We invest a lot of time and money in our pets. Owners are reminded to renew cat and dog registrations by June 30.

Residents with new animals or who have moved to the region are responsible for ensuring animals are registered with council. Under Queensland law, registration is compulsory for all cats and dogs.

Council's most recent records show there are 25,029 registered dogs and 7667 registered cats in the region.

Discounted registration is offered for animals that are desexed, upon presentation of proof of desexing.

Council has a half-price puppy and kitten registration offered as a once only discount to help owners with the cost of desexing their pet.

Dogs and cats must be registered by three months. New owners of animals older than three months have two weeks to register their pet.

Discounted registration fees for desexed cats and dogs remain for the animal's life.

In addition, council provides other discounts for:

• pensioners who own a dog
• obedience trained dogs
• qualified assistance dogs.

Owners of a registered kennel or cattery, approved under a planning scheme and/or a local law, also benefit from a lower animal registration fee. Dogs that qualify as working dogs are exempt.

Microchipping

Under the legislation, new pet owners must microchip their cats and dogs.

Cats and dogs must be microchipped at the point of sale or if a pet is transferred to a new owner (eg sold, given away).

Existing pets previously registered with council do not have to be microchipped.

Council recommends all animal owners microchip their pets as collars and tags can fall off an animal.

This enables pets to be easily identified and returned to their owners. Don't forget to update relevant information if you move to a new address or town.

All "regulated dogs" under the Act, such as declared dangerous dogs and declared menacing dogs must be microchipped and desexed. Speak with your local vet about microchipping your pet.

Registration renewal payments before June 30 can be made at Australia Post (excluding changes to animal details), via B-Pay and mail as well as council service centres.

Registration forms, change of ownership forms and other details can be found at www.toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au/petrego

 Enquiries can be directed to 131 TRC (131 872).