Did you know that April is the most important month of the year for pet owners?

Councillor Alex Makin said Thursday 10 April is the date by which every responsible pet owner must register their dogs and cats over the age of three months.

“By registering your pets you are ensuring they can be returned safely if they happen to get lost or become injured,” said Cr Makin.

“Registration is an annual payment which falls on 10 April. Identification tags are issued to pet owners with each registration form. The tags should be immediately attached to your pet’s collar once payment is finalised,” said Cr Makin.

The maximum registration fee is $79 for dogs and $72 for cats, with discounts for animals that are desexed, over 10 years old, microchipped, registered by a domestic animal business as breeding animals, or that are registered with an approved animal organisation. Pensioner and healthcare card holders also receive significant discounts.

For all pets under 12 months old and microchipped the first registration is free. Registration papers for pets already registered have been sent out during March.

All newly registered dogs and cats, regardless of age, must be microchipped. This includes new residents who move with their pets into Maroondah.

As advised on animal registration notices, pet owners have a number of options for paying their registration. As well as conventional methods of payment, electronic banking is available.
is available.

Pet registration payments may be made:

In person: at any Australia Post Office, or at any Council Service Centre.
By phone: from a pre-registered bank account, or credit card.
BPay: payments directly from a bank account.
By mail: using the re-useable envelope attached to the rate notice.
By Internet: at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au

“A fine of $215 will be issued to all owners of a dog or cat over the age of three months that isn’t registered so it’s very important to register your pets promptly,” said Cr Makin.

“If your pet dies or you relocate outside of Maroondah, owners should notify Council as soon as possible,” said Cr Makin.

For further information contact Council’s Neighbourhood Services on 9294 5653 or visit Council’s website at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au

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