Bundaberg dog registration fees rise: See what you’ll pay in 2025

Bundaberg dog owners face registration fee increases of up to $30, though discounts remain for responsible pet owners who desex and microchip their animals.

Bundaberg dog owners are being reminded to renew their registrations before the August 31 deadline, with discounted rates available for pets that are desexed and microchipped.

Dog registration renewal notices will soon begin arriving in the inboxes and mailboxes of Bundaberg Region pet owners, with the upcoming 12-month registration period running from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026.

Bundaberg Regional Council spokeswoman Carmen McEneany said registration fees were structured to encourage responsible ownership, with discounts for dogs that are both desexed and microchipped.

“Council encourages responsible dog ownership, and so registration fees for animals that are microchipped and desexed are the lowest per dog registration fee,” Ms McEneany said.

“Desexing is not compulsory, however owners are encouraged to have their dogs desexed to help reduce the number of unwanted dogs that end up in animal shelters each year.

“Having up to date details on your dog’s microchip assists Council to reunite lost dogs with their owners faster.”

Bundaberg pups Ouija and Winnie are registered and ready for another year of off-leash adventures.

Under the Animal Management Act 2008, all dog owners are required by state law to microchip their pets before they reach 12 weeks of age, unless an exemption applies.

Ms McEneany said registration fees helped support vital animal management services throughout the region, including the provision and maintenance of off-leash dog parks.

“Council aims to have a dog friendly region in which residents can enjoy the benefits of pet ownership,” she said.

“Off-leash dog parks for residents to exercise their dogs in a safe environment are a great asset for the region’s dog owners.

“Council’s animal management team is committed to supporting the region’s pet owners and their pets, in balance with their responsibilities to the wider community.”

Austin’s not missing the deadline — dog registration renewals are due by August 31 across the Bundaberg Region.

This year’s registration fees have increased.
The cost to register a desexed and microchipped dog will increase from $50 to $52.
For non-desexed and non-microchipped dogs, the fee will rise from $170 to $177.
Pensioners with a non-desexed and non-microchipped dog will now pay $71, up from $68.

More significant increases apply to higher-risk categories.
The registration fee for a declared dangerous dog will increase by $29.79 to $813.79. Declared restricted breed dogs, which are currently prohibited, will cost $815 to register, up from $785.

Ms McEneany reminded owners of the importance of doing the right thing by their pets and the community by registering, microchipping, and keeping their dogs secure, healthy and well-socialised.

For more information on dog registration, how to update your details or pay your renewal, visit Council’s website.
All payments are due by August 31, 2025.

Originally published as Bundaberg dog registration fees rise: See what you’ll pay in 2025