Does my dog legally need a tag in public in WA?

Yes — section 30 of the Dog Act 1976 says a dog must not be in a public place unless it wears a collar with its valid registration tag securely attached. A fine applies to whoever is liable for the control of the dog at the time.

Do WA cats need to be registered?

Yes. The Cat Act 2011 requires cats to be microchipped, sterilised and registered by six months of age, and registered cats must wear their registration tag away from home.

Should I add a personalised tag as well as the council tag?

The council tag is the legal minimum; it identifies your dog through council records. A personalised tag with your mobile number lets any finder ring you on the spot — the fastest reunion there is. Both fit on the one collar.

Pet registration and ID tag laws in Western Australia

Dog Act 1976 (WA) and Cat Act 2011 (WA)

In Western Australia the Dog Act 1976 is blunt: a dog must not be in a public place unless it is wearing a collar with a valid registration tag securely attached. Pet Tags Online ships from Craigie in Perth’s northern suburbs, so WA’s rules are the ones we live with ourselves — council tag on the collar, personalised tag beside it.

What must be worn

Section 30 of the Dog Act 1976 provides that a dog must not be in a public place unless it is wearing a collar with a valid registration tag securely attached. Exemptions cover racing greyhounds and dogs working stock or engaged in listed sporting activities.

Dogs in WA

Dogs must be microchipped and registered with your local council from three months of age.
In a public place, the dog must wear a collar with its valid council registration tag securely attached (Dog Act 1976, s 30).
Registration renewals run on the WA registration year — your council will state the current period and fees.

Cats in WA

Under the Cat Act 2011, cats must be microchipped, sterilised and registered with the local government by six months of age.
Registered cats must wear their council registration tag when away from home, unless the council has approved an exemption.

What to engrave

The council tag satisfies section 30; a personalised tag beside it is what gets a Perth dog off a verge and back into your yard before the ranger is involved. Engrave the pet’s name and your mobile — deep diamond engraving, cut into the tag rather than printed on it, stays readable for the life of the tag and is covered by the Red Dingo lifetime guarantee.

Browse the full Red Dingo range, find the right fit on the size guide or start engraving now. Delivery is free — and Red Dingo addresses the envelope to your pet by name.

Free deep diamond engraving

Personalisation is always included — cut deep, never printed.

Free worldwide delivery

Every order ships free, anywhere in the world.

Red Dingo lifetime guarantee

Genuine Red Dingo tags, guaranteed for life.

Addressed to your pet

Red Dingo personalises the delivery envelope with your pet's name.

Frequently asked questions

Does my dog legally need a tag in public in WA?: Yes — section 30 of the Dog Act 1976 says a dog must not be in a public place unless it wears a collar with its valid registration tag securely attached. A fine applies to whoever is liable for the control of the dog at the time.
Do WA cats need to be registered?: Yes. The Cat Act 2011 requires cats to be microchipped, sterilised and registered by six months of age, and registered cats must wear their registration tag away from home.
Should I add a personalised tag as well as the council tag?: The council tag is the legal minimum; it identifies your dog through council records. A personalised tag with your mobile number lets any finder ring you on the spot — the fastest reunion there is. Both fit on the one collar.

Other states and territories

This page is general information, not legal advice, and requirements change. Confirm the current position with your local council or the official source: WA Department of Local Government — dogs and cats.