Dog & Pet Registration in Mareeba Shire
Everything you need to know about registering and managing pets in Mareeba Shire - fees, microchipping, rules, and responsible pet ownership.
Why Register Your Dog?
Dog registration is mandatory in Queensland under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008. Registration helps:
- ✓
Reunite lost pets with owners
Registered dogs are quickly returned home
- ✓
Support animal management services
Fees fund shelters, control, and education
- ✓
Legal compliance
Avoid fines for unregistered dogs
Legal Requirement
All dogs over 12 weeks old must be registered with Council.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- • Unregistered dog: Up to $2,876 fine
- • No microchip: Up to $2,876 fine
- • Multiple offences: Higher penalties
Registration Fees
Registration fees vary based on whether your dog is desexed and your eligibility for concessions. Registrations are valid for one year.
Desexed Dog
CHEAPERAnnual fee:
$50
per year (approx)
Includes:
- • Registration tag
- • Database record
- • Lost dog assistance
Why cheaper? Desexing reduces roaming, fighting, and unwanted litters - benefiting the community.
Intact Dog (Not Desexed)
HIGHER FEEAnnual fee:
$150
per year (approx)
Same includes:
- • Registration tag
- • Database record
- • Lost dog assistance
Exemptions: Working dogs, breeding dogs with permits, and dogs under 12 months may have different rules.
Pensioner Concession
50% off
Eligible pensioners receive 50% discount on registration fees. Bring your Pensioner Concession Card when registering.
Lifetime Registration
Available
Pay once for your dog's lifetime registration (desexed dogs only). Contact Council for pricing - typically 10x annual fee.
Working Dogs
Reduced
Genuine working dogs on rural properties may be eligible for reduced fees. Proof of working status required.
When is Registration Due?
- •New dogs: Must be registered within 14 days of acquiring or reaching 12 weeks of age
- •Renewals: Due annually on anniversary of initial registration
- •Reminders: Council sends renewal notices, but owners are responsible for compliance
How to Register Your Dog
Registering your dog is easy. Choose from online, in-person, or mail-in options.
Option 1: Online Registration
The fastest and most convenient way to register. Visit Council's website and complete the online form.
You'll need:
- • Your contact details and property address
- • Dog's microchip number
- • Proof of desexing (vet certificate)
- • Credit card or BPay for payment
Option 2: In Person at Council Office
Visit the Council office during business hours to register in person.
Location
Mareeba Shire Council
65 Rankin Street, Mareeba
Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 4:30pm
Bring with you:
- • Microchip certificate or number
- • Vet certificate of desexing (if applicable)
- • Concession card (if claiming discount)
- • Payment (cash, EFTPOS, credit card)
Option 3: Mail Registration
Download and complete the registration form from Council's website, then mail it with payment.
Mail to:
Mareeba Shire Council
PO Box 154
Mareeba QLD 4880
Include cheque or money order. Registration tag will be mailed to you.
Microchipping Requirement
All dogs and cats in Queensland must be microchipped before 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away.
What is Microchipping?
A tiny chip (size of a grain of rice) is implanted under your pet's skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique ID number linked to your contact details in a national database.
- ✓ Permanent identification
- ✓ Quick procedure (like a vaccination)
- ✓ Lasts your pet's lifetime
- ✓ Scannable by vets, councils, shelters
Mandatory by Law
Microchipping is legally required before you can register your dog. Fines up to $2,876 apply for non-compliance.
Where to Get Microchipped
- •
Veterinary Clinics
Most vets offer microchipping - typically $50-$80
- •
Animal Shelters
Often include microchipping with adoptions
- •
Council Events
Occasionally offers discount microchipping days
Keep Details Updated
It's your responsibility to keep your contact details current in the microchip database. Update when you:
- • Move house
- • Change phone number
- • Transfer ownership
Contact your microchip registry (CAR, PetAddress, or NLIS) to update details.
Regulated Dogs (Dangerous & Menacing)
Some dogs are classified as regulated dogs due to breed or behaviour. These dogs have additional requirements.
Dangerous Dogs
Dogs declared dangerous due to serious attacks or threatening behaviour.
Requirements:
- ✓ Must wear RED collar and ID tag at all times
- ✓ Enclosure approved by Council
- ✓ Warning signs on property
- ✓ Muzzled and on leash in public
- ✓ Higher registration fees
- ✓ Cannot be in public place without adult
Failure to comply can result in significant fines or destruction order.
Menacing Dogs
Dogs that have displayed menacing behaviour but not caused serious harm.
Requirements:
- ✓ Must wear YELLOW collar and ID tag
- ✓ Secure enclosure
- ✓ Warning signs on property
- ✓ Muzzled in public places
- ✓ Cannot be in public place without adult
Less restrictive than dangerous dogs but still legally binding.
Restricted Breeds
The following breeds (or their crosses) are automatically restricted in Queensland:
- • American Pit Bull Terrier (or Pit Bull)
- • Dogo Argentino
- • Fila Brasileiro
- • Japanese Tosa
- • Perro de Presa Canario (Presa Canario)
New restricted breed dogs cannot be imported to Queensland. Existing dogs must be declared and comply with dangerous dog rules.
Dog Owner Responsibilities
Effective Control
Your dog must be under effective control at all times - on your property, on a leash, or in a securely fenced area. Dogs roaming at large can be impounded.
Barking & Noise
Dogs must not create a nuisance by excessive barking or noise that affects neighbours. Address training and behavioural issues promptly.
Clean Up After Your Dog
Always carry bags and clean up dog droppings in public places and on footpaths. Fines apply for not cleaning up.
Attacking & Rushing
Dogs must not attack, bite, or rush at people or animals. This can result in dangerous dog declaration and potential destruction order.
Leash Requirements
Dogs must be on-leash in most public places including:
- • Streets and footpaths
- • Parks (unless designated off-leash area)
- • Shopping areas
- • Sports fields
Maximum Number of Dogs
Residential properties typically limited to 2 dogs without Council approval. Check local laws for your area. Permits required for more dogs.
Property Requirements
Ensure your property has secure fencing to contain your dog. Gates must be self-closing and lockable. Dogs cannot be tethered as primary containment.
Animal Welfare
Provide adequate food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and exercise. Neglect or cruelty is illegal and can result in prosecution.
Barking Dog Complaints
Excessive dog barking is one of the most common neighbourhood complaints. Here's how the process works:
Talk to Your Neighbour
First step: politely approach your neighbour. They may not know their dog is barking while they're away. A friendly conversation often resolves the issue.
Keep a Diary
Record dates, times, and duration of barking over 2-3 weeks. Note circumstances and impact on your amenity. This evidence is crucial if you need to lodge a complaint.
Lodge Formal Complaint
If issue continues, lodge complaint with Council. Provide your diary and evidence. Council will investigate and may issue notices to the dog owner.
What Council Can Do:
- •Investigation: Council officer may visit property and monitor barking
- •Warning: Initial contact with dog owner to address issue
- •Compliance notice: Legal direction to control barking
- •Fines: Penalties for non-compliance
- •Court action: Serious or ongoing cases
For Dog Owners - Reducing Barking:
- • Ensure adequate exercise and mental stimulation
- • Don't leave dogs alone for extended periods
- • Provide toys and enrichment activities
- • Address boredom and anxiety
- • Consider doggy daycare or dog walker
- • Training classes for behaviour issues
- • Vet check for health-related barking
- • Professional animal behaviourist if needed
Animal Impounding & Lost Pets
Mareeba Animal Refuge
Dogs found roaming or breaching Council regulations are taken to the Mareeba Animal Refuge.
Contact Details:
Phone: (07) 4092 3837
Address: Contact Council for location
Hours: Contact for operating hours
Impounding Fees:
- • Release fee: $100-$200+ depending on circumstances
- • Daily care fee: $30-$50 per day
- • After hours: Additional fees apply
Registered and microchipped dogs are cheaper to reclaim and easier to reunite.
If Your Dog Goes Missing:
1. Act Quickly
Search your neighbourhood immediately. Call your dog's name and check with neighbours.
2. Contact Council & Shelter
Call Council (4086 9700) and Mareeba Animal Refuge (4092 3837) to report your dog missing and check if it's been found.
3. Check Online & Social Media
Post on local Facebook groups (Mareeba Community pages, Lost Pets FNQ). Check Council's lost and found pets page.
4. Physical Search
Put up posters, walk the area calling your dog, check local parks and water sources. Contact local vets in case someone brings your dog in.
Cats & Other Animals
Cat Management
While cats don't require registration in Mareeba Shire (unless regulated), responsible ownership still applies.
Requirements:
- ✓ Must be microchipped (mandatory)
- ✓ Desexing strongly recommended
- ✓ Keep contained to your property where possible
- ✓ Provide adequate food, water, shelter
Be a Good Neighbour:
- • Keep cats indoors at night
- • Prevent roaming on neighbours' properties
- • Use bells to reduce wildlife predation
- • Manage cat numbers responsibly
Livestock & Rural Animals
Rural properties can keep livestock subject to zoning and biosecurity requirements.
- • Check planning scheme for permitted animals in your zone
- • Minimum lot sizes apply for horses, cattle, etc.
- • Biosecurity Act applies to farm animals
- • Contact Council for livestock permits
Wildlife Concerns
For injured or problem wildlife:
- RSPCA Wildlife: 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625)
- Bat Rescue: Contact local wildlife carers
- Dangerous Animals: Call Council or Police
- Snake Catchers: Local directory available
Animal Management Contacts
Mareeba Shire Council
Phone: (07) 4086 9700
Email: [email protected]
Address: 65 Rankin Street, Mareeba
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Mareeba Animal Refuge
Phone: (07) 4092 3837
Purpose: Lost dogs, impounding, adoptions
Contact for location and operating hours