Cats & Dogs

All cats and dogs within the Shire of Wyalkatchem must be registered. The following information is to be used as a guide to registering pets within the Shire of Wyalkatchem. Any questions can be answered by contacting the Admin Office.

DOGS

The Dog Act 1976

The owner of a dog that has reached 3 months of age must ensure that the dog is registered with the Local Government in which the dog is ordinarily kept.

The Shire of Wyalkatchem holds the right to refuse registration applications being made where the dog is not microchipped. Exemptions are made in some circumstances, but evidence of exemption must be provided by the owner. Owners must be over 18 years of age to apply to register a dog.

If the dog remains un-microchipped and/or unregistered, fines may apply as per the Act.

Dog Registration Forms can be collected from the Shire Office, or a PDF version can be downloaded by clicking here.

CATS

The Cat Act 2011

The owner of a cat that has reached 6 months of age must ensure that the cat is registered with the Local Government in which the cat is ordinarily kept.

The Shire of Wyalkatchem holds the right to refuse registration applications being made where the cat is not sterilised or microchipped. Exemptions are made in some circumstances, but evidence of exemption must be provided by the owner. Owners must be over 18 years of age to apply to register a cat.

If the cat remains unsterilised and/or un-microchipped and/or unregistered, fines may apply as per the Act.

Cat Registration Forms can be collected from the Shire Office, or a PDF version can be downloaded by clicking here.

OTHER INFORMATION

EXPIRY:

Animal registrations expire every year on 31 October, and any pet not registered for life will need to be renewed before this date. Any animals not registered are at a risk of infringement under Section 7 (1) of the Dog Act 1976 and Section 5 (1) of the Cat Act 2011. Those with pets already registered receive reminder notifications every year to renew the registration before the expiry date, and will need to ensure their contact detail with the Shire are current and up-to-date.

REGISTRATION TAGS:

Tags are supplied to owners on receipt of registration, and must be shown on the animals collar at all times. Owners who fail to display the tag on their pet's collar may be infringed.

REPLACEMENT TAGS: 

Tags can be replaced if they are lost or damaged. Tags can be bought from the Admin Office for $2.40.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: 

It is the responsibility of the owner to advise the Shire of any changes to their contact address. The Shire requires addresses as part of the registration system to keep logs on where the pet should be confined and where to send any notices or infringements. Forms can be collected from the Shire Office.

CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP: 

It is the responsibility of the owner to advise the Shire of ownership changes. Pets may be surrendered, sold or even given away and the original owner must advise the Shire on these movements. This is done so that any future charges or infringements aren't forwarded on to an incorrect individual. Forms can be collected from the Shire Office.

RANGER SERVICES:

The Shire of Wyalkatchem uses a contractor for all Ranger services. WA Contract Ranger Services has the delegation authority to act on behalf of the Shire of Wyalkatchem, in that of checking on wellbeing of pets, visiting owners, issuing infringements and the like. Contact can be made with the local Ranger by contacting the Shire Office.

PRICING:

Pet registration pricing can be found by looking at the Fees & Charges.

CONCESSIONS:

The Shire of Wyalkatchem offers discounts to those holding West Australian pensioner and senior cards, and will only be charged 50% of the original fee.

EXEMPTIONS:

Exemptions can include a pet being too old for microchipping or sterilisation. Proof of this exemption is usually supplied by a registered Vet, and a copy needs to be given to the Shire on application to register the pet.

REFUSALS:

Some reasons the Shire of Wyalkatchem may refuse applications to register or renew registrations are:

  • The pet is not microchipped and exemption paperwork is not supplied;
  • The cat is not sterilised and exemption proof is not supplied;
  • The Officer is not satisfied that the pet will be effectively confined in or at the premises where the pet is ordinarily kept;
  • The dog is declared a dangerous dog;
  • The applicant has not supplied the correct paperwork;
  • The applicant has been convicted within the previous three years of 2 or more offences against the Cat Act 2011 and the Dog Act 1976.