City of Darwin is reminding local pet owners that annual animal registration renewals are due soon and encouraging residents to ensure their contact details are up to date.

To help prepare for the upcoming renewal period, City of Darwin is offering free pet registration for the remainder of the current registration period, which expires on 31 August 2026.

Pet owners who register their pet or update their existing registration details before the end of August will go into the draw to win a $250 voucher for a local pet store.

Lord Mayor Peter Styles said keeping registration and contact details current was one of the easiest ways pet owners could help protect their animals.

“Registration and microchipping play a vital role in helping lost pets return home quickly and safely,” Mr Styles said.

“If you live in the Darwin municipality, your dog or cat must be registered if they are older than three months or have been in Darwin for three months or longer.

“Whether you’ve recently moved house, changed your phone number or welcomed a new pet into the family, now is the perfect time to check your details are correct,” he said.

As part of the promotion, City of Darwin has partnered with RSPCA Darwin to offer a free microchipping day on Saturday 27 June from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, at RSPCA Darwin, 80 Boulter Road, Berrimah.

Pet owners can register their pet, have their pet microchipped free of charge, or confirm their registration details are up to date.

“Having your pet registered and microchipped provides extra protection during times when animals are more likely to become separated from their families, such as during storm season and Territory Day,” Mr Styles said.

“Unregistered or non-microchipped pets can be much more difficult to reunite with their owners, particularly if the details are out of date.”

Registration for dogs and cats expire on 31 August annually and must be renewed by 1 September each year. 

Reduced registration fees are available for cats and dogs that are desexed, concession card holders and dogs that have completed obedience training.

Pet owners who do not receive their registration renewal notice are encouraged to contact City of Darwin.

For more information or to update your details, visit darwin.nt.gov.au/resident-services/pets/pet-registration-microchipping/pet-registration