Gold Coast puppy owners are being encouraged to get their new four-legged family members registered, with free initial registrations available for dogs under 12 months of age.
The City’s annual dog registration renewal campaign is underway, with registrations due by August 31. Registration is a legal requirement and helps Council reunite lost pets with their owners while supporting responsible pet ownership across the city.
Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel said there was little reason for new puppy owners to delay registration.
The City estimates around 140,000 dogs live on the Gold Coast, but only about 71,000, or 51 per cent, are registered.
Registration fees also help fund pet-friendly facilities and services, including off-leash dog parks, dog waste bag dispensers and community education programs.
Assistance dogs can also be registered for free, while seniors aged over 60 and veterans can receive free registration for up to two desexed dogs. Discounts are available for desexed dogs and pension concession card holders.
Owners who fail to register their dogs can face an infringement notice of more than $300.
Dog registration and renewal can be completed online through the City of Gold Coast website or at a local customer service centre.
The campaign aims to improve registration rates while helping keep pets, owners and the wider community safe.
Image source: goldcoast.qld.gov.au