Responsible dog ownership
Being a dog owner is enjoyable and rewarding, but brings with it responsibilities. This includes keeping your dog happy and healthy, as well as making sure it does not negatively impact the community.
All dogs in the ACT must be microchipped, registered and desexed.
Part of being an owner means you need to exercise your dog. If you are in a public place with your dog, you must have effective control of the dog at all times. This includes both on-leash and off-leash areas.
Buying a dog
If you are looking for a new dog, consider rehoming a dog from a pet rescue organisation or Domestic Animal Services. The animal welfare page outlines requirements under the Animal Welfare Act 1992 including rules for breeding animals and advertising dogs for sale.
Microchipping
Microchipping establishes pet identity for life.
All dogs in the ACT must be microchipped. It is a quick and safe procedure where a small silicon chip is implanted under the skin of the animal, usually around their shoulder blade area. Dogs can be microchipped at any age by Domestic Animal Services, RSPCA ACT and veterinarians.
Microchipping is an effective way for animal shelters and vets to identify lost pets and return them to their owners.
To update your details for your dog's microchip, please visit Pet address.
Registration
Annual registration establishes current pet ownership. Combined with microchipping, these help reunite lost pets with their families.
All dogs in the ACT must be registered, and their details updated annually, if:
- they are over 8 weeks old
- they have been kept in the ACT for 28 days or more
- the dog's keeper has been a resident of the ACT for 28 days or more.
You can easily register and renew your dog’s registration through the ACT Digital Account.
For more information see dog registration.
Desexing
All dogs over 6 months of age must be desexed, unless they have a sexually entire animal permit issued by Domestic Animal Services.
Desexing is essential to reduce the number of neglected or abandoned dogs. It may also improve behaviour, reduce aggression, and help reduce reproductive health problems later in life. Female dogs do not need to produce a litter for full physical and emotional development.
Veterinarians must mark the ear of the dog with a tattoo when it is desexed, unless it is not recommended for medical reasons.
For more information refer to the Domestic Animals Act 2000
Sexually entire and breeding/show dogs
To keep a dog that has not been desexed you must apply for a licence to keep a dog sexually entire (PDF 182.6 KB). This includes dogs used for show.
If you intend to breed a litter from your dog, you will also need to apply for a breeders licence (PDF 212.3 KB). Fees and conditions apply prior to the granting of the permit and licence.
Controlling and restraining dogs
Dog owners are responsible for ensuring their dog does not disturb or endanger other members of the public. This includes preventing property damage and nuisance behaviours such as barking. Dog owners must make sure the property where they keep their dog has secure fencing preventing the dog from accessing public land.
If you are in a public place with your dog, you must have effective control of the dog at all times. Effective control means a person can prevent the dog from approaching other animals or people by either restraining the dog (i.e. using a leash) or using commands. If you do not have effective control of your dog, you could be fined.
For more information on where to exercise your dog and your responsibilities on public land, see dogs in public places.
Giving dogs space (yellow dog campaign)
The yellow dog initiative lets the community know that some dogs need space while training, recovering from surgery or being rehabilitated. If you see a dog wearing a yellow bandana, lead or ribbon, please do not approach this dog or its owner. The yellow indicates this dog needs some space.
Some of the reasons a dog may need space include it is:
- nervous or anxious
- old and grumpy
- in training
- unwell
- recovering post operation
- a rescue dog being rehabilitated.
Dogs make wonderful companions. All dogs, however, can be unpredictable and have the capacity to be aggressive if not managed responsibly.
As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your dog is happy, healthy and not negatively impacting the community in any way.
If your dog has an issue that means it’s best for other people (and dogs) to keep their distance, consider tying a yellow ribbon to its leash or collar.
You can also pick up a yellow bandana or lead from Domestic Animal Services at no cost. Domestic Animal Services is located at 92 Mugga Lane in Symonston and open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Keeping 4 or more dogs
A multiple dog licence is required to keep 4 or more dogs on a residential property.
To apply, please complete the application for a multiple dog licence (PDF 176.8 KB).
For more information refer to the Domestic Animals Act 2000.
Requirements for a multiple dog licence
Requirements for a multiple dog licence
Minimum requirements to hold a multiple dog licence include:
- written approval from your landlord if you are a tenant
- no objections from your neighbours
- adequate conditions for sanitary disposal of collected waste
- dogs must be penned when the house is unattended (they may use the rest of the yard for exercise when you are home).
Before you lodge your application, each dog must be registered, microchipped and desexed (unless the keeper holds a sexually entire permit).
You must also provide a map and photos of your premises, outlining existing facilities and any proposed construction.
Domestic Animal Services may conduct a site inspection of your property and consult with surrounding residents.
We may take numerous things into consideration before granting a licence. This includes, but is not limited to:
- the number and kind of dogs
- the size, security, suitability and nature of the premises where the dogs are proposed to be kept
- the potential impact on neighbouring premises
- any conviction or finding of guilt of the applicant within the last 10 years against a territory or state law for an offence relating to the welfare, keeping or control of an animal.
A fee is payable to Domestic Animal Services if the licence is granted. The licence must be renewed annually.
For more information refer to the Domestic Animals Act 2000.
Greyhounds
In the ACT:
- Greyhounds have the same rules as all other dogs in public places. They do not require a muzzle.
- Greyhounds must be declared on the dog registration form or by declaration to the Registrar of Domestic Animals (DOC 45.0 KB).
- Breeding, training and ownership of racing greyhounds is allowed.
- Greyhound racing and trialling is banned under the Racing Act 1999. It is an offence to conduct, facilitate or take part in a greyhound race or trial in the ACT.
For more information refer to the Animal Welfare Act 1992 and the Domestic Animals Act 2000.
When your pet passes away
For many Canberrans pets are part of the family. If your dog dies there are a few options available to you for disposing of their remains.
Options include:
- organising a cremation through a local provider
- asking your vet to arrange disposal of your pet’s body on your behalf
- organising a special burial through the Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre.
While there are no laws prohibiting burying your pet on your property, this is not recommended or encouraged for any pet larger than a guinea pig for health and safety reasons. Please note euthanised pets may contain toxic amounts of euthanasia drugs. Burying a euthanised pet in your backyard may pose additional health risks to other animals or wildlife on your property.
In the ACT dogs and cats must be registered. If your dog has passed away, please cancel your dog’s registration on the pet registration portal using your ACT Digital Account. You can also contact 13 22 81 if you’d prefer to speak to someone.
