Dog and Cat Ownership Tips

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Lead the way: dog and cat laws and requirements

 Dogs and cats are wonderful companions and great pets.

More than 3,000 dogs and cats live in the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters. We’re asking residents to lead the way in being responsible pet owners.

How to lead the way to responsible dog and cat ownership

Register your dog

Dog registrations must be renewed by 31 August each year.

Please wait to receive a renewal notice from the Council before registering your dog.

All dogs must be registered online at Dogs & Cats Online.

To register your dog, visit: Dogs & Cats Online

If you need help registering you dog online, visit the Council’s customer service team at Norwood Town Hall or any of our three libraries

Microchip your dog and/or cat

All dogs and cats must be microchipped by law.

Vets, councils and shelters can use the microchip to find out your contact details should your pet get lost. This is why it’s important that they’re kept up to date.

Contact your vet about microchipping or ChipBlitz offer microchipping for $10.

For more information, visit: Chip Blitz

Have your dog and/or cat desexed

Dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed once they are old enough. This can be done by a registered vet.

If your pet is born before 1 July 2018, they do not need to be desexed, but it is recommended to help pets stay healthier and reduce the amount of unwanted litters.

Some dogs are exempt from desexing laws.

For more information, visit Dogs & Cats Online

Keep your dog on a leash in public places

Dogs must be on their leash in all public places, other than designated off-leash areas.

There are 10 off-leash areas in parks and reserves across the City where you can let your dog off its leash.

Please keep your dog under effective control when in the off-leash areas.

Visit: Dog Off-leash Areas

Keep your dog under effective control

Make sure your dog is under your effective control, especially in public.

You must use a leash (no longer than 2 metres) and voice commands to control your dog.

When in an off-leash area, you must stay in close proximity to your dog and you should be able to see them at all times.

Secure your property to keep your dog safe

Keep your dog secure and safe on your property.

Securing your property with fencing can help stop your dog from escaping and wandering at large.

Dogs wandering at large are often distressed and a risk to themselves and the community.

Try to prevent your dog from barking

Barking is a dog’s way of communicating but excessive barking can become a nuisance.

To find out what to do if a dog is barking excessively, visit: Dog Barking

Scoop the poop

Make sure you clean up after your dog. Always take dog poo bags when you walk your dog so you don’t get caught out!