Animal Registrations

Registration and identification of pets in urban areas is important for the wellbeing of the animals themselves, owner's peace of mind, and to allow Council to plan for future community needs. In Townsville, all dogs must be registered each year and wear a registration tag and cats require an approval that is renewed each year.

• New Dog Registration
• Changes to Animal Registration
• Application Forms
• Animal Management Local Laws
• Animal Management Education

For a full list of animal management offences and associated payments, please refer below. For more information on animal fees and charges, please visit Council's Fees and Charges page.

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. Annual registration and approvals need to be renewed by 31 August each year.

You can register a new dog by:

• Registering your new dog online
• Print and complete the New Dog Registration Application form and either:
  • Mail to: PO Box 1268, Townsville Qld 4810
  • Deliver in person to:
    • Customer Service Centre - 103 Walker Street, Townsville City
    • Customer Service Point - CityLibraries Thuringowa, 86 Thuringowa Drive, Thuringowa Central*

  *EFTPOS only at these locations no cash

For residents on Magnetic Island:

You can also pay your registration in person at:

Magnetic Island Post Office
Shop 2 Harbourside Plaza Shopping Centre,
98-100 Sooning Street, Nelly Bay QLD 4819.

Regardless of land size, only one cat is permitted to be housed on Magnetic Island or Paluma Range properties. An Application Form must also be completed.

Registration Renewals

You can pay your animal registration renewal online here.

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Changes to Animal Registration

To amend a current registration, please complete the appropriate application form below. Amendment forms can be received by Council using any of the following methods:

• Mailed to: PO Box 1268, Townsville, Qld 4810
• Delivered to:
  • Customer Service Centre - 103 Walker Street, Townsville City
  • Customer Service Point - CityLibraries Thuringowa, 86 Thuringowa Drive, Thuringowa Central*

*EFTPOS only at this location, no cash

View and print your Animal Registration Renewal online (Please note: A separate registration and a valid email address is required for each animal. Follow the prompts (remember to enter your name as it appears on the notice) and instructions to register.)

Application Forms

• Application Form - Register a Dog (PDF)
• Application Form - Cat Approval (1 - 2 cats) (PDF)
• Application Form - Cat Approval (3 - 6 cats) (PDF)
• Application Form - Large Bird Approval (Cockatoo, Galah, other bird of similar size) (PDF)
• Application Form - Change of Animal Registration Details (PDF)
• Application Form - Change of Animal Registration Ownership (PDF)

How many animals can I have?

Dogs

*Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act  2008 requires all dogs to be registered

Cats

* A permit is required to keep up to 2 cats on any allotment

* Examples of Multi-Residential premises – Flats, boarding houses, tenement buildings, home units, townhouses and duplexes.

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Birds and Poultry

Horses, Pigs and other Livestock

Forms

• Application Form - To keep excess dogs (PDF)
• Application Form - Conduct a Kennel and Cattery (PDF)

For more information on the Keeping of Livestock please view our factsheet.