Q. MY ANIMAL KEEPS CHEWING THE REGISTRATION TAG - WHAT CAN I DO?

A. If you place the tag on the collar correctly, it's difficult for your dog or cat to chew it. However, some animals still chew their own tag or chew on each others. If this is occurring, you'll need to place the tag in a spot where your animal will have difficulty reaching it. Take the tag and place it flat and hard up against the collar, then fix it with clear tape. This should solve the problem (unless, of course, your animal can chew the collar as well). Don't forget that if your tag is destroyed, you can get a new one for FREE from any City of Greater Geelong Customer Service Centre.

Q. MY ANIMAL HAS LOST ITS TAG, CAN I GET A REPLACEMENT?

A. Replacement tags are available from any City Customer Service Centre for FREE. Each tag has a unique number and any new tag that you will get will have a different number to the original one.

Q. I'M MOVING TO ANOTHER LOCATION - WHAT DO I DO?

A. If you're moving out of the City of Greater Geelong before 10 April, and you've paid your registration in advance you may be eligible for a refund. You must provide us with all the details, and if possible, return the tag. It's wise to check with your new Council about their animal registration procedures. If you're moving within the City of Greater Geelong municipality, contact us so your account details can be updated with your new address.

Q. I'VE JUST MOVED TO GEELONG FROM ANOTHER AREA - WHAT DO I DO?

A. If your animal is currently registered with another Council, depending on the amount of time left on the registration, the City of Greater Geelong will issue a new registration tag. Other Councils may or may not have similar policies. You need to provide your current registration form from your former Council.

Q. I'VE JUST REGISTERED MY ANIMAL FOR THE FIRST TIME AND IT DIED - DO I GET A REFUND?

A. If your dog or cat dies within 28 days of paying the registration fee, you are eligible for a refund. You must fill out a refund application form and return it to us within 28 days of your animal's death. Documentation such as a copy of the registration payment receipt, a euthanasia certificate or a statutory declaration setting out the circumstances surrounding your animal's death, must be provided.

Q. MY ANIMAL HAS DIED - DO I GET A REFUND ON MY REGISTRATION FEE?

A. Provided the renewal fee for the current registration period is paid on or before 10 April, and the animal dies before 30 April, you are eligible for a full refund. If you paid after 10 April, there will be no refund issued. To be eligible for a refund, fill out and return a refund application form by no later than 31 May. Documentation such as a copy of the registration payment receipt, a euthanasia certificate or a statutory declaration setting out the circumstances surrounding your animal's death must be provided.

Q. I'VE JUST BECOME A PENSIONER - CAN I HAVE A REFUND OR DO I GET A DISCOUNT?

A. If your animal was registered before 10 April and you became a pensioner prior to that date, you may be eligible for a refund. You must provide us with full details and include your pension number. No refund requests will be processed after the end of April. Pensioners pay a reduced rate of the current registration fee, but you must advise the City of your change of status to receive a pensioner discount. Reduced fees don't apply to dangerous dogs or dogs declared as menacing.

Q. HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG IS A RESTRICTED BREED?

A. The following dogs are restricted breeds and must be declared:

• Pitbull Terrier
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• American Pitbull Terrier
• Dogo Argentino

Q. HOW MANY ANIMALS CAN I KEEP?

A. If the number of animals you want to keep exceeds the number determined by the City, you need to apply for a permit. When a person applies to keep three or more animals of the same type on their property, a Council Officer will inspect the premises and outline any conditions. Fees apply for this.