DACO - Dogs and Cats Online

In South Australia, all dogs and cats must be microchipped, desexed and registered in Dogs and Cats Online, the statewide database for dogs, cats, microchip, desexing and breeder registrations. Some exemptions apply.

Registration

It’s easy to register your dogs and cats, you do it yourself in Dogs and Cats Online. There are easy reference guides on the Dog and Cat Management Board’s website if you need help. Registration is valid to 30 June annually with renewal notices issued each July to be paid by 31 August.

Dogs

Once you’ve registered your dog in Dogs and Cats Online, you’ll receive a registration notice from council and a grey plastic disc with your dog’s registration number. Attach this disc to your dog’s collar to be displayed at all times.

NOTE: You only receive a disc once as your dog’s registration number stays with it for life. You may choose to engrave the registration number on a permanent metal disc with your name and phone number.

Cats

You must register your cat in Dogs and Cats Online by its mandatory microchip number. This is free

Council does not charge a cat registration fee. Your cat’s microchip number should be provided to you by your vet, microchip implanter, shelter or breeder.  If you don’t have a record of the microchip number, contact the vet, breeder or shelter where you bought or adopted it.

Registration renewals

Registered dog owners receive renewal notices each July with simple instructions for renewing directly in Dogs and Cats Online. You won’t be able to renew the registration until you’ve received your renewal notice. You can use a computer at the council’s library, or contact us if you need help.

Cat owners who’ve registered their cat’s microchip number in Dogs and Cats Online will receive a notice each July to remind them to log in and check their details are up-to-date.

NOTE: You must log in and to register your cat upon receipt of your notice, even if the amount owing on the notice is $0.

Dog and Cat Laws- Penalties

Doing the right thing will not only make you a responsible pet owner but also help avoid the new and increased penalties.  New penalties are set by the SA Government's Dog and Cat Management Board.

Registration Fees

Council charges an annual registration fee for dogs (LINK BELOW). Although council doesn’t charge a fee for cats, you must still register your cat by its microchip number. ‘Standard’ dogs (dogs which are microchipped and desexed) have a significantly discounted registration fee. The penalty for not registering your dog is a $170.00 expiation fee.

The Rural City of Murray Bridge Dog Registration Fees Guide 2023-24

Keeping details up to date

It’s important you keep your details in Dogs and Cats Online up-to-date. If you move, you should update your address in Dogs and Cats Online. If your dog or cat dies, is missing for more than 72 hours, is given to a new owner, or is surrendered to the RSPCA or Animal Welfare League, you must notify council or update the record in Dogs and Cats Online.  Choose ‘deceased’ or ‘lost’ from the ‘Animal Status’ drop down menu on your pet’s record.

Registration transfers

If your dog or cat goes to a new home, their registration must be transferred to the new owner. You’ll need to initiate a transfer in Dogs and Cats Online and give the transfer number to the new owner who then logs in to complete the transfer themselves. There are easy reference guides on the Dog and Cat Management Board’s website if you need help.

Mandatory microchipping

All dogs and cats must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age (unless exempted by a vet—see the Dog and Cat Management Board for details). Council supports local, low cost microchip events scheduled periodically by ChipBlitz. Visit www.chipblitz.com to find and book an upcoming session near you. Of course your local vet can microchip your pet.

Mandatory desexing

All dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed by a registered veterinary surgeon before it is 6 months of age; or within 28 days after an owner takes possession of a puppy or kitten. Some exemptions can apply, visit the Dog and Cat Management Board website for details.

Pet limits

Limits on dog numbers on your property are guided by the administration of the Councils Dogs By-law 2016 (By-law 5) and the Limits on Dog Numbers Policy. Residents may apply to Council for an exemption to keep more dogs than permitted under By-law 5 by completing this form.

Breeding, selling and buying

There are laws which regulate breeding and selling dogs and cats in South Australia. The most significant are set out below. Visit the Dog and Cat Management Board website for further information.

• Breeders and sellers must adhere to the South Australian Standards and Guidelines for Breeding and Trading Companion Animals.
• Breeders intending to sell dogs or cats they have bred must register in Dogs and Cats Online.
• A dog or cat can’t be sold without a microchip.
• Dogs and cats must be desexed by six months of age.
• Any advertisement selling a dog or cat must include the seller and breeders’ contact details and breeder registration number.
• Sellers/breeders must provide specific information to purchasers, eg. seller and breeders’ details; breeders’ Dogs and Cats Online number; vaccination details; desexing details; microchip details; known illnesses or medical conditions; control order information (dogs)