Dog Policy

• Registration
• Identification
• De-sexing of dogs
• Tail docking
• Dog exercise areas and Dogs prohibited areas
• Cleaning up responsibilities
• Keeping four or more dogs
• Keeping a dangerous dog
• Animal nuisance

The value of dogs as a companion animals is indicated in that they provide physical, emotional and psychological benefits for their owners. Domestic animals policy promotes the responsible ownership of dogs. The policy also aims to protect the rights of dogs and their owners in balance with the rights and needs of others in the community.

To find out additional information on dog policy in the ACT, click on the question in the particular policy section and you will be redirected to the relevant information page.

Registration

What do I need to know about dog registration?

• It is compulsory for all dogs over 8 weeks of age;
• Registration details must be worn by the dog by means of the original yellow registration tag throughout the dogs life;
• Registration forms can be obtained from Canberra Connect Shopfronts, Domestic Animal Services and on-line at www.canberraconnect.act.gov.au.

Identification

What do I need to know about dog identification?

• Is compulsory for all dogs;
• Dogs are to wear their yellow registration tags at all times;
• As at 1 May 2008 Microchipping will be compulsory at point of sale for all dogs purchased in the ACT.
• All dogs are to be Microchipped in the ACT by 30 April 2011. 

De-sexing of dogs

• Do I need to de-sex my dog?

  It is compulsory for all dogs born on or after the 21st June 2001 to be de-sexed unless the owner obtains a permit, at a charge from Domestic Animal Services to keep the dog sexually entire.

Tail docking

What do I need to know about dog tail-docking?

• Tail docking is prohibited unless performed by a veterinarian due to health concerns for the dog.

Dog exercise areas and Dogs prohibited areas

Where can I exercise my dog?

• In general, in public, dogs must always be walked on-lead;
• Dogs may only be exercised of-leash, under the control of a competent person, in designated dog exercise areas;
• Dogs must always be walked on-lead on cycle paths even if the cycle path is in a dog exercise area;
• Maps that show the location of dog exercise areas are available from Canberra Connect Shopfronts, ACT Libraries and Domestic Animal Services; VIEW THE MAPS ONLINE
• Dogs must not be taken into dogs prohibited areas, however, dogs may be walked on lead, on cycle paths, through dogs prohibited areas.

Cleaning up responsibilities

What are my cleaning up responsibilities?

• All dog droppings in public places must be removed by the dog owner, it is an offence not to do so;
• It is also an offence to not carry appropriate equipment to pick up your dogs droppings.

Keeping four or more dogs

Am I allowed to keep four or more dogs?

• Four or more dogs may only be kept if the owner applies for a Multiple Dog Licence from Domestic Animal Services;
• Domestic Animal Services will carry out an assessment to decide whether the licence will be granted to the applicant.

Keeping a dangerous dog

Am I allowed to keep a dog which has been declared dangerous?

• A dog, which has been declared dangerous may only be kept if the owner obtains a Dangerous Dog Licence and passes an assessment carried out by Domestic Animal Services.

Animal nuisance

What can I do about animal nuisance?

• Animal nuisances should be reported to Domestic Animal Services.
• If you are issued with a Nuisance Abatement Notice, you must follow the suggested steps to reduce or stop the nuisance referred to in the notice