Victoria’s familiar brown envelope used to bring a simple message for pet owners—time to renew your furry friend’s registration.
This year, many households opened it to find something far less welcome—higher fees that have left families worrying about whether they can still afford their beloved pets.
For some, the increase feels like a direct hit on companionship during tough financial times.
The Victorian government raised the state component of pet registration fees in July 2025, increasing the levy from $4.51 to $4.64 per pet, a change that has sparked debate across the state.
Critics argue it adds yet another financial burden on families already struggling with cost-of-living pressures.
The impact, however, is not uniform—registration fees are set by local councils, which add their own charges for services, creating a patchwork of costs across Victoria.
Councils with high pet ownership, like Wyndham—home to 19,944 registered dogs and 8,153 registered cats—will feel the change most keenly.
'This is a petty cash grab on the family dog and the household cat—pure and simple.'
The timing comes as Victoria’s debt grows by more than $2 million every hour, prompting fears of further household-level costs.
For older Australians, some relief exists—pensioners with approved concession cards issued by the Department of Social Services or Department of Veterans Affairs can receive reduced fees.
It is important to note that not all cards qualify—Seniors Cards, Student Concession Cards, and Health Care Cards are not eligible.
Concessions that qualify for reduced pet registration fees
Eligible cards: Pensioner Concession Card (Department of Social Services or Veterans Affairs), Gold Card specifying TPI (Department of Veterans Affairs), Gold Card specifying War Widow (Department of Veterans Affairs), Carers Card
Not eligible: Seniors Cards—Student Concession Cards—Health Care Cards
Other discounts are available for those who register pets with approved organisations, such as breed associations or kennel clubs.
Pet owners with animals over 10 years old can also apply for a reduced fee, provided they supply veterinary documentation.
Dog owners completing obedience training under the Domestic Animals Regulations 2015 may qualify for additional discounts.
Moving between Victorian councils can save money too—there is no fee for transfers if proof of current registration is provided.
In contrast, Melbourne City Council has opted for fee-free registration for cats and dogs in their 2025-26 Annual Budget, demonstrating that councils can respond differently to the state increase.
Did you know?
Registered foster carers benefit Registered foster carers can access significantly reduced registration fees, including for short-term fostering arrangements.
The government states that the extra revenue supports animal welfare, covering education programs, RSPCA Victoria activities, and broader community initiatives.
Registration also increases the chances of reuniting with a lost pet, provides access to council services, and contributes to animal welfare programs.
Renewals are due by 10 April each year, and missing the deadline can incur penalties, adding stress to the process.
Many councils offer payment plans or pro-rata arrangements, and pet owners are encouraged to contact their council early if financial difficulties arise.
Smart ways to manage pet registration costs
- Check if you qualify for pensioner concessions (specific cards required)
- Look into breed association or training discounts
- Consider the 10+ years age discount for older pets
- Take advantage of free transfers between Victorian councils
- Contact your council about payment plans if struggling
- Register new pets within four weeks to avoid penalties
The debate over fees reflects wider questions about government funding and the fairness of placing costs on those least able to pay.
For many seniors, even small increases across multiple services add up, impacting the companions that provide vital emotional support.
What This Means For You
Pet registration fees increased in July 2025, with the state levy rising from $4.51 to $4.64 per pet, and the total cost can vary significantly depending on your council’s additional charges.
While pensioner and veteran concession cards can help reduce these fees, Seniors Cards and Health Care Cards do not qualify, meaning not everyone receives a discount.
Additional savings are available for older pets, registered foster carers, pets registered with approved organisations, and those who have completed dog obedience training.
For households managing fixed incomes, these rising costs can add up, making it more important than ever to explore available concessions and cost-saving options to keep your furry companions happy without stretching your budget.
Rising pet registration fees are just one way caring for a furry friend can strain a household budget.
Unexpected costs, like vet bills, can add even more pressure and catch owners off guard.
Here’s a real-life story that highlights how quickly pet expenses can escalate and what it means for pet owners.
Read more: Astonishing Twist in $600 Vet Bill Dispute Leaves Australian Pet Owners Stunned
Victoria pet tax: Jacinta Allan defends fee increase — Reports on the Victorian government raising pet registration fees and the resulting public debate.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15228111/Victoria-pet-tax-Jacinta-Allan.html
Payments for cat, dog and domestic animal business registration fees | Dog and cat registration | Registration, legislation and permits | Domestic Animals Act | Animal Welfare Victoria — Details the state government levy of $4.64 per pet that took effect in July 2025.
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/domestic-animals-act/registration-legislation-and-permits/dog-and-cat-registration/payments-for-cat,-dog-and-domestic-animal-business-registration-fees
Pet Registration | Whitehorse City Council — Notes that the annual State Government Levy for pet registration is $4.64 for 2025-26.
https://www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/living-working/pets/register-pet
Dog and cat registration fees | Dog and cat registration | Registration, legislation and permits | Domestic Animals Act | Animal Welfare Victoria — Explains that registration fees vary depending on council-specific factors.
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/domestic-animals-act/registration-legislation-and-permits/dog-and-cat-registration/dog-and-cat-registration-fees
News—Wyndham Pet Owners Hit By Fee Hike — Reports that Wyndham has high pet ownership with 19,944 registered dogs and 8,153 registered cats.
https://www.wyndhamtv.com.au/wyndham-pet-owners-hit-by-fee-hike/
News—Wyndham Pet Owners Hit By Fee Hike — Residents argue that the fee increase unfairly targets families and pensioners reliant on pets.
https://www.wyndhamtv.com.au/wyndham-pet-owners-hit-by-fee-hike/
News—Wyndham Pet Owners Hit By Fee Hike — Notes that Victoria’s debt rise fuels fears of more household-level costs.
https://www.wyndhamtv.com.au/wyndham-pet-owners-hit-by-fee-hike/
Dog and cat registration fees | Dog and cat registration | Registration, legislation and permits | Domestic Animals Act | Animal Welfare Victoria — Pensioners with approved concession cards are entitled to reduced registration fees.
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/domestic-animals-act/registration-legislation-and-permits/dog-and-cat-registration/dog-and-cat-registration-fees
Pet registration—City of Port Phillip — Clarifies that Seniors Cards and Student Concession Cards do not qualify for pensioner rates.
https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/council-services/pets-and-animals/pet-registration/
Register your pet or renew its registration—Cardinia Shire Council — States that Health Care Cards do not qualify for pensioner concessions.
https://www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/info/20003/pets_and_animals/39/register_your_pet_or_renew_its_registration
Dog and cat registration fees | Dog and cat registration | Registration, legislation and permits | Domestic Animals Act | Animal Welfare Victoria — Pets registered with approved organisations may receive reduced fees.
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/domestic-animals-act/registration-legislation-and-permits/dog-and-cat-registration/dog-and-cat-registration-fees
Cat and dog registration—Whittlesea — Pets over 10 years old may qualify for discounts with veterinary documentation.
https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/community-support/pets-and-animals/cat-and-dog-registration/
Register your pet or renew its registration—Cardinia Shire Council — Dogs that complete obedience training under Domestic Animals Regulations 2015 may receive fee reductions.
https://www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/info/20003/pets_and_animals/39/register_your_pet_or_renew_its_registration
Cat and dog registration—Whittlesea — Transfers between councils are free if proof of current registration is provided.
https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/community-support/pets-and-animals/cat-and-dog-registration/
Pet registration | City of Melbourne — Melbourne City Council offers free cat and dog registration for 2025-26.
https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/pet-registration
Dog and cat registration fees | Dog and cat registration | Registration, legislation and permits | Domestic Animals Act | Animal Welfare Victoria — Registered foster carers can access significantly reduced registration fees.
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/domestic-animals-act/registration-legislation-and-permits/dog-and-cat-registration/dog-and-cat-registration-fees
Pet registration | City of Melbourne — Foster carers registered with council can receive reduced registration fees even for short-term arrangements.
https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/pet-registration
Payments for cat, dog and domestic animal business registration fees | Dog and cat registration | Registration, legislation and permits | Domestic Animals Act | Animal Welfare Victoria — Explains how payments contribute to the administration of the Domestic Animals Act, including education programs.
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/domestic-animals-act/registration-legislation-and-permits/dog-and-cat-registration/payments-for-cat,-dog-and-domestic-animal-business-registration-fees
Dog and cat registration fees | Dog and cat registration | Registration, legislation and permits | Domestic Animals Act | Animal Welfare Victoria — Reminds that registration renewals are due by 10 April each year.
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/domestic-animals-act/registration-legislation-and-permits/dog-and-cat-registration/dog-and-cat-registration-fees
Pet registration—City of Port Phillip — Notes penalties apply for failing to renew registration by the due date.
https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/council-services/pets-and-animals/pet-registration/
Have you been affected by the new registration fees, and what strategies are you using to manage the cost?
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