From July 2026, Victoria will double its pet registration fee for cats and dogs from $4.51 to $9.00 per animal.
In Labor’s State Taxation Further Amendment Bill 2025, the Government’s increased Pet Tax will double the annual dog and cat registration fees it collects from local councils, with the councils expected to pass the increase on to residents. Registration fees for greyhounds will also rise from $3.50 to $7.00.
Shadow Treasurer Jess Wilson called the move a “petty cash grab”, but the government said that these fees will go towards funding for RSPCA Victoria.
“This will fund the RSPCA, responsible pet ownership programs, animal welfare initiatives, research into domestic animal management, and the administration of the laws that protect our pets.
“Critically, these fees also fund RSPCA Victoria Inspectors who are on the frontline protecting animals, relieving suffering and ending cruelty across the state,” a spokesperson said.
According to the 2023 Victorian Pet Census, 41 per cent of Victorians own a dog and 24 per cent own a cat, meaning more than one million households will be hit with the increase.
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