Animal Registrations
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.
How to Subscribe to eNotices
If you already have a unique reference number
Have you recently received an animal notice with a unique eNotice reference number?
If yes, register for eNotices on the button below.
Your unique reference number will be shown on your notice. You will have your own individual reference number, as shown on the example to your right. | ![]() |
Step 1:
Click on the "Sign Up" tab.
Step 2:
Enter in your email address and eNotices Reference Number (find this number next to the eNotices logo on your notice).
Step 3:
Check your email inbox and click the validation link.
Step 4:
Select a password and mobile number
That’s it! You will now receive notices in your email inbox, and can login to view them online at any time.
Privacy Statement
Townsville City Council collects and manages personal information in the course of performing its activities, functions and duties. We respect the privacy of the personal information held by us. The way in which council manages personal information is governed by the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld). We are collecting your personal information in accordance with Local Government Act 2009 so that we can manage your contact details and provide you with an electronic rating notice. Generally, we will not disclose your personal information outside of Council unless we are required to do so by law, or unless you have given us your consent to such disclosure. However, in performing the above functions, we may need to disclose your personal information to Forms Express. For further information about how we manage your personal information please see our Information Privacy Policy.
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 31 August each year.
- Register your new dog online
- Application for dog registration (PDF, 124.1 KB)
Dog registration renewals
Registration renewals will be mailed out in August of each year. Annual registration needs to be renewed by 31 August each year.
- Renew dog registration online
- Register to receive and view your dog notices online with eNotices
- Change your animal registration details
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.
Please note: A separate registration renewal form for each dog 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 registration for each dog. |
Cats
Cat approvals
Cat owners must apply for approval to keep a cat on their property. A cat approval is for one to 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.
- Application for cat approval (online)
- Application for cat approval (PDF, 123.2 KB)
Cat approval renewals
Approval renewals will be mailed out in August of each year. Annual approval needs to be renewed by 31 August each year.
- Renew cat approval online
- Register to receive and view your cat notices online with eNotices
- Change your animal registration details
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.
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. |