Regulations for Pet Ownership in Western Australia
Cats
In Western Australia, all cats must be microchipped by the age of 6 months. This requirement applies either at the time of adoption or at age 6 months, whichever comes first. Cats that have reached 6 months of age must be sterilised before being transferred to a new owner. For those that are still under 6 months of age, they must either undergo sterilisation before being given away or sold, or a sterilisation voucher must accompany them to ensure that the procedure is completed by the new owner at a later date.
Dogs
Similar regulations apply to dogs: all must be microchipped before they reach 3 months of age or before they are adopted, whichever occurs first. Furthermore, desexing of dogs is a legal requirement, and it must be completed before the dog reaches 2 years of age, or before adoption if the dog is adopted at an earlier age.
Farm Animals and Poultry
For those involved in livestock farming or poultry ownership, specific regulations must be adhered to. A Property Identification Code (PIC) is assigned by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or a comparable authority in each state or territory. This code identifies livestock-producing properties. Anyone wishing to list animals such as cows, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, donkeys, alpacas, llamas, deer, chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, or turkeys must include their allocated PIC in any listings. Additionally, animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats must have National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tags for identification. For pigs, either an NLIS tag or a brand/tattoo is required, and any adoption of a pig must be registered through the PigPass National Vendor Declaration system.
Exemptions
There are specific exemption criteria for desexing pets under certain circumstances. For cats, a desexing exemption may be granted for those aged between 8 weeks and 6 months, provided they are desexed by the time they reach 6 months of age or before ownership is transferred to a new owner—whichever occurs first. For dogs, exemptions are available for those between 8 weeks and 2 years old, under similar conditions: pets must be desexed by 2 years of age or before the transfer of ownership.
Microchip exemptions are also possible. Dogs may qualify for a microchip exemption if they are between 8 weeks and 3 months old, provided they are microchipped by 3 months old or before their ownership is transferred. Cats can receive microchip exemptions if they are aged between 8 weeks and 6 months, provided they are microchipped by 6 months of age or before they are transferred to a new owner.
While vaccination exemptions may be offered, all pets must be vaccinated before any transfer of ownership to ensure their health and safety.