Time to renew your pooch’s registration

Pet owners are being urged to be on the lookout for their dog’s registration notice after Lockyer Valley Regional Council issued renewals last week.

To ensure dog owners are meeting their obligations under State Government legislation, registration renewal fees are payable by 30 June.

“In Queensland, all dogs aged 12 weeks and above must be registered, with fines payable if you’re found in breach,” Regulatory Services Portfolio Councillor Cheryl Steinhardt said.

“While we appreciate the majority of local pet owners are doing the right thing, we have noticed a decline in dog registration renewals in recent years, which is why we are actively reminding owners to keep an eye out.”

Cr Steinhardt said there may be a slight delay with postal notices, and due to an unfortunate BPay reference error, pet owners shouldn’t be alarmed when they receive two notices.

“Due to an error with the BPay payment reference numbers, we have had to issue a second renewal notice,” she said.

“If you haven’t paid and are intending on using BPay, we ask that you please wait to receive the second notice and use those details to pay.

“However, if you have already paid using BPay, you don’t need to take any further action – we will be able to process your payment and link it to your dog.

“Other payment methods are not affected, and we sincerely apologise for this error.

“If you’ve chosen to receive your renewal notice by email and you can’t find it, we suggest checking your spam folder before giving us a call,” she added.

Cr Steinhardt said it was important to inform Council of any changes to your details.

“If you’ve previously registered your dog but haven’t received a renewal notice in recent years, it’s likely we don’t have your current details on file,” she said.

“We’re also urging those pet owners who have never thought to register their dog or weren’t aware it was required by law, to fill out an application form or contact us to get the process started.”

Earlier this year, Council began a region-wide property inspection program to identify unregistered dogs.

“The fine payable if you are found in breach is significantly more than the cost of registration and it’s just not worth taking the risk,” Cr Steinhardt said.

“For a desexed dog, registration is just $50 for one year, even less for some pensioners. Council has also introduced the option for dog owners to register their dog for three years for the price of just two.

“Up until now, local dog owners have had to renew their pet’s registration each year, and while we are keeping a one-year option available, we want to give people the choice. Owners who opt for a three-year registration effectively get the third year for free.”

The money collected from dog registrations allows Council to reunite dogs with their owners, resolve barking issues, undertake patrols, identify dogs involved in attacks, fund education campaigns and much more.

If you have any questions at all – including where you can find an application form - visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/dog-registration or contact 1300 005 872.