Is microchipping mandatory before selling a dog or puppy in Australia?

Yes. Microchipping of dogs before sale or transfer is mandatory in all Australian states and territories, although the specific legislative requirements vary by jurisdiction. In New South Wales, the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW) requires that all dogs and cats be microchipped by 12 weeks of age, before being sold or given away. In Victoria, the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (Vic) requires that dogs and cats be microchipped before sale. In Queensland, the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 (Qld) requires microchipping of dogs before sale by breeders. In Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT, and the Northern Territory, similar requirements apply. The microchip must be a 15-digit ISO standard chip implanted by a veterinarian or other authorised person, and the owner’s details must be registered on the relevant state or territory companion animals register. When a dog is sold, the new owner must update the microchip registration into their own name and address.

What is an ANKC limited register and what does it mean for a puppy buyer?

The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) is the peak body governing the registration and showing of pure-bred dogs in Australia, operating through its state and territory member bodies (including Dogs NSW, Dogs Victoria, Dogs Queensland, Canine Control Council (Queensland), the Canine Association of Western Australia, Dogs SA, Dogs Tasmania, the ACT Canine Association, and Dogs NT). The ANKC operates two registers for pure-bred dogs: the main register and the limited register. A dog on the main register has no restrictions on breeding — its offspring are eligible for ANKC registration if both parents are registered. A dog placed on the limited register is registered as a pure-bred, but its offspring are not eligible for ANKC registration. A dog on the limited register may not be used for breeding for show purposes. Breeders commonly sell pet-quality puppies on the limited register, while show or breeding quality puppies may be sold on the main register (often at a higher price). A buyer should be aware of which register their puppy is on before purchasing, as this significantly affects what they can do with the dog.

Do Australian Consumer Law guarantees apply to puppy and dog sales?

The Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which is Schedule 2 to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), applies consumer guarantees to all supplies of goods and services made in trade or commerce. The supply of dogs and puppies by a commercial or semi-commercial breeder is a supply in trade or commerce, and the ACL’s consumer guarantees apply. The key consumer guarantees applicable to dog sales include: acceptable quality (the puppy must be free from conditions that affect its health and functionality in a way that a reasonable person would regard as unacceptable); fitness for disclosed purpose; and correspondence with description (the puppy must correspond to the breed and characteristics described). If a puppy is sold with a health condition that was not disclosed and that a reasonable person would regard as making the puppy unacceptable, the buyer may be entitled to a remedy under the ACL. Private sales between individuals who are not in trade or commerce are not subject to the ACL consumer guarantees, although the prohibition on misleading or deceptive conduct still applies.

What council registration obligations apply when buying a dog in Australia?

In Australia, dogs must be registered with the local council (also called ‘companion animal registration’ or ‘dog registration’) in the area where they are kept. The specific requirements, fees, and registration ages vary by state and territory. In New South Wales, dogs must be registered by the time they are six months old under the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW), and registration is for the lifetime of the animal (a one-time fee). In Victoria, annual registration is required under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (Vic). In Queensland, registration requirements are set by local councils. In other states and territories, similar local council registration requirements apply. When a dog is sold and changes ownership, the new owner must transfer the registration into their name and update their local council. Failure to keep council registration current can result in fines. The cost of council registration is typically the buyer’s responsibility from the date of purchase.

What animal welfare obligations does a new dog owner have in Australia?

Each Australian state and territory has animal welfare legislation that imposes obligations on the owners and keepers of dogs. In New South Wales, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW) applies. In Victoria, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (Vic) and the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (Vic) both apply. In Queensland, the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (Qld) governs animal welfare. Similar legislation applies in Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT, and the Northern Territory. Under these laws, dog owners must provide adequate food, clean water, appropriate shelter, exercise, and veterinary treatment; must protect dogs from unnecessary pain, suffering, and injury; and must keep dogs under appropriate control. From the date of purchase, the buyer becomes the responsible owner and assumes all animal welfare obligations.

Bill of Sale — Dog / Puppy (Australia) — Australia

Create an Australian Bill of Sale for the sale of a dog or puppy. Covers mandatory microchip identification (15-digit ISO), council registration transfer (Companion Animals Act NSW, Domestic Animals Act VIC, Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act QLD), ANKC breed registration transfer and limited/main register status, breeder identification number, veterinary health check details, vaccination records, Australian Consumer Law statutory guarantees applicable to commercial dog sales, and animal welfare obligations of the new owner. Suitable for registered breeders, private sellers, and rescue or rehoming organisations.

What Is a Bill of Sale — Dog / Puppy (Australia)?

An Australian Dog and Puppy Bill of Sale is a written legal document that records the sale and transfer of ownership of a dog or puppy from a Seller (which may be a registered breeder, a private individual, or a rescue organisation) to a Buyer. It captures all essential identifying details of the dog — including the dog’s name, breed, sex, date of birth, colour and markings, and 15-digit ISO microchip number — together with the registration details (ANKC breed registration, council registration), the purchase price, the GST treatment, the vaccination and veterinary health status of the dog at the time of sale, and the moment at which ownership and the animal welfare obligations of the owner pass from the Seller to the Buyer.

The sale of dogs and puppies in Australia is governed by a patchwork of state and territory legislation covering three main areas: companion animal identification and registration, animal welfare, and breeder regulation. All Australian states and territories require dogs to be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO standard chip before sale, and the new owner must update the microchip register with their details. Council registration of dogs is mandatory in all jurisdictions, and when a dog changes hands the registration must be transferred to the new owner’s name and local council.

For pure-bred dogs, the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) operates a national registry of pure-bred dogs through its state and territory member bodies. Pure-bred dogs may be registered on either the main register (with no breeding restrictions) or the limited register (where the dog’s offspring are not eligible for ANKC registration). Buyers of pure-bred puppies from ANKC-registered breeders should confirm which register the puppy is on and ensure the ANKC papers are transferred to their name.

The Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which is Schedule 2 to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), applies mandatory consumer guarantees to commercial dog sales, including guarantees of acceptable quality and fitness for a disclosed purpose. A breeder who sells puppies as a business cannot exclude these guarantees by contract. Animal welfare legislation in each state and territory also imposes ongoing obligations on dog owners to provide proper care.

A well-prepared Bill of Sale protects both the seller and the buyer by clearly recording the condition of the dog at the time of sale, the microchip number, all registration details, the health disclosures, and the agreed terms of the transaction.

When Do You Need a Bill of Sale — Dog / Puppy (Australia)?

An Australian Dog and Puppy Bill of Sale is needed whenever a dog or puppy changes hands and the parties want a written record of the transaction and the transfer of ownership. Common situations include:

Registered breeder sales. When a registered breeder sells a pure-bred puppy, a Bill of Sale records the agreed terms, the ANKC registration details, the limited or main register status, the breeder identification number, and the vaccination and health check details.

Private dog sales. When an individual sells their dog to another private buyer, a Bill of Sale provides documentary evidence of the sale, the agreed price, the microchip number, and the transfer of ownership.

Cross-state sales. When a dog is sold to a buyer in a different state or territory, the Bill of Sale provides important documentation for the registration transfer process in the buyer’s state.

Rescue and rehoming. When a rescue organisation places a dog with a new owner, a Bill of Sale or adoption agreement records the microchip number, the vaccination status, and the new owner’s animal welfare obligations.

High-value breed sales. For expensive pure-bred dogs (such as show dogs, working dogs, or rare breeds), the Bill of Sale provides a formal record of the agreed price and terms and protects both parties in the event of a dispute.

Litter sales by breeders. When a breeder sells multiple puppies from a litter, a separate Bill of Sale for each puppy provides a clear record of each transaction and each puppy’s individual microchip number and registration details.

What to Include in Your Bill of Sale — Dog / Puppy (Australia)

A well-drafted Australian Dog and Puppy Bill of Sale should include the following key elements to be legally effective and to protect both parties:

Microchip number. The 15-digit ISO microchip number is the primary means of identifying an individual dog in Australia. It is required for council registration transfers and for updating the companion animals register when the dog changes hands. This is the most important identifying detail in the Bill of Sale.

Breed, sex, date of birth, and colour. The dog should be identified by its registered name and call name, breed, sex, date of birth (whelping date), and colour and markings.

ANKC registration details. If the dog is registered with a state canine association, the registration number, register type (main or limited), and the breeder’s ANKC prefix should be recorded. The Seller’s obligations to assist with the transfer of registration should be addressed.

Breeder identification number. In states and territories that require breeders to hold an identification number, this should be recorded in the Bill of Sale to confirm the Seller’s authority to sell.

Council registration. If the dog is currently registered with local council, the registration number and expiry date should be recorded. The Buyer’s obligation to transfer the registration should be stated.

Vaccination status. The vaccination status of the dog at the time of sale (including the type of vaccination and the date administered) should be recorded, together with any upcoming booster vaccinations due.

Veterinary health check. If a health check has been conducted, the details should be recorded. The Buyer should be advised to arrange their own veterinary examination promptly after purchase.

Purchase price and GST. The price must be stated in Australian Dollars and the GST treatment specified. Commercial breeders who are GST-registered must charge GST and issue a tax invoice.

Animal welfare obligations. The Bill of Sale should acknowledge the Buyer’s obligations under applicable state and territory animal welfare legislation to provide proper care to the dog from the date of purchase.

What Is a Bill of Sale — Dog / Puppy (Australia)?

When Do You Need a Bill of Sale — Dog / Puppy (Australia)?

What to Include in Your Bill of Sale — Dog / Puppy (Australia)

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Documents

Bill of Sale (Australia)

Bill of Sale — Horse / Equine (Australia)

Bill of Sale — As-Is / No Warranty (Australia)

Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) (Australia)

Service Agreement (Australia)