Dogs make wonderful companions, providing their owners with years of love and devotion. Caring for your pet's needs and complying with local laws and other legislative requirements that control the ownership of dogs is a major component of being a responsible pet owner.
Dog Ownership Responsibilities
While most owners treat their animals as a member of the family, there are those who forget the responsibility that they have when it comes to owning a dog.
Please download the City of Canning's Responsible Dog Ownership brochure to find out more.
Registration
It is a legal requirement that all dogs over three months of age are registered. To assist in reuniting lost pets with their owners quickly, dogs must wear both their registration tag and an identification tag at all times. This registration tag should be worn alongside a collar that includes your name and address (owner)
Registrations for one or three years are due on the first of November each year. Lifetime registrations are also available.
Micro-chipping
All dogs over the age of three months of age must be micro-chipped prior to registration. Micro-chipping is a very quick, safe and simple procedure which can be carried out by your local vet. If we come across your lost dog, we can simply scan your dogs' microchip to obtain your contact details from the owner database and re-unite your dog with you as soon as possible.
It is important to remember to update your details in the owner database to ensure we have the right contact information.
Change of Ownership
Is your dog going to a new owner? If so, please download the Notification of Change of Ownership form. Also, remember to transfer microchip ownership details.
Fencing requirements
Dog owners must ensure that all fences and gates are adequately capable of confining their dog
Excreta
Not removing your dog's excreta constitutes an offence. The City provides pooh pouches at bins on reserves to dispose of excreta appropriately.
Control in public places
Dogs are to remain under adequate control and on a lead at all times in a public place except in areas designated as a dog exercise area.
Dog exercise areas
Dogs are permitted to be left off leash when in approved exercise areas provided they:
- Are under effective control (this means the dog will come back when called at all times)
- Are accompanied by someone who is capable of controlling the dog.
- Do not chase or show signs of aggression towards people or other animals
- Are close to their owner so the leash can be quickly attached if need be. .
Dog causing nuisance
Do you have barking dog issues, been involved in or observed a dog attack, Ranger and Community Safety Services can help you with all these issues 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1300 422 664.
Lost Dogs or found a wandering dog?
If you and your pet become separated, or you have found a wandering dog, please contact Ranger and Community Safety Services on 1300 422 664.
Restricted Breeds
The State Government has introduced legislation to protect the community from certain breeds of dog that have been declared as restricted. For more information download the Responsible Dog Ownership brochure.
Choosing a pet that suits your lifestyle
Part of being a responsible pet owner is choosing the right breed of dog that will suit your lifestyle, before making a decision download the RSPCA Smart Puppy Buyers Guide and please consider the following:
Home
- Do you have a backyard?
- Is your backyard large enough for a dog to run around in?
- Is your backyard secure with adequate fencing and gates
- Does your backyard have adequate shelter
Lifestyle
- Are you prepared to walk your dog everyday?
- Do you have the time to walk your dog everyday?
- Do you have the ability to walk your dog everyday?
- Does your wanted breed or cross breed suit your lifestyle?