As part of Council’s support to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, Council is offering payment plans for animal registration renewals in 2020.
The payment plan option will be available via BPAY. Residents who are unable to pay their registration by 10 April and would like to sign up for the 2020 payment plan are encouraged to call Council’s Customer Service at 5220 7111.
Under the Victorian Government’s Domestic Animals Act 1994, all dogs and cats over the age of three months must be registered, or have their registration renewed by Friday 10 April, 2020. Please note that this due date falls on a public holiday this year, and residents are encouraged to make arrangements to pay the renewal early.
With Council’s Customer Service Centres closed for face-to-face interactions due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there are a number of other ways for residents to pay their renewal notices:
- BPAY using Biller Code 35238
- Over the phone at 5220 7111
- Mail by posting cheque and payment slip to PO Box 111, Bannockburn VIC 3331
- Post Billpay
- In person at an Australia Post outlet
ANIMAL REGO NOTICE: BPAY CHANGE
Please note that the BPAY Biller Code on the 2020 Animal Registration Renewal Notice was incorrect.
Currently on the 2020 Animal Registration Renewal Notice
BILLER CODE: 2338 for cats and 2337 for dogs
Correct Biller Code
BILLER CODE: 35238
The printed Biller Code does not exist so there is no risk of lost payment. The BPAY Reference number is correct as printed in the 2020 Notice.
Council apologises for any inconvenience. If you have any questions about the Biller Code or paying your animal registration renewal notice, please call Council’s Customer Service team at 5220 7111.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Renewing a pet registration? Take the orange 2020 renewal notice you received in the mail and pay the registration cost by any of the ways listed on the notice. That’s it: your pet is registered for 2020.If your pet was registered last year and you have not received a notice in the mail, call 5220 7111.
How much does pet registration cost? The full annual registration fee is $130 per cat and $149 per dog, but most people will pay the discounted registration of $46, available to pets that are microchipped and desexed. .
No longer own the pet on your notice? If your pet has died or does not live at your property for any reason, please complete and return the Statement of Change slip on the back of your renewal notice; or call Council and the registration will be updated. This simple action will save you and Council the time and effort of sorting out an old registration down the track.
Why are dogs and cats registered?
First, it’s the Victorian Government law for all dogs and cats over three months of age in Victoria to be registered with their local Council and wear registration tags. The Victorian Government sets a fine for failure to register or renew the registration of a dog or cat over the age of 3 months. This is currently $330.
Second, when registered pets are lost or stray from home, it’s easy for Council to safely and quickly reunite the pet and their family.
Finally, pet registration fees cover part of the cost of Council’s animal management services including rescuing stray animals, providing shelter care, and investigating situations of aggressive animals or owner neglect. The remainder of the service cost is recovered through user pays fines to the pet owners. For example, the cost of impounding a cat or dog is $250 plus officer time and vehicles costs.
Council are serviced by two Community Protection Officers (each with a dedicated animal management vehicle) and a Relief Officer, who works every second weekend. Community Protection Officers receive numerous calls per day relating to the animal issues throughout the shire. Animal registration fees go towards business hours and on-call services for animal collections, pound expenses, the cost of owners surrendering animals and investigating situations of aggressive animals, dog barking, dog attacks or owner neglect. Our officers are authorised under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and work closely with RSPCA and Victoria Police to ensure the welfare of animals in the shire. The Community Protection Officers also enforce Council’s Local Laws, parking, fire prevention and enforce the Impounding of Livestock Act. On a weekend and afterhours, your Community Protection Officers are the first point of call for Council services.
Registering a pet for the first time?
If you have a dog or cat that is unregistered, call 5220 7111 and we will help you complete the registration. Remember to have paperwork on-hand to show your pet is microchipped and desexed to qualify for the discounted fee.
How many animals can I own?
Golden Plains Shire has a limit of two dogs and two cats per property. There are also limits on other animals, such as chickens and horses; particularly in residential parts of towns. Council’s Community Protection Officers will be actively auditing properties to ensure compliance. If you wish to keep more animals than listed in Council’s Local Law No. 2 General Public Amenity, you will need permission from Council.
Want to know more? For answers to your questions or to register your pet, call 5220 7111.