Canberra dogs will have to be registered through the ACT's digital dog database from Thursday.
Owners who fail to sign up may face a $150 fine.
Dog details must be updated every year, which the government said will help owners reunite with lost pets.
ACT City Services Minister Chris Steel said about 95 per cent of dogs found by domestic animal services had out-of-date details.
Jennifer O'Brien said she has already registered her two-year-old White Swiss Shepherd Mia.
She welcomed the new law, despite a $57.55 registration fee.
"I have moved house a lot of times, so I know how hard it is to update everything when you move," she said.
"Hopefully it means that if dogs are lost they will be reunited faster."
This new rule applies to pups over eight weeks old who have lived in Canberra for 28 days or more.
Seniors Card holders, people on a Veteran's Affairs pension or Centrelink benefits are charged $20.70 to register.
Each year owners will have to update the system with the current details, including their names and address.
The dog's age, breed and sex will also be required.
Details must be updated every 12 months.
Owners will receive an annual registration reminder at least 14 days before the renewal date and there is no cost to renew.
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Ms O'Brien said she thought most people in the ACT would be aware of the rules by now.
"I've seen a number of the advertisements and I think most people would be aware of the new requirements," she said.
Mr Steel said the new system would help government understand how many dogs are in Canberra, and where they live.
He said it would also help Domestic Animal Services follow up dangerous dog or dog attack reports.
"This new registration system combined with a digital dog database will provide up to date contact information about dog owners so that we can return as quickly as possible lost pets to their owners," he said.
"[It will] help keep our furry best friends and the broader community safe."
All dogs in the ACT must also have an implanted microchip.
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