Where Can I Take My Dog?

Off Leash Areas

• Dogs can be exercised off-leash in Fenced Dog Parks but must remain under the control of their carers at all times.
  
• Designated off-leash dog exercise areas  can be viewed online or on maps at ACT libraries and Government shop-fronts. Please keep in mind that these open space areas are used for other recreational purposes too, so it is important that dogs remain under the control of their carers whilst exercising off leash.
   
• Gibraltar Forest Regeneration Area formerly known as Gibraltar Pines east of Corin Road, is now closed as a dog off-leash exercise area and dogs are prohibited.

On Leash Areas

You can take your dog to areas not otherwise designated as a Dog Exercise Area or a Dog Prohibited Area, but your dog must remain on the leash.

Shared paths

Dogs must be on-leash on shared pathways outside off-leash exercise areas. Please be mindful of passing pedestrians and cyclists and keep to the left.

Dog Prohibited Areas 

Dogs Prohibited Areas are identified by signage and dogs are not permitted in these areas except for Assistance Dogs with permits. In public places a dog must not be taken within 10 meters of a designated playspace (if children are playing on it) or a fireplace (or heating appliance) designated for cooking. Dogs are now prohibited in the Gibraltar Forest Regeneration Area formerly known as Gibraltar Pines.

Prohibited Places

• a child-care centre, preschool or primary school
• a high school or secondary college during school hours or when school sports, including sport training

Dogs are not to be taken onto a field or playing area where sport is being played or training for sport is being conducted.

Infringement notices can be issued for above offences.

Dog Swimming Areas

• Lakes - Dogs are permitted to swim in most of Canberra's lakes provided they are not within 10 metres of a signposted public swimming area. For information on the location of public swimming areas in Canberra contact Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.
  
• Rivers - On the Murrumbidgee River dogs are allowed to swim at Uriarra Crossing East; Uriarra Crossing West; Swamp Creek; and the western riverbank of Point Hut Crossing recreational area. Please note that on the eastern riverbank of Point Hut Crossing dogs must remain on-leash.

Dog Droppings

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 dog's droppings. An on-the-spot fine of $50.00 can be issued by authorising officers if you do not pick up and dispose of your dog’s droppings. An on-the-spot fine of $50.00 can also be issued if you are not carrying appropriate equipment to collect your dog's droppings.

For more information on dog laws and pet ownership in the ACT, please refer to Domestic Animal Services.