So your dog’s loving life in Adelaide—walks through the Botanic Gardens, puppuccinos on Rundle Street, belly rubs on the beach… Now it’s time to make things official.
Yep. It’s time to register your dog.
But don’t stress. We’ve made it easy. This is your no-fluff, no-confusion guide on how to register your dog in Adelaide and keep your tail-wagger safe and legal (without going cross-eyed reading council rules).
Rego tags = fast reunions and fewer tears.
Do I Need to Register My Dog in Adelaide?
Yes! In South Australia, all dogs must be registered by 3 months of age.
And here’s something unique: SA uses a state-wide system called Dogs and Cats Online (DACO)—no more individual council sites.
DACO – What Is It?
Dogs and Cats Online (DACO) is SA’s official pet registration database. It links your dog’s microchip, registration status, and your contact info—all in one place.
It’s used by every council in SA. So whether you’re in Norwood, Gawler, Unley, or Mount Barker, it’s the same system.
How Much Does Dog Registration Cost in Adelaide?
Fees vary depending on your council and whether your dog is desexed, microchipped, and trained.
But here’s a common example from City of Adelaide (2024):
| Dog Status | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Desexed + Microchipped | $42 |
| Entire (Not Desexed) | $87 |
| Assistance/Working Dog | FREE |
| Concession (Desexed Dog) | ~$25–30 |
💡 Discounts apply for dogs that are:
- Desexed
- Microchipped
- Obedience trained
- Owned by a pensioner
Registering a “standard dog” can cost almost 50% less if you desex and microchip.
How to Register Your Dog in Adelaide (Step-by-Step)
- Microchip your dog (must be done by 12 weeks of age).
- Go to dogsandcatsonline.com.au.
- Create an account.
- Enter your dog’s microchip number and personal details.
- Select your council area.
- Upload your desexing and concession info (if you want discounts).
- Pay the annual registration fee online.
- You’ll get an email confirmation and a rego number.
That’s it. No paper forms. No council trips. Totally digital.
Little-Known Tips
- Your rego renewal happens every July 1. DACO will email you a reminder.
- You don’t get a physical tag by default anymore—you can buy one online or use your own.
- If your contact info changes, log into DACO and update it to avoid delays if your dog is found.
Is This the Same as Microchipping?
Nope. Think of it this way:
- Microchipping = The chip inserted under the skin by a Vet into your dog.
- Microchip Registration = Registering your contact details against the Microchip online.
- Council Registration = Your details attached to that chip in the council system.
You need all 3. Platforms like PetCloud help make sure your dog’s microchip info is always up to date and linked to the right contact details—especially when you move or change phone numbers.
Why Should You Care?
- It’s the law in South Australia.
- Rego helps rangers find and return your dog faster.
- Unregistered dogs = potential fines of $170–$500+.
- Councils use the money to fund off-leash parks, rangers, and lost pet services.
Let PetCloud help you manage the boring admin, so you can spend more time throwing tennis balls.
Top 10 Dog Registration FAQs in Adelaide
1. When should I register my puppy?
By 3 months of age.
2. Is registration yearly?
Yes. It renews every July 1.
3. Do I register on my council’s website?
No—all councils in SA use DACO.
4. What if I move suburbs?
Just log into DACO and update your address.
5. Can I get a discount?
Yes—for desexed, microchipped, obedience-trained dogs, and pensioners.
6. What if I miss the July 1 renewal date?
You may be fined. DACO sends reminders, so don’t ignore them.
7. Do I need a physical rego tag?
Not required, but recommended. You can buy one online or use your own.
8. Can I register multiple dogs?
Yes—just add each one in your DACO account.
9. What happens if my dog gets lost?
Rangers use DACO to pull your contact details and call you right away.
10. Is this the same as a microchip registry?
No—DACO is for council registration. National microchip databases are separate.
Final Thoughts
Registering your dog in Adelaide isn’t just a chore—it’s a smart move. It keeps your pet safe, keeps you legal, and supports the city’s pet-friendly programs.
And hey, the less time you spend wrangling council forms, the more time you’ve got for playtime at the beach.
So… is your dog in DACO yet?
