Dog Microchipping, Sterilisation and updating contact details

The Dog Act 1976 requires all dogs over the age of three months to be microchipped and registered with their local government. Microchipping can help reunite lost dogs with their owners. Registration is cheaper for sterilised dogs, and pensioners are eligible for a 50 percent rebate. 

Microchipping your dog

By law all dog owners must microchip their dog and report the number to the City. Microchipped dogs can be easily identified and reunited with their owners if they are lost.

All local councils scan dogs that are picked up for a microchip, which means they can obtain your contact details from the microchip database and return your dog to you.

How do I microchip my dog?

Microchipping can be carried out by your local vet. A dog may be exempt from microchipping if a vet issues a certificate stating that implanting a microchip may adversely affect the health or welfare of that dog.

What happens if I don’t microchip my dog?

Under the Dog Act 1976, it is mandatory for all dog owners to microchip their dog if it is over three months old. You may be fined up to $5,000 if you do not comply. 

How do I register the microchip number?

Your vet can help you identify which database registry your dog's microchip is registered with. If the microchip is not already registered with a database, your vet can assist you with choosing a database and submitting your dog's details. 

Microchip Exemptions

You may apply for an exemption if your dog has a vet certificate stating that implanting a microchip may adversely affect the health or welfare of your dog.

Please provide a copy of the vet certificate to the City by email, in person to 9 Coleville Crescent, Spearwood between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm, or by post to:
Community Safety and Ranger Services
9 Coleville Crescent
Spearwood
WA 6163

Dog Sterilisation

Thousands of unwanted dogs are dumped and destroyed every year. Sterilising your dog is a simple answer to prevent unwanted litters. Registration is also cheaper for sterilised dogs. There are many medical and behavioural benefits for sterilised dogs. For more information contact your local vet.

Dog Sterilisation Refund Form

If your dog is registered and has recently been sterilised, you may be eligible for a partial refund of the registration costs to cover the difference between the unsterilised rate and sterilised rate. Please complete the Dog Sterilisation Registration Partial Refund Form. Please note that this form may take up to 8 weeks to process.

Dog Sterilisation Partial Refund Form

Change of Animal Status

If you or your dog's information has changed, please complete the Change of Animal Status Form so that we may ensure your records are kept up to date.

Please let the City know if any of the follow changes occur: 

  • You have a new address, phone number or email 

  • Your alternate contact person or their number has changed 

  • Your dog has a new owner 

  • Your dog is now sterilised. A signed Sterilisation Certificate is required

  • You are now a Senior or Pensioner. Proof required

  • Your dog has passed away

Change of Animal Status form

Contact

Address

City of Cockburn
Whadjuk Boodja
9 Coleville Crescent,
Spearwood 6163

PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC,
Western Australia, 6965

Office opening hours:
8.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

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Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaditj boodjar kep wer kaadidjiny kalyakool yoodaniny, wer koora wer yeyi ngalak Birdiya koota-djinanginy.

City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar boodja. Long ago, now and in the future they care for Country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present.