Animal Registrations
Animal Registration Period Change – Effective 1 July 2026
We would like to advise all pet owners that the annual animal registration period has changed.
From 1 July 2026, animal registrations will align with the financial year, running from 1 July to 30 June each year. This replaces the previous registration period of 1 October to 30 September.
Registration fees for the 2026–27 period have been pro-rated to account for the 10-month transition period. This ensures owners are only charged for the applicable registration period while moving to the new financial-year schedule.
Animals play an important role in our community providing companionship and security. Anyone intending to own an animal in Townsville is legally liable and is always responsible for their pets. Visit Be a Responsible Pet Owner for more information.
This page has online payment information for registering a dog for the first time, or renewing either a dog registration or cat approval.
Go to the Animal Registration and Legislation page for information on:
- how many dogs, cats or other animals you are allowed to have in the Townsville local government area
- what approvals are required and application forms
- how to apply for dog registration and animal approvals in person or by post.
For more information on animal fees and charges, please visit Council's Fees and Charges page.
Dogs
New Dog Registration
All dogs, including puppies, must be registered within 14 days of acquisition or moving to Townsville, and wear a registration tag. Annual dog registration costs differ depending on whether the dog is desexed or entire, and whether the owner is eligible for a pensioner concession or reciprocal council registration.
Reciprocal registration is a transfer of the balance of the current year's registration of an animal from one local government area to another. You still need to complete a dog registration form, but there is no fee to register in the current registration period. You will need to use the PDF form if applying for reciprocal dog registration.
Annual registration and approvals need to be renewed by 30 June each year.
Register New Dog (Online) Register New Dog (PDF)
Renew an Existing Dog Registration
Registration renewals will be mailed out in August of each year. Annual registration needs to be renewed by 30 June each year.
Renew Dog Registration (Online)
To renew a dog registration online, you MUST have received a renewal notice from Townsville City Council, as this will have a reference number you will need to use.
Example of a renewal notice:
View Dog Renewal Notices Online
eNotices is an easy and convenient way to receive your animal notices direct to your email inbox. You can then download, save, print or just leave the notices in your inbox to access and pay on the go.
Visit our View Rate and Animal Notices Online page for more details.
Cats
New Cat Approval
Cat owners must apply for approval to keep a cat on their property. A cat approval is for one or two cats per property.
The cost for an annual cat approval (for one or two cats) differs depending on whether the owner is eligible for a pensioner concession or reciprocal council approval.
Reciprocal approval is a transfer of the balance of the current year's approval or registration of an animal from one local government area to another. You still need to complete a cat approval application form, but there is no fee for the current annual approval period.
If you wish to keep more than two cats, you must apply for approval, either for three to six cats, or for a cattery, visit the Animal Registration and Legislation page for more information.
Apply For Cat Approval (Online) Apply for Cat Approval (PDF)
Renew an Existing Cat Approval
Approval renewals will be mailed out in August of each year. Annual approval needs to be renewed by 30 June each year.
Renew Cat Approval (Online)
To renew a cat approval online, you MUST have received a renewal notice from Townsville City Council, as this will have a reference number you will need to use.
Example of a renewal notice:
Please note: A separate approval renewal form for each cat and a valid email address is required. Follow the prompts (remember to enter your name as it appears on the notice) and instructions to renew the approval for each cat. |
View Cat Renewal Notices Online
eNotices is an easy and convenient way to receive your animal notices direct to your email inbox. You can then download, save, print or just leave the notices in your inbox to access and pay on the go.
Visit our View Rate and Animal Notices Online page for more details.
