaccinations.

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

Not sure if your dog is chipped? Council offices, vets and some pet shops can scan to check.

Tasmanian Animal Registries

Your dog’s microchip number is held by one of the following registries:

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

To check your details are current, visit the Pet Address website website and enter your dog’s microchip number.

Council vs Microchip Registration

You need both – they serve different purposes:

Council registration

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

Microchip Registry

Permanent ID that can’t be lost or removed

  • Proves legal ownership if your dog is stolen
  • Backup identification if the tag is missing

Tip: Add a second tag to your dog’s collar with your phone number so anyone who finds your dog can contact you directly.

Keeping Your Details Current

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

Why this information is collected

These details help Council identify your dog and contact you quickly if your pet is found, impounded, or involved in an incident. Accurate information means your dog can be safely returned to you and that registration reminders reach the right owner.

Council handles this information in accordance with privacy legislation.

You must update Council within 14 days if:

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

Moving between council areas

If you move to or from another council area, notify both councils within 14 days. Your dog must be registered with your new local council, as required under the Dog Control Act 2000.ct 2000. 

Quick Links

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

Also in Dog Management