Everyone needs to play a critical role in providing for the welfare of dogs that are sold or rehomed. This information will help you to meet your responsibilities if you are selling or transferring a pet.
In NSW, it’s illegal to sell, rehome, or give away a dog without meeting certain requirements. These rules apply to all advertisements, including:
- Online platforms (Trading Post, Gumtree, social media)
- Newspapers and magazines
- Posters, flyers, and community noticeboards
Whether you’re a breeder, rehoming organisation, reseller or an individual finding a home for your pet, you must include identification details in every advertisement.
By law, people advertising puppies or dogs for sale or transfer must include certain information as detailed below:
| For dogs born before 1 December 2025 | For dogs born from 1 December 2025 |
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There are some exceptions to these new arrangements:
- If a dog being sold or transferred is 6 months of age or older and the relevant identification and registration information required under the Companion Animals Act 1998 has been recorded in the NSW Pet Registry, the dog’s microchip number is sufficient.
- If a dog being advertised is 8 weeks of age or younger and it is not microchipped, the microchip of the female parent must be displayed and be clearly identified as the female parent. It is important to note that any dog must not be rehomed (sold or transferred) until they are over 8 weeks of age.
- If the dog being sold is a retired greyhound, the greyhound racing industry participant number allocated under the Greyhound Racing Act 2017 may be used in lieu of a breeder identifier number, requirements for the animals microchip number still apply.
You can apply for a breeder identification number through the NSW Pet Registry.
Rehoming organisations
- Rehoming organisations must apply for designation as a rehoming organisation under section 88B of the Companion Animals Act 1998 to receive a rehoming organisation number.
- Rehoming organisations not designated under section 88B of the Companion Animals Act 1998 can apply for a breeder identification number (BIN) to meet the new legislative requirements starting 1 December 2025.
Transferring ownership
When you are happy you have found a good home for your pet, you need to transfer the ownership to the person buying or adopting your pet. This ensures the new owner becomes legally responsible for the pet. More information about transferring ownership can be obtained from the office of local government.
Consider desexing your pet
Desexing your pet before selling or rehoming is strongly recommended. It helps:
- Prevent unwanted litters
- Reduce certain health risks and behavioural issues
Common Q&A
Find answers to common questions about the requirements for selling or transferring a dog.
Office of Local Government
For more information please visit the OLG website.
Resources & advice
Download our factsheets on the new rules.
