FRASER Coast dog owners are urged to ensure their pets are registered ahead of a region-wide inspection program starting in early 2025.

Cr John Weiland said registering dogs annually was a requirement under Queensland Government laws, and it provided significant benefits for both owners and the broader community.

“Registering your dog makes it easier for Council to reunite lost pets with their owners.

The registration fees also support vital services such as dog attack investigations, maintaining off-leash areas and running our animal adoption centre,” he said.

Cr Weiland said Council issued almost 24,000 dog registration renewal notices in early October, but more than 3,000 owners were yet to respond. 

“We encourage dog owners to contact Council as soon as possible to register their pets or update their details,” he said.

At its 11 December meeting, Council approved the 2025 dog registration inspection program, which will run from 1 March to the end of August.

Dogs must be registered with Council from twelve weeks of age and within 14 days of their owners moving to the Fraser Coast region.

Free first-time registration is available to encourage responsible pet ownership. Annual renewals cost $40 for desexed dogs.

If your dog has not yet been registered or its details have changed, especially if it has passed away, please contact Council at 1300 79 49 29 to update your information. 

During the 2024 program, Council officers visited more than 7,000 properties, resulting in:

• An additional 2,302 dogs being registered;
• Updated details for 466 dogs whose ownership had changed or who were no longer alive.
• Almost $150,000 in fines issued for animal-related offences.

For more details, visit https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/animals-and-pets