Australian Pet Tag Laws & Requirements

Last reviewed 16 July 2026. This guide provides general information only. Pet identification, registration and microchipping rules vary by state, territory and local council, so always confirm the current requirements with your council.

Why visible identification matters

A clear, durable tag can help a finder contact you immediately if your dog becomes lost. A microchip provides permanent identification, but it requires a scanner; a collar tag gives members of the public a fast way to reach you.

Australian rules are not identical everywhere

There is no single nationwide wording that every pet tag must carry. State and territory legislation sets many of the obligations, while registration and tag requirements are often administered by local councils.

Examples of current requirements

• New South Wales: dogs outside their owner's property generally need a collar and tag showing the dog's name and the owner's address or telephone number. Working-dog exemptions apply. See the NSW Office of Local Government guidance.
• Victoria: dogs aged three months and over must be registered with the local council; dogs being registered for the first time must be microchipped, and the council registration tag should be attached to the collar. See Animal Welfare Victoria.
• Queensland: dogs over 12 weeks generally need local-government registration. The registration device and additional identification rules are administered locally. See Brisbane City Council's registration guidance as one council example, then check your own council.
• Western Australia: dogs generally need to be microchipped and registered by three months of age and wear the current registration tag. Local guidance can add identification details. See the WA Department of Local Government guidance.

What should you engrave?

Your council's exact wording comes first. Where space allows, a practical tag commonly includes:

• your pet's name;
• at least one current mobile number;
• your surname, suburb or address where local rules require it;
• a second contact number; and
• a short, essential medical note if appropriate.

Avoid engraving the microchip number itself. Instead, keep your contact details current with the relevant microchip registry and council.

How to check your local rule

1. Find your local council using the Australian Local Government Association directory.
2. Open the council's animal registration or responsible pet ownership section.
3. Check the required collar, registration tag and personal identification wording.
4. Update the tag whenever your phone number or address changes.

Ready to protect your pet?

Choose a legible, weather-resistant tag and keep the information current. Browse our Australian pet tag collection.