Dog Registration and Owner Responsibilities

• Under the Dog Act 1976, all dogs over three months old must be microchipped and registered with the City of Kwinana.
• All dogs must be microchipped before they can be registered.
• 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. The City requires the microchip number when registering.
• During registration process, the City will require proof of microchip and microchip number to record agaisnt dog registration details to ensure the City is able to identify and contact the dog's owner. 

• Your dog must wear a collar and registration tag in public places.
• The collar must also include the owner’s name and address.

• It is important to train and engage with your dog to help prevent nuisance behaviour.
• Dogs must be on a lead in public places unless you are in a designated off-lead area. Your dog must always be under control, including in dog exercise areas, rural areas and other public spaces.
• If you own a dangerous dog (restricted breed, declared dangerous or used for security), you must follow additional rules. Refer to the dangerous dogs and restricted breeds section below. 

• You must clean up after your dog in all public places, including streets, footpaths and parks.
• If you don't remove your dog's waste, you may be fined.
• Please dispose of waste responsibly to help keep our community clean.

To register your dog:

1. Download and complete the Dog Registration Form
2. Prepare the required documents:
   • Proof of microchipping
   • Proof of sterilisation (if applicable)*
   • Concession card (if applicable)
   • Payment (see fees below)
3. Submit your form and documents: 
   • Online  (Attach all docuements at the attachment folder)
   • In person at the Administration Office, Corner Gilmore Avenue and Sulphur Road
   • By post to PO Box 21, Kwinana WA 6966.

Please note: Sterilisation helps reduce unwanted dogs and certain behaviours. Owners of sterilised dogs receive discounted registration. If you sterilised your dog after registering, you may be eligible for a partial refund.

All dog registrations expire on 31 October each year. You can renew your registration using the methods listed on your renewal notice.

Renew your dog’s registration with the City of Kwinana online using the button below.

Renew animal registration

To receive your renewal notices by email instead of post, register below or contact the Rangers Team.

Receive registration renewals by email

Fees depend on whether your dog is sterilised and whether you are eligible for a concession.

Please note:

• Discounts apply for holders of a Pensioner Concession Card, State Concession Card, Veterans Card, or a Commonwealth Seniors Card (with a Seniors Card).
• Pensioner discounts do not apply to restricted or dangerous dogs.
• Additional discounts apply for new dogs registered after 31st May. 

Let the City know if:

• You move house or change contact details
• Your dog is no longer in your care
• Your dog has passed away
• You need a replacement certificate.

Contact the City by visiting the Administration Office or email rangers at rangers@kwinana.wa.gov.au.

If you have recently moved to the City of Kwinana from another local government in Western Australia, you can transfer your dog’s current registration free of charge.

To transfer your registration:

1. Notify your previous council that your dog has moved.
2. Confirm that your dog’s registration is current.
3. Download and complete the Transfer of Dog Ownership Form 
4. Provide:
   • A copy of your current registration certificate or renewal notice
   • Proof of microchipping
   • Proof of sterilisation (if applicable)
   • Concession card (if applicable)
5. Submit your application including all documents:​
   • Email: rangers@kwinana.wa.gov.au
   • In person: Administration Building, Corner Gilmore Avenue and Sulphur Road

Please note: The regustration can only be transferred to the same owner listed on the existing registration. 

1. Get the Current Registration and Microchip Details. Ask the previous owner for the dog's registration details and microchip number.
2. Fill in the Transfer of Animal Ownership Form. Complete the Transfer of Animal Ownership Form and ensure it is signed by both the previous owner and the new owner.
3. Submit the Completed Form. Send the form and documents to the City of Kwinana:
   • Email: customer@kwinana.wa.gov.au
   • In person: Administration Building, Corner Gilmore Avenue and Sulphur Road

4. Await Confirmation. The City will review your application. Once approved, the dog's ownership records will be updated, and you’ll receive confirmation.

Under the Dog Act 1976, the City may declare a dog ‘dangerous’ if it attacks, shows a tendency to attack or repeatedly threatens or chases people or animals.

Owners of dangerous or aggressive dogs must have their dog:

• On a lead in public places
• Muzzled in public places 
• Suitably confined when on the owner's property
• Sterilised and registered.

For more information, view the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries fact sheets on Dangerous Dogs (Declared)

Under the Dog Act 1976, a registered breed dog is defined as a breed whose importation into Australia is prohibited under Commonwealth Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956. 

Restricted dog breeds include either pure or cross breed* of the following:

• Dogo Argentino (Argentinian Fighting Dog)
• Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff/Brazilian Fighting Dog)
• Tosa Inu (Tosa Fighting Dog, Japanese Fighting Dog)
• American Pit Bull Terrier (Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull)
• Perro de Presa Canario (Canary Dog).

Please Note: A restricted breed dog includes any dog of a mixed breed that visibly contains any of the prohibited breeds.

Under the Dog Act 1976 and Dog Regulations 2013, the following provisions to restricted breed dogs:

• Dogs to wear specified collars indicating a restricted breed dog and property access points to display signs indicating a dangerous dog
• Dogs are to be housed in an escape-proof and child-proof enclosure
• A requirement for the owner to leash and muzzle the dog while in public places
• Persons in charge in public places must not be under 18
• A maximum of two restricted dogs can be owned per person ​
• Owners must be 18 or over
• Compulsory notification of a prospective owner that the dog is a restricted breed dog
• Compulsory notification to local government if the dog escapes, dies or there is a change of ownership
• Greater powers for seizure
• Compulsory sterilisation and micro-chipping. ​

Signage and collars

Further requirements include that the owner of a restricted breed dog must:

• Display a sign/s conforming to specifications as listed in the Dog Regulations 2013 at all entrances to the premises where the dog is ordinarily kept. ​
• The dog owner shall ensure that at all times the dog wears a distinctive collar of the kind prescribed in the Dog Regulations 2013. ​

Please Note: The above is an extract from a Restricted Dog Breed publication available on the WA Rangers website.