Responsible Pet Ownership

Pet ownership brings many joys, but it also requires responsibility. To ensure the welfare of your furry friend consider the following tips:

  • Provide your dog with regular exercise to reduce the risk of it wandering off.
  • Keep your dog on a leash in public places to ensure the safety of other people, animals and your dog.
  • Make arrangements for your pet’s care if you’re going away.
  • Consider having your pet desexed. This will not only stop other animals hanging around, it reduces the chances of unwanted animals in shelters.
  • Regularly worm your pet and treat it for fleas and ticks.
  • Ensure your pet is kept in a secure enclosure at all times.
  • Register your pet with Council. This is a legal requirement for all cats and dogs over the age of 3 months, and also helps reunite lost pets with their owners.
  • Vaccinate your pet.
  • Make sure your pet is easily identifiable with a collar and tag with your contact details.

Walking your dog

It's important to give your pet plenty of regular exercise and there are lots of parks and reserves in our municipality where you can walk your dog. For the health and safety of everyone in our community, dog owners must: 

  • Ensure their dog is under control at all times and leashed when in public areas
  • Ensure their dog does not harass people or other animals
  • Clean up after their dogs, as this is considered to be littering.
  • Always carry plastic bags or another device with them to clean up after their dog.
Many parks and reserves in the municipality have 'poop scoop' bag dispensers, and bins for disposal of dog poo.

All dogs and cats must be on a leash at all times when in the following locations:

  • All streets and roads within urban areas
  • Apex Park Beach
  • All Public Reserves, unless specifically designated as an off leash area by Council
  • Langtree Mall'
  • Within 10 metres of all playgrounds 

Domestic Animal Management Plan

The Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-25 provides Council with a strategic direction for domestic animals. The plan promotes responsible pet ownership which benefits pet owners, their pets and the wider community. 

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