Circulars

What’s new or changing

• In June 2021 the Office of Local Government (OLG) issued new Guidelines for Designated Rehoming Organisations. (Guidelines)
• On 1 July 2021 the 50% discounted registration fee for desexed cats and dogs purchased from rehoming organisations was reduced to $0 which is reflected in the Companion Animals Regulation 2018 at clause 18(4)(c).
• The Guidelines and application form have been updated to reflect free registration for desexed cats and dogs purchased from rehoming organisations.
• Further minor updates to the Guidelines include:
  • the removal of the requirement for applicants to obtain letters of support from councils of the area in which all carers reside. A letter of support is still required from the council of the area in which the Primary Carer resides, and
  • the requirement for councils to conduct compliance checks on the NSW Companion Animals Register (Register) for each carer nominated by an applicant has been removed. These checks continue to be conducted by the OLG as part of the assessment process for applicants seeking designation as a rehoming organisation.

What this will mean for your council

• Councils are encouraged to acquaint themselves with the Guidelines for Designated Rehoming Organisations (version 2.0) – November 2021.
• Councils should refer to the list of designated rehoming organisations on OLG’s website before releasing a companion animal to such an organisation where a registration fee exemption is sought.
• Only those organisations on the list are entitled to concessions in regard to the registration and permit requirements of the legislation.
• Councils are to continue the established process of ‘Flagging’ an animal as being purchased from an eligible pound/shelter on the Register to validate fee registration. A late fee also cannot be applied.

Where to go for further information

• The updated Guidelines for Designated Rehoming Organisations – November 2021 and a list of approved rehoming organisations is available on OLG’s website at www.olg.nsw.gov.au/public/dogs-cats/information-for-professionals/information-for-animal-rescue-organisations/
• The updated application form for designation as a rehoming organisation may also be found at the above webpage.