As a dog owner, you have the responsibility to look after you pet’s basic welfare needs. Your dog will need an appropriate balanced diet, clean, cool water at all times, adequate shelter for all weather conditions, veterinary care, socialisation, training and exercise.
As well as providing an opportunity for socialisation, training is also important as it helps develop basic good manners and can strengthen the bond between you and your puppy.
If you are exercising in a public place, remember to always keep your dog on a lead. This means when you are outside your home, including on the footpath, your dog must be on a lead, unless in a designated off-leash dog exercise area.
If your dog poos in a public place or on someone else’s property, you are responsible for picking it up and disposing of it thoughtfully.
Remember your pet is your responsibility!
Barking dogs
Barking is a natural way for dogs to communicate and can express anything from playfulness to concern.
Often the key to stopping nuisance behaviour is to understand why the dog is barking. For information on barking dogs, see the Neighbourhood concerns page.
Reporting Dog attacks
If you witness a dog attack or are attacked by a dog, report it to Council as soon as you can on 02 4306 7900.
When reporting a dog attack include as much information as possible. You will be asked for:
- Your contact information
- Location of attack
- Date and time of attack
- Details of the dog – breed, colour, size and sex
- Dog’s address, if known
- If there were any injuries as a result of the attack
- Witnesses to attack and their details
- If the dog is currently loose
- Any photos of the dog or injuries sustained, if possible.
Roaming dogs
To keep your dog safe and for the safety of others, dogs cannot roam freely in public places. It’s important to make sure your pet is safely contained in your yard at all times. Your dog should not be able to go over, under or through your fence or gate.
Have you found a roaming dog? If safe to do so, you can take the dogs the nearest vet to be scanned for a microchip and if identified the owner can be notified. If the dog's ownership cannot be established, the dog is required to be taken to one of Council's animal care facilities.
If you know where a roaming dog lives and you can safely secure it, contact the owner as soon as possible.
Safety around dogs
Always get permission from an owner before patting their dog. Do not pat a dog when its owner is not present. It’s important to also remember to never approach a dog you don’t know.
Additional Resources
Victor and Victoria’s Pet Town was developed by the NSW State Government to help young children learn about responsible pet ownership and living safely with dogs.