Frequently Asked Questions

Please see below for a collection of frequently asked questions you may have regarding the animal registration period.

Why has the registration fee increased by $10.00 for full fee & $5.00 for concession rate?

Council sets animal registration fees in the annual budget.  Normally fees increase each year but registration fees have not increased since 2020.

Can I go on a payment plan for my animal registration renewal or make a part-payment?

Payment plans and part payment are not an option for animal registration renewals. Penalties apply under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 if your animal is not registered with Council by 10 April.

Can I get an extension to pay my animal registration?

Extensions to pay registration renewals are not permissible. Penalties apply under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 if your animal is not registered with Council by 10 April.

My Animal passed away. Do I still need to pay the renewal fee?

No, please advise Council in writing that your pet has passed away so their registration record can be updated.  This can be done either in person at Council office, by completing the renewal form and returning it to Council, sending an email to animal.management@shepparton.vic.gov.au or via letter to Animal Management, Locked Bag 1000, SHEPPARTON VIC 3632

My animal was under 6 months of age when I first registered it and it is still under 6 months of age as of 10 April. Do I get another free registration for this period?

No, free registration for animals under 6 months of age applies for the initial registration period only.

My animal is getting desexed after 10 April. If I wait and renew the registration after then will I get the reduced fee?

If your animal was undesexed as of 10 April this year then the full fee applies. Once your animal is desexed, please submit a copy of their desexing certificate and the reduced fee will be applied for the next registration period. 

Can I use someone else’s pension card to get the reduced registration fee?

No, pension concession applies to registrations for the card holders name only.

What do I do if I need to amend any details on my animal’s registration record?

All changes to animal registration records need to be submitted in writing.

This can be done either in person at Council office, by completing the renewal form and returning it to Council, sending an email to animal.management@shepparton.vic.gov.au or via letter to Animal Management, Locked Bag 1000, SHEPPARTON VIC 3632

My animal was desexed prior to 9 April 2024. Can I submit a desexing certificate and have the registration fee amended to the reduced price?

Yes. Please ensure that you submit the desexing certificate as soon as possible, so the fee can be reduced and payment made before 10 April 2024. Please do not pay the full fee and then submit a request for a refund of the difference. If you intend on making payment via BPAY please do not proceed until you have confirmation from Council that the reduced fee has been applied to your pet’s registration record.

I didn’t receive my registration renewal notice.

If a registration renewal notice was not paid last year you won’t receive a renewal reminder for this registration period.  Please contact Council either by phone (03) 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au to reactivate your pet’s registration record and avoid a duplicate registration record being generated.  

Can Council reprint a registration renewal notice?

No, the notices are printed off-site in Melbourne. 

I notified Council that my animal is deceased. Why did I receive a renewal notice?

Council apologies for any distress this may have caused. The data for the new registration period may have been extracted prior to Council being notified that a pet is deceased.

I notified Council of a change of address but did not receive a renewal notice. Why?

The data for the new registration period may have been extracted prior to Council being notified of a change of address

I now have a pension card. What do I need to do?

Please forward a copy of your valid pension card to Council so the reduced fee can be applied to your animal registration.  Please do not pay the full fee and then submit a request for a refund of the difference. If you intend on making payment via BPAY please do not proceed until you have confirmation from Council that the reduced fee has been applied to your pet’s registration record.

My animal is now desexed. What do I need to do?

Please forward a copy of your pet’s desexing certificate to Council so the reduced fee can be applied to your animal registration record.  Please do not pay the full fee and then submit a request for a refund of the difference. If you intend on making payment via BPAY please do not proceed until you have confirmation from Council that the reduced fee has been applied to your pet’s registration record.

My pet is now over 10 years of age. What do I need to do?

Please contact Council to enable your pet’s registration record to be updated.  A reduced fee will only be applied if you are now the holder of a valid pension card. I you intend on making payment via BPAY please do not proceed until you have confirmation from Council that the reduced fee has been applied to your pet’s registration record.