While all PetRescue member organisations commit to our Pet Listing Rules, we also understand that sometimes accessibility to services, pet health challenges, or other circumstances can create barriers to fully preparing pets for adoption prior to listing. 
PetRescue endeavours to work with members, where appropriate, to provide exemptions to some of our Listing Rules where legislation and regulations allow and this means that pets have the best chance of finding a loving home.

Each state has requirements for pet adoption or sales in place. 

This article explains legislative and regulatory requirements for member organisations by state, so that members can see what legal requirements apply to them when advertising on PetRescue.

PetRescue has verified these details with each state's governing body to confirm the requirements of:

• Registrations or organisation numbers

• Microchipping

• Desexing

• Vaccinations

• Minimum age of sale

• Health checks

• Advertising requirements

This information will be outlined below. You will be able to search by the state you’re located in and also refer to other states that you offer adoption to.

 

PetRescue rehoming requirements

It’s also important to note PetRescue’s Pet Listing Rules. PetRescue has reviewed each state & territories legislation to set a baseline that we ask all our PetRescue members to meet. Notable:

• Pets listed must be fully vet-worked and ready for adoption, which includes:

  • Vet checked,

  • Vaccinated (up to date per individual age), 

  • Microchipped,

  • Flea, tick, and worm treated; and

  • Desexed

• Any pre-existing or current health conditions must be disclosed on the pet's profile and in early conversations with potential adopters. 

• All available cats and dogs listings must include their registered microchip and/or identification number.

 

State pet adoption/sales requirements & exemptions available

Below you find the state pet adoption/sales requirements as well as the exemptions available by each state and territory. Please be sure to also check the requirements for the states and territories which you offer adoption to.

You can add your state registration or organisation numbers to your group profile so that they auto-populate onto newly created pet listings. Find out how by following this link.

Victoria

New South Wales

Australian Capital Territory

Queensland

Northern Territory

Western Australia

South Australia

Tasmania

 

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Victoria

Cats & Dogs

• A source number must be displayed on all cat and dog listings. This is required by organisations within VIC and also those outside of the state offering interstate adoption to VIC adopters.

• Microchipping is required and must be displayed on cat and dog listings.

• The Code of Practice for the Management of Dogs and Cats in Shelters and Pounds requires shelters & councils to desex, vaccinate and vet check all cats and dogs before ownership is transferred.

• Community Foster Care Network's (CFCN) that do not have 84Y agreements should follow the Guide for Victorian dog and cat community foster care networks and rescue groups. This states rehoming organisations should vaccinate, desex and vet check pets prior to rehoming.

• Cats and Dogs cannot be rehomed before 8 weeks of age.

Farm animals and poultry

• A Property Identification Code (PIC) is allocated by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or an equivalent authority in each state or territory to identify a livestock-producing property. Members listing a cow, sheep, goat, pig, horse, donkey, alpaca, llama, deer, chicken, duck, goose, guinea fowl, or turkey must include  a PIC on the listing.

• National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tags are required for cattle, sheep and goats.

• Pigs must have either a NLIS tag or a brand/tattoo. Adoption of a pig must also be registered on PigPass National Vendor Declaration.

Exemptions

• Desexing exemptions may be provided for cats and dogs over 8 weeks of age however, pets must be desexed before ownership is transferred.

• Microchip exemptions cannot be provided, as they are required to be displayed on advertisements.

• Vaccination exemptions may be provided, however, pets must be vaccinated before ownership is transferred.

 

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New South Wales

Cats

• A Microchip Number, Breeder Identification Number, or Rehoming Organisation Number is required to be displayed on all cat listings. This is required by organisations within NSW and also those outside of the state offering interstate adoption to NSW adopters.

• Cats must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before they are sold/rehomed.

• Desexing is not mandatory, but encouraged for cats by 4 months of age.

• Cats should be vaccinated against common diseases from 6 to 8 weeks of age.

• Cats cannot be rehomed before 8 weeks of age.

Dogs

• For dogs born after 1 December 2025, a microchip number AND the Breeder Identification Number or Rehoming Organisation Number must be displayed on the listing. For those dogs born before this period only a Microchip Number, Breeder Identification Number, or Rehoming Organisation Number is required to be displayed on the listing. These requirements are in place for organisations within NSW as well as those outside of the state offering interstate adoption.

• Dogs must be microchipped before they are rehomed.

• Desexing is not mandatory, but encouraged for dogs by 6 months of age.

• Dogs should be vaccinated against common diseases from 6 to 8 weeks of age.

• Dogs cannot be rehomed before 8 weeks of age.

Farm animals and poultry

• A Property Identification Code (PIC) is allocated by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or an equivalent authority in each state or territory to identify a livestock-producing property. Members listing a cow, sheep, goat, pig, horse, donkey, alpaca, llama, deer, chicken, duck, goose, guinea fowl, or turkey must include a PIC on the listing.

• National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tags are required for cattle, sheep and goats.

• Pigs must have either a NLIS tag or a brand/tattoo. Adoption of a pig must also be registered on PigPass National Vendor Declaration.

Exemptions

• Desexing exemptions may be provided when a cat is between 8 weeks and 4 months and for dogs between 8 weeks to 6 months of age. Cats and dogs advertised with an exemption must be desexed before ownership is transferred.

• Microchip exemptions may be provided for dogs born before December 1st, 2025, when a RON or BIN is referenced on the listing instead of the microchip number. Dogs advertised with an exemption must be microchipped before ownership is transferred. As for cats, exemptions may be provided to those between 8 and 12 weeks when a RON or BIN is referenced on the listing instead of the microchip number. Cats advertised with an exemption must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before ownership is transferred, whichever occurs first.

• Vaccination exemptions may be provided, however, pets must be vaccinated before ownership is transferred.

 

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Australian Capital Territory

Cats & Dogs

• All members located in ACT are required to display a Rehoming Identifier number on pet listings. This identifier can be the organisation’s name (which is already displayed on all PetRescue listings).

• Cats and Dogs microchip numbers must be displayed on their pet listing.

• Desexing is to be completed for cats before they reach 3 months of age and for dogs before they reach 6 months of age. Pets must be desexed before adoption.

• Cats and Dogs cannot be rehomed before 8 weeks of age.

Farm animals and poultry

• A Property Identification Code (PIC) is allocated by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or an equivalent authority in each state or territory to identify a livestock-producing property. Members listing a cow, sheep, goat, pig, horse, donkey, alpaca, llama, deer, chicken, duck, goose, guinea fowl, or turkey must include a PIC on the listing.

• National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tags are required for cattle, sheep and goats.

• Pigs must have either a NLIS tag or a brand/tattoo. Adoption of a pig must also be registered on PigPass National Vendor Declaration.

Exemptions

• Desexing exemption may be provided for dogs between the ages of 8 weeks and 6 months, with the consideration that those advertised with an exemption must be microchipped by 6 months or before ownership is transferred, whichever occurs first. Desexing exemptions may be provided for cats between the ages of 8 weeks and 3 months, with the condition that those advertised with an exemption must be microchipped by 3 months or before ownership is transferred, whichever occurs first.

• Microchip exemptions cannot be provided, as they are required to be displayed on advertisements.

• Vaccination exemptions may be provided, however, pets must be vaccinated before ownership is transferred.

 

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Queensland

Cats

• Cats must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age.

• Cats cannot be rehomed/given to adopter until 8 weeks of age.

Dogs

• A supply number must be displayed on all dog listings. Rehoming organisations can register for a Business Account on the Queensland Dog Breeder Register and be provided with a Breeder Identification Number (BIN) to use for all dog listings. This is required by organisations within QLD and also those outside of the state offering interstate adoption of dogs to QLD adopters.

• Dogs must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age.

• Dogs cannot be rehomed/given to adopter until 8 weeks of age.

Farm animals and poultry

• A Property Identification Code (PIC) is allocated by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or an equivalent authority in each state or territory to identify a livestock-producing property. Members listing a cow, sheep, goat, pig, horse, donkey, alpaca, llama, deer, chicken, duck, goose, guinea fowl, or turkey must include a PIC on the listing.

• National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tags are required for cattle, sheep and goats.

• Pigs must have either a NLIS tag or a brand/tattoo. Adoption of a pig must also be registered on PigPass National Vendor Declaration.

Exemptions

• Desexing exemptions may be provided where the member is not based in a council that has mandatory desexing requirements; for cats and dogs over 8 weeks of age. Cats and dogs advertised with an exemption must be desexed before ownership is transferred.

• Microchip exemptions may be provided for cats and dogs between 8 and 12 weeks of age. Pets advertised with an exemption must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before ownership is transferred, whichever occurs first.

• Vaccination exemptions may be provided, however, pets must be vaccinated before ownership is transferred.

 

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Northern Territory

Cats & Dogs

• Some councils within the Northern Territory have mandatory microchipping and desexing requirements for cats and dogs. See more here.

Farm animals and poultry

• A Property Identification Code (PIC) is allocated by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or an equivalent authority in each state or territory to identify a livestock-producing property. Members listing a cow, sheep, goat, pig, horse, donkey, alpaca, llama, deer, chicken, duck, goose, guinea fowl, or turkey must include a PIC on the listing.

• National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tags are required for cattle, sheep and goats.

• Pigs must have either a NLIS tag or a brand/tattoo. Adoption of a pig must also be registered on PigPass National Vendor Declaration.

Exemptions

• Desexing exemptions may be provided where the member is not based in a council that has mandatory desexing requirements. Cats and dogs advertised with an exemption must be desexed before ownership is transferred.

• Microchip exemptions may be provided where the member is not based in a council that has mandatory requirements. Cats and dogs advertised with an exemption must be microchipped before ownership is transferred.

• Vaccination exemptions may be provided, however, pets must be vaccinated before ownership is transferred.

 

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Western Australia

Cats

• Cats must be microchipped before 6 months of age or before adoption, whichever occurs first.

• Cats that have reached 6 months must be sterilised prior to transfer. Cats that have not yet reached 6 months must either be sterilised or accompanied by a voucher for sterilisation when sold/given away.

Dogs

• Dogs must be microchipped before 3 months of age or before adoption, whichever occurs first.

• Desexing is required for dogs before 2 years of age, otherwise before adoption.

Farm animals and poultry

• A Property Identification Code (PIC) is allocated by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or an equivalent authority in each state or territory to identify a livestock-producing property. Members listing a cow, sheep, goat, pig, horse, donkey, alpaca, llama, deer, chicken, duck, goose, guinea fowl, or turkey include a PIC on the listing.

• National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tags are required for cattle, sheep and goats.

• Pigs must have either a NLIS tag or a brand/tattoo. Adoption of a pig must also be registered on PigPass National Vendor Declaration.

Exemptions

• Desxing exemption may be provided between 8 weeks and 6 months. With the condition that those advertised with an exemption must be desexed by 6 months or before ownership is transferred, whichever occurs first. As for dogs, exemptions are provided for those between 8 weeks and 2 years. With the condition that those advertised with an exemption must be desexed by 2 years or before ownership is transferred, whichever occurs first.

• Microchip exemptions may be provided for dogs between 8 weeks and 3 months, with the condition that those advertised with an exemption must be microchipped by 3 months of age or before ownership is transferred, whichever occurs first. Microchip exemptions may be provided to cats between 8 weeks and 6 months, with the condition that those advertised with an exemption must be microchipped by 6 months or before ownership is transferred, whichever occurs first.

• Vaccination exemptions may be provided, however, pets must be vaccinated before ownership is transferred.

 

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South Australia

Cats & Dogs

• Cats and dogs must be microchipped before they are sold and their microchip recorded on DACO.

• Cats and dogs must be desexed before 6 months of age or within 28 days of purchasing/adopting.

• Cats and dogs must be fully weaned and on an established diet for at least a week prior to the transfer of ownership.

• Cats and dogs must be treated for internal and external parasites (other than heartworm in dogs) prior to transfer of ownership.

Farm animals and poultry

• A Property Identification Code (PIC) is allocated by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or an equivalent authority in each state or territory to identify a livestock-producing property. Members listing a cow, sheep, goat, pig, horse, donkey, alpaca, llama, deer, chicken, duck, goose, guinea fowl, or turkey must include a PIC on the listing.

• National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tags are required for cattle, sheep and goats.

• Pigs must have either a NLIS tag or a brand/tattoo. Adoption of a pig must also be registered on PigPass National Vendor Declaration.

Exemptions

• Desexing exemptions may be provided for both cats and dogs that are fully weaned and are under 6 months of age. Cats and dogs advertised with an exemption must be desexed before ownership is transferred.

• Microchip exemptions may be provided for cats and dogs that are fully weaned. Pets advertised with an exemption must be microchipped before ownership is transferred.

• Vaccination exemptions may be provided, however, pets must be vaccinated before ownership is transferred.

 

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Tasmania

Cats

• Cats must not be listed for adoption/sale if they are not microchipped and desexed.

• Cats cannot be rehomed before 8 weeks of age.

• A cat is to be vaccinated to a level of F3 (Feline 3), or with the core vaccinations (recommended by AVA).

• A cat is to be free from external parasites and to have received at least one treatment for internal worms.

Dogs

• Dogs must be microchipped by 6 months of age. Puppy listings must include the microchip number of the dam or of the puppy or the registration number of the dam and the name of the council at which the dam is registered.

• For dogs that are rehomed, a vaccination certificate must be provided to new owner.

• Dogs cannot be rehomed before 8 weeks of age.

• A dog is to be treated for internal and external parasites.

Farm animals and poultry

• A Property Identification Code (PIC) is allocated by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or an equivalent authority in each state or territory to identify a livestock-producing property. Members listing a cow, sheep, goat, pig, horse, donkey, alpaca, llama, deer, chicken, duck, goose, guinea fowl, or turkey must include a PIC on the listing.

• National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tags are required for cattle, sheep and goats

• Pigs must have either a NLIS tag or a brand/tattoo. Adoption of a pig must also be registered on PigPass National Vendor Declaration.

Exemptions

• Desexing exemptions cannot be provided for cats. Desexing exemptions may be provided for dogs over 8 weeks of age, with the consideration those advertised with an exemption must be desexed before ownership is transferred.

• Microchip exemptions cannot be provided for cats. Microchip exemptions may be provided for dogs between 8 weeks and 6 months. Dogs advertised with an exemption must be microchipped by 6 months or before ownership is transferred, whichever occurs first.

• Vaccination exemptions may be provided, however, pets must be vaccinated before ownership is transferred.

 

 

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