In NSW, anyone selling or giving away a cat or dog must include an identification number in their advertisement. This helps ensure transparency and promotes responsible pet ownership.
This identification number must be one of the following:
- A microchip number
- A rehoming organisation number
- A breeder identification number
Before reporting a potential breach, please check the NSW Pet Registry to verify the identification number.
How to Check an Identification Number
When you search an ID number on the NSW Pet Registry, you should see:
- Microchip number – Details recorded by the owner, such as breed, age, desexing status, and registration status. It will also indicate if an annual permit is required.
- Rehoming organisation number – The name and address of the registered organisation responsible for rehoming.
- Breeder identification number – Any associated business names, helping you verify the seller and make an informed decision.
If the advertisement is for a greyhound being sold or rehomed by a racing industry participant, please contact the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission before reporting a breach.
Steps to Take Before Reporting a Breach
Before submitting a report, we encourage you to:
- Contact the seller – They may have accidentally made an error in their listing, such as a typo or missing number.
- Double-check your search – Ensure you’ve entered the identification number correctly and that the Pet Registry search is functioning.
If you believe an advertisement is deliberately misleading or missing required details, you can report the breach to Animal Welfare League NSW.
By helping identify non-compliant advertisements, you’re supporting responsible pet ownership and helping improve animal welfare in NSW. Thank you for looking out for our animals!
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